Sale: Triton VIII, Lot: 1768. Estimate $1500.  Closing Date: Monday, 10 January 2005.  Sold For $2600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Stephen. 11135-1154. AR Penny (1.32 gm, 9h). Voided Cross and Mullets type, circa 1145-1150. Castle Rising mint; Rodbert, moneyer. [+STI]EFNE, crowned bust facing three-quarter left, holding sceptre / +RODBER[T O]N RIS, cross pattee with mullet in each angle. Mack, Stephen 56; SCBI 26 (East Anglia), 1459; BMC -; North 878; SCBC 1280. Good VF, usual crude strike, but all important details visible. Extremely rare mint. ($1500)

Castle Rising was a small village under Snettisham until around 1100, when it was granted to William I d'Albini, whose son constructed its great fortified castle in 1140. During the Anarchy of Stephen's reign, Castle Rising served as a temporary mint for the king's forces in Norfolk. Later Isabella, mother of Edward III, was imprisoned there for her role in the death of her husband. The castle is still owned by descendents of the d'Albini.