Kate ScotterA silver penny made in Norwich and dating to the time of William the Conqueror was one of several rare and medieval coins which went under the hammer at the weekend.Kate Scotter
A silver penny made in Norwich and dating to the time of William the Conqueror was one of several rare and medieval coins which went under the hammer at the weekend.
Ipswich-based auctioneers Lockdales held their 76th auction of specialist collectables on Sunday which included very rare coins made in Norwich.
Many of the coins fetched much more money than expected including a silver penny of a Norman descendant, King Stephen, whose reign was said to have been disastrous and ended in civil war and anarchy, which sold for almost double its estimated price.
On the back, the coin has the letters NORP for Norwich but it is not known who minted it.
The coin was expected to sell for between �220 and �280 but sold for �490 including auctioneer's premium.
Other coins which went under the hammer included one of King William I, known as William the Conqueror, who ruled England between 1066 and 1087, went for �260 when it was estimated to sell for between �140 and �180.
The coin was made at the Norwich Mint, as was a silver penny of King John, believed to have usurped the throne from King Richard the Lionheart whilst he was away fighting the Crusades, sold for �140.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here