Ancient & British Coins, Artefacts, World Coins, Historical Medals and Banknotes

Stephen (1135-54), Penny, ‘Awbridge’ type, Bedford, Iohan, IOH[A]N [–––]EDE[–], 1.02gm (Harris, SCMB 1983 p.11 –; Bagshawe –; Mack –; BMC –; N. 881; S. 1282). Obverse fair, reverse fine or better but legend flat in parts, of the highest rarity of this mint and moneyer, only one other specimen believed known (£300-400)

Found in the parish of Saxted, near Framlingham, Suffolk, 1997.

Confirmation of the existence of the moneyer Iohan at Bedford for Stephen was not possible prior to the discovery of a penny of Stephen’s previous type, Cross Fleury, at Lakenheath, Suffolk, in 1994 (BNJ 1994, p.157, no.281). Prior to this, only a single penny by what was correctly presumed to be the moneyer Iohan was known for this type (Bagshawe, SNC Dec. 1971, 11505, ex Parsons 254).

The only other specimen of the ‘Awbridge’ type for this mint and moneyer was discovered at Bottisham, Cambridgeshire (BNJ 1994, p.157). That example is understood to remain in the hands of the finder