Description
Heading: King Stephen (1135-1154), Silver Penny, Cross Moline ‘Watford’ Type, York Mint, Moneyer Thurstan, 1136-1145
Denomination: Silver penny
Period: Norman
Date: 1136-1145
Origin: York mint, Thurstan (Thorsteinn) moneyer
Condition: VF+, very good portrait for type and rare in this state
Obverse: Crowned and diademed bust of Stephen, right, holding sceptre in right hand, legend around +STIEFNE
Reverse: Cross moline with fleur in each angle, legend around +D[VR]STAN ON EVE
Size and Weight: 20.5mm, 1.40g
References: S 1278; North 873
Features and Provenance: Ex Bonham’s, they quote as coming from Prestwich Hoard 1972
Stephen of Blois became king in 1135, on the death of his uncle, Henry I. He had married Matilda of Boulogne in 1125 and as a result, they became the richest couple in England. Henry’s daughter Empress Matilda (not to be confused with Stepehen’s wife) had claim to the throne and general unrest in the country led to numerous rebellions by David I of Scotland, Geoffrey Plantagenet (Matilda’s husband), her half-brother (Robert of Gloucester), Matilda herself and her son Henry. Civil war raged on and Matilda finally took hold of the South West of England. Stephen’s heir to the throne, Eustace, suddenly died necessitating a peace agreement that would keep everyone happy. Matilda’s son, Henry Fitzempress, a big player in the battle for the throne, was finally made Stephen’s heir and when Stephen died in 1154 he became Henry II of England. This period of unrest was so disruptive to the country that historians call it ‘The Anarchy.’
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
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