The Rose Noble, generally regarded as the first English gold coin to be produced in quantity, was 33mm in diameter (roughly the size of an old half-crown) and valued at the time of minting at 6 shillings and 8 pence (6/8) which is equivalent in today’s money to about 33p. NB: the ploughman didn’t keep the coin.
“A labourer ploughing last week on a farm in the East Fen, near Boston, turned up with the ploughshare a piece of shining metal, which, on minute examination, turns out to be a gold Rose Noble of the reign of Edward III. The coin is in a beautiful state of perfection, the inscription and device being perfectly legible. Antiquarians will know how to properly appreciate this coin : the Rose Nobles were indisputably the first gold coins of England, and they are as beautiful as they are rare. Even in the time of Rapin these coins were so scarce, that he speaks of them as being rarely met with ; and at the present day, they are sought for with avidity by the curious in these matters. The finding of this coin may be adduced as another proof that this district of Lincolnshire was at an early period in a state of high cultivation, although civil wars which racked the country generally, caused this part to be neglected, and ruin ensued. The coin is now in the possession of Mr. Porter, bookseller, of Boston.–Another valuable antique was found in the same vicinity a few weeks ago. It is a large silver ring,–the characters are nearly obliterated, but from the faint remains, and the peculiar shape of the ring, it is believed to be what was termed a signet ring, used by noblemen and other official personages as a token of authority, or covenant. It is now in the possession of Mr. Elsam, ironmonger, of Boston.”
Stamford Mercury, 17th July 1829.