Penny - William I (Sword type) ND (1077-1080) front Penny - William I (Sword type) ND (1077-1080) back
Penny - William I (Sword type) ND (1077-1080) photo
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.

Penny - William I Sword type ND

 
Silver 1.27 g 19 mm
Description
Issuer
England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies)
King
William I (1066-1087)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1077-1080
Value
1 Penny
Currency
Penny (924-1158)
Composition
Silver
Weight
1.27 g
Diameter
19 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-08
References
Numista
N#316425
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Cross pattée over quadrilateral, with incurved sides and fleur in each quarter.

Lettering: + EDǷI ON LVNDN

Translation: Eadwig of London

Comment

Norman Kings (1066-1154), William I (1066-87), Sword type penny.
London mint; Eadwig, moneyer; struck 1077-80. B.M.C. 6

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 William I (Sword type) Penny, minted between 1077 and 1080, is considered one of the rarest and most valuable pennies in the United Kingdom. It's estimated that only around 20-30 of these coins still exist today, making them highly sought after by collectors. (Source: The Royal Mint)