[Illustration]
DENOMINATIONS.--_Silver._ Pennies only.
OBVERSE.--_Type._ Crowned bust, sometimes almost full-faced, but
generally in dexter profile; sceptre, mace, lance, or flag in the right
hand. On one are two figures, variously surmised to be Stephen and
Henry, and Stephen and Matilda, represented standing side by side, hand
clasped in hand, and between them a sceptre.
_Legend_. S. STE. STEF. STEFN. STIFN. STIEN. STEFNE. STEIFNE.
STIEFEN. STIEFNEI. STIFNE. STEFENERE. STEP. STEPHENI. STEFANVS, or
STEPHANVS.--R. or REX.
REVERSE.--_Type._ Crosses, etc., in great variety, all within the inner
circle; some have the space usually allotted to the legend filled with
various little devices, as roses, escallops, etc.; the Stephen and
Henry (or Matilda) is of this kind. One example, struck at Derby, has
within the inner circle a double cross, between the limbs of which are
four martlets.
_Legend._ Mint master’s and town names, of which there are many
varieties.
_Rarity._ All very rare. The Stephen and Henry (or Matilda) at Tyssen’s
sale, in 1802, brought ten guineas, and at Dimsdale’s, in 1824,
thirteen pounds two shillings and sixpence, and later, much higher
prices.
Other coins bear the name of Eustace, son of Stephen (EVSTACIVS.
EISTCHIVS, etc.); Matilda (MA[T]ILD[A] IM[PERATRIX], etc.); William,
second son of Stephen (WILLELMVS. LVI--LLEM DVD); Earl of Warwick;
Robert Earl of Gloucester; and Henry Bishop of Winchester (HENRICVS
EPC.); all rare.