Stephen Silver Penny 1135-1154AD BMC type II London

Stephen Silver Penny 1135-1154AD BMC type II London
20mm, 1.26g

Stephen’s uncle, Henry I, had intended the throne of England to go to his daughter Matilda, but upon his death, Stephen had against oath, seized the throne of England. In 1139, Matilda, an Angevin by second marriage, established a base at Bristol, to contest her rights, supported by her half-brother, Robert, Earl of Gloucester and other influential noblemen. The result was a turbulent period of civil war, often referred to as The Anarchy, with no final settlement until 1353.

Its impact on the coinage is profound, with mints striking regular issues and/or irregular issues, and some mints striking irregular coins including Angevin issues. In addition, some barons were given, or assumed rights, to strike their own coinage. Coins of this period are often poorly struck and of low weight, therefore well struck examples are much sought after.

This example shows some good portrait details.