Cut halfpenny of Henry I
I’ve said on numerous occasions that most cut halfpennies are now very common and of little commercial value. However, there are exceptions. This example, found recently by Geoff Bramble, is an extremely rare cut halfpenny of Henry I and is in very good condition.
Geoff had already identified the coin as an example of the star in lozenge fleury type (Standard Catalogue number 1274) but asked if I could provide further details, including a valuation.
On the reverse the only part of the legend that stands out clearly reads RAM. This is followed by a faint colon and a letter O, then a letter N, which is followed by another colon then a letter P. I cannot be absolutely certain that my reading is correct but it is certainly the most likely. Therefore, we have RAM:ON:P. The P will be the start of the mint signature for Winchester and RAM is the end of the moneyer’s name; only one Winchester moneyer has a name ending with RAM and that is ENGELRAM.   Â
Valuation
Another thing I have said on numerous occasions is that cut halfpennies are worth far less in cash terms than whole pennies. However, as this one is extremely rare (perhaps unique as a cut halfpenny), my pre-sale auction estimate would be no lower than £250 to £300.
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