Baronial magnate issue of Stephen

A penny issued by Henry Murdac, archbishop of York, in the name of Stephen. It was found in Lincolnshire in 2016.

The local coinage of York during the reign of Stephen is divided into seven phases. In this Phase 4 coin, the reverse design changes from the cross moline of Stephen’s type 1 and Phase 2 and 3 to a cross pattee on a saltire fleury. The reverse legend reads STEP(h)ANUS REX.

On the obverse of “Bishop Henry” pennies is a crozier instead of a sceptre. The obverse legend reads DENRIC[V]S EPC, instead of the expected HENRICUS. It is suggested that the use of EPC (for bishop) is a style choice to balance the REX on the other side.