Groat Public Deposited
This word, and its equivalents in German, Groschen or Grosch, in Dutch and Low German, Groot and Grote, and in Polish, Grosz, is derived from the Latin adjective grossus, i.e., thick; these coins being of a thicker and heavier fabric than the fragile Bracteates that preceded them.
The English silver coin of this denomination and of the value of four Pence is first referred to in Grafton's Chronicle, who states that about the year 1227 a parliament was held in London, which ordained that a Groat should be coined, having on one side the King's effigy, and on the other a cross reaching to the edge, " to avoyd clippyng." No specimens, however, are known prior to the reign of Edward III, who, by virtue of the indenture of 1351, coined "grosses" to the value of four sterlings, and "half gros," to equal two sterlings. These coins were copied from the Gros Tournois, or four Denier piece of Tours made by Louis IX of France.
The Groat is continuous in English coinage until the reign of Charles II when the introduction of milled coins led to its abolishment except for the Maudy issues.
A double Groat was struck by Edward IV for Ireland. The Scottish Groats, introduced by David II, originally bore a profile instead of a full face of the ruler. In the reign of James V a one-third Groat was issued.
In 1888 a Groat was issued for British Guiana and it is now current throughout the British West Indies. See Gros, Groschen, Britannia Groat.
- Frey's Dictionary (American Journal of Numismatics, Vol. 50, 1916)