Watford type penny of Stephen

This coin was found a while back by Stephen Palmer. At the time it was unearthed it was in a very bad state and its appearance now is after restoration by an expert in this kind of work.

The coin is a Watford type penny of Stephen, who grasped the throne of England late in 1135. None of the legend shows up on the obverse but there is a very attractive portrait of the king. About half of the reverse is flat but the lettering that can be seen reads +ROD——-V:. Therefore, the moneyer is Rodbert and the most likely mint is London.

To someone unfamiliar with the coins of Stephen this penny might look really awful. In actual fact, it is well above average for the type. The head on the obverse is sharp and clear, the moneyer is definitely Rodbert and the mint is more likely to be London than any other.

Valuation

If I were the auctioneer entrusted with the sale of this coin I would open the bidding at £400 and I would expect the hammer price to be higher.

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