Reproduction William I (The Conqueror) Penny - Bonnet Type

Obverse: Facing diademed bust of king William I, with two pendants hanging on each side. Text around +PILLEMVS REX.

Reverse: Voided cross, cresents ends with annulet in centre and pile in each angle. Text around +ELFVI ON OXEFORD.

History: William invaded England and won a victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. He was known as William the Conqueror and was king from 1066 to 1087. He suppressed subsequent English revolts in what has become known as the Norman Conquest.

William I maintained the Anglo-Saxon mint system and the practice of conducting frequent recoinages by change of coin type. Most pennies of King William I show a front-facing bust of the king on the obverse (which was a departure from the Anglo-Saxon kings, who mostly used a sideways-facing bust). During his reign the demand for coins was so high that there were around 70 mints active.

Date: Bonnet type, minted in Oxford, moneyer Elfvi, 1068-70

Diameter: 1.9cm