Henry I Penny – Quadrilateral Type – London Mint 1100-1135

Description

Header: Henry I Penny Quadrilateral on Cross Fleury Type, London Mint, 1100-1135

Denomination: Silver penny (type BMCXV)

Period: Norman

Date: 1125-1135

Origin: London mint, possibly Tovi moneyer, but unclear 

Condition: VF for type, slightly off centre, weak strike in parts but with good portrait

Obverse: Facing bust crowned and diademed, head three-quarters left, holding sceptre in right hand, HEN[RICUS REX]

Reverse: Quadrilateral with incurved sides and lis at each angle over cross fleury, [+–]I LV[ ]DEN

Size and Weight: 19mm, 1.40g

References: N 871, S1276

Features and Provenance: After the death of William II in a hunting ‘accident’ in the New Forest, William I’s fourth son became England’s king. Henry I. ‘Beauclerc’ was well educated (hence the epithet) and by all accounts was an energetic, decisive but occasionally cruel ruler. He was the first Norman king to speak fluent English, increased the royal revenues and made peace with Scotland by marrying Matilda of Scotland. He died in 1135 from an alleged ‘surfeit of lampreys’ leaving his only daughter (his son having pre-deceased him) in line for the throne, but within one month Stephen of Blois, Matilda’s cousin, had himself crowned at Westminster, thus starting what was to become a bitter struggle for power.

His coinage is remarkable for its deterioration and the public lost faith in the silver content and were constantly checking it for quality. In 1124 Henry ordered for coins to be mutilated at issue to force the public to accept all coinage in circulation, so later coins often contain a ‘snick’ or cut to see that the coins were silver all the way through and coins are often hammered flat removing the mint name.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible