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.
HENRY II. (1154 to 1189.)
Denominations.—Silver. Pennies only.
Obverse.—Type. Crowned bust, full-faced or profile; sceptre in his right hand, generally held upright, but on some leaned on the shoulder. In one instance, with three stars before the face.
Legend. HENRI.—R. RE. or REX.—A. AN. ANG. or ANGL.