Edward the Confessor coin value guide
Edward the Confessor · 1042–1066 · Penny
Denominations
Penny
Reign
1042–1066
What a coin is worth depends on its exact type, mint, grade and provenance — the type tables and value factors below explain what drives each one.
About these coins
Edward the Confessor's 24-year reign produced the richest sequence of types in the late Anglo-Saxon series — ten distinct penny types, changing roughly every two to three years. From the early PACX type to the final Pyramids issue struck on the eve of the Norman Conquest, his coinage offers collectors enormous variety.
Most types in collectable grades are affordable, which makes the Confessor a favourite for type collectors. Scarcer types such as Sovereign/Eagles, rare mints and high-grade portraits push well above. The sheer number of types, mints and moneyers makes this one of the deepest areas of Anglo-Saxon numismatics.
Value by type
The staple silver penny, struck in ten successive types over a long reign. Typically 1.0–1.3g of silver.
| Type | Rarity |
|---|---|
PACX c. 1042–1044 Voided long cross with P A C X in the angles; the first type of the reign. | Common |
Radiate / Small Cross c. 1044–1046 Radiate (crowned) bust with a small cross reverse. | Common |
Trefoil Quadrilateral c. 1046–1048 Bust with sceptre; quadrilateral over a long cross. | Fairly common |
Short Cross (Small Flan) c. 1048–1050 A compact small-flan type. | Fairly common |
Expanding Cross c. 1050–1053 Cross with expanding arms; struck in light and heavy weights. | Common |
Pointed Helmet c. 1053–1056 Helmeted bust with sceptre. | Common |
Sovereign / Eagles c. 1056–1059 King enthroned, with eagles on the reverse; a popular, higher-value type. | Scarcer — sought-after |
Hammer Cross c. 1059–1062 Cross with hammer-shaped ends. | Common |
Facing Bust / Small Cross c. 1062–1065 Facing crowned bust; anticipates the Norman style. | Fairly common |
Pyramids c. 1065–1066 Cross over pyramids; the last type before the Conquest. | Common |
What drives the value
Type & rarity
Most of the ten types are affordable in collectable grade; Sovereign/Eagles and other scarcer types command the strongest prices.
Mint & moneyer
The Confessor struck at a large number of mints. Rare mints and sought-after moneyer signatures carry a clear premium over common issues.
Grade & surfaces
A full, sharp strike with a clear portrait and legible legends commands the most; weak striking and damage reduce value.
Provenance
A pedigree to a named collection adds value and confidence, particularly for the scarcer types and high-grade portraits.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an Edward the Confessor penny worth?
Most of the ten types are affordable in collectable grade, while scarcer types such as Sovereign/Eagles, rare mints and high-grade coins command considerably more. The figure depends on type, mint, grade and provenance — use the valuation tool for an estimate based on realised prices for comparable coins.
How many types of Edward the Confessor penny are there?
Ten, issued in sequence across his reign (1042–1066), from the early PACX type through to the final Pyramids issue.
Which Edward the Confessor type is the most valuable?
Sovereign/Eagles (c. 1056–59), showing the king enthroned, is among the most sought-after and typically the highest-valued of the regular types.
Did Edward the Confessor strike gold coins?
No — the silver penny remained the only denomination throughout his reign. Gold coinage did not return to England in quantity until the 13th and 14th centuries.