Triton XIV, Lot: 1645. Estimate $7500. Sold for $9500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

NORMAN. Henry I. 1100-1135. AR Penny (19mm, 1.20 g, 12h). Pointing bust and stars type (BMC VI) variety. Uncertain mint; Leofwine, moneyer. Struck circa 1107-1109. + hENRI[ ], crowned bust three-quarters right, holding scepter over shoulder, pointing with left hand; three stars to right / + LEFPINE ON [ ]I, cross pattée over saltire with ••• at ends, pellet in each angle. SCBI -; BMC -; EMC -; North 862 var. (form of saltire on rev.); SCBC 1267 var. (same). Good VF, lightly toned, wavy flan, typical area of flat strike. Excellent metal. Extremely rare, unpublished with this reverse variety.

The saltire on the reverse, as defined by BMC, should end in four annulets, and have stars in the angles. It is possible that die wear could account for the stars transforming into pellets (or pellet-like ornaments) over the life of a particular reverse die. For instance, both SCBI 17 (Midlands), 664, and SCBI 11b (Stockholm), 243, have pellets rather than stars in the angles, but are not considered varieties of the standard type. Nevertheless, the saltire ends as depicted on this coin is completely new for the series. Although the mint name is not clear on this piece, the final letter appears to be an I. Both Derby and Winchester have mint signatures that could end in I, and both had a moneyer named Leofwine during the reign of Henry I.