Coin, English, excavated at Winchester, Hampshire, issued by William I, moneyer, Lifwine, at Chester, Cheshire, 1083 to 1086.

Coin, English, excavated at Winchester, Hampshire, issued by William I, moneyer, Lifwine, at Chester, Cheshire, 1083 to 1086.

Silver cut halfpenny of William the Conqueror

Norman, 1083-1086

Found during archaeological excavations on the Cathedral Green, Winchester, in 1964

William's coinage saw very little change from previous, Anglo-Saxon, issues with the silver penny being the only coin produced. However, as the penny had a fairly high value there was a need for lower denominations, a problem that was solved by legally cutting the coins in halves or quarters and thus producing halfpennies and farthings. Ths example is of the Pax, or Peace, issue that was struck towards the end of his reign and reflected his feelings and hopes for his country. It was struck in Chester by the moneyer Lifwine.

Coin, English, excavated at Winchester, Hampshire, issued by William I, moneyer, Lifwine, at Chester, Cheshire, 1083 to 1086.