Silver penny of Henry I
Norman, 1100-1135
A deterioration in the quality of the coinage set in before the end of William II's reign with a considerable falling off in the technical skills of die-engraving becoming noticeable. By the time of Henry I the strict controls enforced during the reign of William I were mostly disregarded resulting in many moneyers producing coins that were underweight or of low metal fineness. To combat the loss of confidence in the coinage, in 1124 Henry I summoned all the moneyers to Winchester, to what became known as the 'Assize of the Moneyers'. They were required to explain their activities to him and many were punished for producing coins of inferior quality. This coin was struck by Godwine of Winchester (+GODWINEONWINC) the reverse design bearing a 'cross fleury with annulets'.
