Penny - William I (Profile left type) ND (1066-1068) front Penny - William I (Profile left type) ND (1066-1068) back
Penny - William I (Profile left type) ND (1066-1068) photo
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.

Penny - William I Profile left type ND

 
Silver 1.31 g 19 mm
Description
Issuer
England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies)
King
William I (1066-1087)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1066-1068
Value
1 Penny
Currency
Penny (924-1158)
Composition
Silver
Weight
1.31 g
Diameter
19 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-08
References
Numista
N#316359
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Legend around cross fleurée within inner circle, with pellet-in-annulet at centre.

Script: Latin

Lettering: + COLSǷEGEN ON ÆI

Translation: Kolsveinn of Hastings

Comment

Norman Kings (1066-1154), William I (1066-87), Profile left type penny.
Hastings mint; Kolsveinn, moneyer; struck 1066-68. B.M.C. 1

Duke William of Normandy (William the Conqueror) claimed the throne of England on the death of his cousin Edward the Confessor. An important monetary reform occurred towards the close of this reign with the introduction of the geld de moneta assessed on boroughs. This may be seen as part of the raft of administrative reforms initiated by William I, which included the compilation of the Domesday Book in 1086.

Interesting fact

The Silver Penny coin minted during the reign of William I (also known as William the Conqueror) was the first English coin to feature a portrait of the monarch. This was a significant departure from previous coins, which had featured generic designs or symbols. The portrait of William I on the coin was a sign of the growing power and influence of the English monarchy, and it set a precedent for future coins to feature the image of the reigning monarch.