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Norman Dynasty
Henry I
Penny
諾曼第王朝
亨利一世
1便士
Item number: A380
Year: AD 1100-1135
Material: Silver
Size: 20.2 x 19.7 x 0.2 mm
Weight: 1.3 g
Provenance: Noonans 2022
This is a silver penny minted during the reign of Henry I, the last ruler of the Norman dynasty in England, around the 12th century AD. The coin was produced using a manually struck method, which resulted in an uneven surface due to inconsistent striking force. Consequently, many of the peripheral details and inscriptions on the coin are indistinct or missing.
The obverse of the coin features a circular border, within which is a frontal portrait of Henry I, composed of dots and geometric lines. The depiction includes discernible facial features, a moustache, and a crown atop his head. To the left of his cheek is a radiating symbol. The outer circle was intended to bear an inscription, but due to insufficient striking force during minting, only a few faint letters in the upper left can be barely observed.
The reverse of the coin features a beaded circle enclosing an openwork cross adorned with three small round beads at the top. At the centre of the cross is an eight-pointed star, with each quadrant of the cross containing three small round beads. Surrounding the cross are four fleur-dae-lis, symbolising the connection between the English monarchy and its French territories. The outer rim of the coin was intended to bear an inscription, and the letters “ER” can be clearly observed in the upper left corner.
Henry I was the fourth son of William the Conqueror, who led the Norman conquest of England. In AD 1100, Henry I ascended to the throne after the death of his older brother, William II (known as William Rufus), who died in a hunting accident. Despite his efforts, Henry I failed to leave a male heir to succeed him. Upon his death in AD 1135, a brief civil war ensued over the succession, ultimately leading to the throne being inherited by his nephew, Henry II, thus marking the beginning of the Plantagenet dynasty.