William II Rufus Penny Lincoln, Asketill 1098-1100

Description

Heading: William II (Rufus 1087-1100), Silver Penny, Cross Fleury & Piles Type, Lincoln Mint, Moneyer Asketill, 1098-1100

Denomination: Silver penny

Period: Norman

Date: 1098-1100

Origin: Lincoln mint, Asketill moneyer

Condition: VF for type, lightly buckled, a strong portrait for this very rare coin and a rare type within the reign

Obverse: Crowned facing bust of William II, holding a sceptre in the right hand, star to right, legend around PILLEM RE

Reverse: Cross fleury with a pile surmounted by a pellet in each angle, legend around +ASCIL ON [L]I[N]CO

Size and Weight: 19mm, 1.34g

References: S 1262; North 856

William was the 3rd son of William I (the Conqueror) and was born in Normandy between 1056 and 1060 to Matilda of Flanders. He was nicknamed Rufus, it is thought, due to his red hair. He became king of England in 1087 on the death of his father and he ruled England whist his brother, Robert, oversaw Normandy. Ecclesiastical records describe him as uncouth, brutal and partaking in every sort of vice, however, he proved to be a strong leader despite being disliked by the clergy and the people. One of his notable achievements was the building of Westminster  Hall in London. He died in suspicious circumstances by a deflected arrow whilst out hunting in the New Forest, in 1100.

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