Description
Denomination: Silver cut-halfpenny
Period: Norman
Date: 1136-1145
Origin: London. Estmund moneyer
Condition: Fine. weak strike in parts. dark toning. Cut as halfpenny across at 4 to 10 o’clock position.
Obverse: Profile bust. crowned and diademed. facing right holding sceptre. [STIEFNE REX] (or similar)
Reverse: Cross moline with a fleur in each angle. +ESTM[VND ON L]VN
Size and Weight: 17mm. 0.62g
References: N873. S1278
Features and Provenance: Although round halfpennies had been produced for the first time during Henry I’s reign. when the new issue was circulated. the old practise of cutting a coin in half at the mint to make halfpennies continued.
On the death of Henry I. his nephew Stephen of Blois was next in line. despite Henry having promised the throne to his daughter. the Empress Matilda (or Maude). This was against the oath that Stephen had taken to support her claim. He was unable to take control and Matilda took the opportunity to invade from France in 1139 and claim the throne for herself; the country was plunged into civil war. She set up an Angevin court in Bristol and controlled most of the south-west of England. Allegiances seemed to change continually; in 1141 Stephen was captured and then released. During this period. known as ‘the Anarchy’ coins were issued in her name and that of some nobles. After near capture and general lack of support. she finally lost heart and retired to Normandy in 1148 leaving her son to campaign. He later became Henry II. Stephen died in 1154. it is thought. from intestinal ailments.
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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