Henry I coin value guide
Henry I · 1100–1135 · Penny
Denominations
Penny
Reign
1100–1135
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
Henry I, the Conqueror's youngest son, reigned for 35 years and struck a long sequence of fifteen penny types. The coinage is notorious for poor striking and for the official 'snicking' of coins — edges cut to prove the silver was good after widespread complaints about quality.
Striking quality is the dominant issue: many Henry I pennies are weak, clipped or snicked, so a full, well-struck example is genuinely difficult and commands a strong premium. Some of the fifteen types are rare. Type, mint, grade and provenance set the level.
Value by type
The Norman silver penny, struck in fifteen successive types over a long reign and often officially snicked. Typically 1.2–1.5g of silver.
| Type | Rarity |
|---|---|
Fifteen successive types c. 1100–1135 Including the Annulets, Pax, Quatrefoil-and-Piles and Quadrilateral-on-Cross-Fleury types; striking is frequently weak. | Varies — some rare |
What drives the value
Type & rarity
Within a single reign, common types in collectable grade sit far below the scarce and rare types. Identifying the exact type is the first step in any valuation.
Mint & moneyer
Coins of rare mints, or with sought-after moneyer or privy-mark signatures, carry a clear premium over the common major-mint issues.
Grade & surfaces
A full, sharp strike with a clear portrait or design and legible legends commands the most. Weak striking, chips, cracks and corrosion all reduce value.
Provenance
A pedigree to a named cabinet or a recorded hoard adds both value and confidence in authenticity, especially for scarcer and higher-grade pieces.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Henry I penny worth?
Striking quality dominates value — many examples are weak, clipped or snicked, so a full, sharp coin commands a strong premium, and some of the fifteen types are rare. Use the valuation tool for a figure based on realised prices for comparable coins.
Why are Henry I pennies often cut or snicked?
After complaints about poor-quality coin, the authorities ordered coins to be officially 'snicked' — a cut into the edge — to expose the metal and prove the silver was good. Many surviving pennies carry these marks.
How many types did Henry I strike?
Fifteen successive penny types are recognised across his 35-year reign.