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COIN
Unique ID: CAM-480910
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
A silver medieval penny of Stephen (1135-1154). The moneyer is a previously unpublished name in the reign of Stephen - FRIT[?]EL. The mint is possibly Wareham.
Obverse legend reads STEFA REX. The reverse legend reads FRIT[]EL.ON.WRE.
Unusual aspects of the coin: the type of crown depicted with pellets on the rim; the fleur de lys interrupting the legend on the obverse; the very good overall quality of the striking; and the very good overall general quality of the coin.
In addition, the coin may be from Wareham (rather than Warwick) as, stylistically, the coin resembles more those of Matilda from the South West, and many of its attributes are more closely related to those of Henry, yet clearly the coin is in the name of Stephen. The weight is also similar to that of Matilda (1.17g as opposed to 1.36g). Finally, it is possible that the coin is from the Earl of Salisbury's "unofficial" mint, making it a part of the Earl or Baron Coinage collection.
Our thanks to Dr M. Allen (Fitzwilliam Museum) for the information on this coin. It has been recorded with EMC under the record number 2013.0008.
Notes:
Dr Martin Allen was originally listed as 'secondary identifier'. This has been replaced for record validation purposes only.
Find of note status
This is a find of note and has been designated: Include in MedArch
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1136
Date to: Circa AD 1154
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 0.54 mm
Weight: 1.17 g
Diameter: 19.46 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 7th January 2013
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: EMC 2013.0008
Materials and construction
Primary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Struck or hammered
Completeness: Complete
Coin data (numismatics)
Denomination: Penny
Ruler/issuer: Stephen of England
Mint or issue place: Wareham
Category: Coin of Norman and Early Plantagenet England 1066-1180
Type: Stephen (no further details)
Obverse description: Crowned bust right
Obverse inscription: STEFA REX
Reverse description: An ornate cross with an inward pointing fleur de lys in each quarter
Reverse inscription: FRIT[]EL.ON.WRE
Die axis measurement: 10 o'clock
Degree of wear: Slightly worn: very fine
Coin references
No coin references available.
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Cambridgeshire (County)
District: South Cambridgeshire (District)
To be known as: South Cambridgeshire District Area
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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