CNG 97, Lot: 1012. Estimate $2000. Sold for $2500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

NORMAN. Henry I. 1100-1135. AR Penny (19mm, 1.35 g, 8h). Pellets in quatrefoil type (BMC xiv). Bada (Bath) mint; Veterlithi (Winterlede), moneyer. Struck circa 1123-1125. + hENRICVS R:, crowned facing bust, holding scepter; to right, six-pointed star / + PINTERLEDE : O[N • BA•], pelleted cross, with star at center; all within quatrefoil, with trefoil at each end and inward-facing fleur in each quarter. Allen, Henry 11-14 (dies A/a); SCBI 24 (West Country), 851 (same dies); SCBI 27 (Lincolnshire), 2196 (same dies); BMC –; North 870; SCBC 1275. Near EF, toned. Extremely rare – none recorded by Allen in private hands.

This coin is from the final issue of the Bath mint under Henry, which was closed after the famous Assize of the Moneyers which took place as the king held court at Winchester in Christmastide 1124-5. All the moneyers in England were summoned in order to give account of their activities. Those found at fault for issuing inferior coins faced heavy fines or mutilation. Bath remained closed for 10 years, only resuming coinage under Stephen, who struck his coins of Wadford type there.