Find Spot record MDO29973 - Twelfth century silver penny found at High West Street, Dorchester

A silver penny of Henry of Anjou, probably struck about 1140 was found on the north side of High West Street, Dorchester in 1927. It is now in the British Museum.

A rare HENRICUS Silver Penny now in the British Museum, a replica of this has been given to the Dorchester Museum. Found on the north side of High West Street, Dorchester, 1927. Ob. HENRY REX ANGL bust to left with Sceptre. Rev. WILLELM : ON : GLOE Name of Moneyer, Gloucester Mint. A cross crosslet with a Quatrefoil. This interesting coin is attributed by Mr G. C. Brooke of the British Museum to "Henry of Anjou, reign of Stephen, probably struck about 1140 by Henry as a Partisan of Matilda, daughter of Henry I, and wife of Geoffrey Plantagenet. She was acknowledged as Queen of England after defeating Stephen at the battle of Lincoln 1141; but Stephen regained the throne in the following year and reigned until 1154. At his death Henry of Anjou becane Henry II. This coin was probably struck during the war between Matilda and Stephen, and might be expected to be found in the West of England, as she was assisted by Bishop Roger of Salisbury and the inhabitants of Wilts and Dorset. " (1)

Record last edited

Nov 28 2013 3:04PM