Norman Coins - Stephen and Matilda - Ipswich / Roger - Variant Watford Penny with Roundels
Circa 1140 AD. Obv: profile bust with sceptre and [STIEF?]NE R[E-] legend. Rev: cross moline with fleurs in angles and two roundels superimposed on ends of cross with [+R]OGER:ON:GIPES[:] legend for the moneyer Roger at Ipswich mint. S. 1288; N. 891; cf. EMC 1048.1345 (same dies?"). See Early Medieval Corpus, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, reference EMC 2019.0098 (this coin"). 1.03 grams. . Found near Grundisburgh, Suffolk, UK, 2019. This variety of the Watford penny of Stephen, with dies altered by the addition of one, two or three roundels showing set upon the reverse cross, has long been associated with Matilda, his wife and queen (not to be confused with Empress Matilda/Maud who was the daughter of Henry I and opponent of Stephen during the period of the Anarchy"). The variety is known for mints at Ipswich, Sudbury, Bury St Edmunds and Thetford; all in Suffolk and all are extremely rare.
Very fine for issue; legends partially flat, small flan split at edge. Extremely rare.
Estimate: 1500 - 2000