Stephen Penny, North-Eastern variant, Durham, Fobund, star by sceptre

Stephen (1135-54), silver Penny, North Eastern variant of Watford type (c.1136-45), Durham Mint, Moneyer Forbund, crude crowned bust with sceptre right, star to right of sceptre handle, Latin legend and beaded border surrounding, +STIEFNE RE, rev. saltire at centre of cross moline, annulet over lis in each angle, annulet in spandrel at each limb of cross, Latin legend and beaded border surrounding, +----ND: ON DVN, weight 0.98g (Allen DM XXX; Mack 188; BMC 252; N.916; S.1304). Toned, struck a little off-centre with clear design elements, about very fine for issue, an extremely rare piece.

This issue is theorised in North to have an ecclesiastical connection to the Bishop of Durham and is only known for this moneyer Fobund. The See of Durham had the mineral rights to the area and it is known that quantities of silver were mined from lead ores, to therefore supply the local Mint. Perhaps the symbols upon this issue may indicate silver from this Bishopric source? The Bishops of Durham in this reign were Geoffrey Rufus 1133-40, William Cumin 1141-43, William of St Barbara 1143-53, and finally the nephew of King Stephen, Hugh De Puiset 11595. Only a few examples of these star marked coins are known.

Durham is on the River Wear and the Norman cathedral was built between the years of 1093 and 1133. King Stephen advanced to Durham against King David of Scotland in 1135 and peace was signed there in 1139. The castle was later seized by Henry of Northumbria and William Cumin in 1141.