Henry II coin value guide
Henry II · 1154–1189 · Penny
Denominations
Penny
Reign
1154–1189
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 II restored order to the coinage after the Anarchy. His reign produced two distinct silver pennies: the early Tealby type (Cross-and-Crosslets, 1158–1180), named after a great hoard, and from 1180 the Short Cross penny — the beginning of a famous series whose obverse legend 'hENRICVS' stayed frozen through the next three reigns.
Tealby pennies are frequently poorly struck on ragged flans, so a full, round, well-struck example is scarce and prized. Short Cross pennies are more available but reward sharp strikes and clear mint/moneyer details. Type, class, mint, grade and provenance set the value.
Value by type
The silver penny, reformed after the Anarchy and struck in two successive designs. Typically 1.3–1.5g of silver.
| Type | Rarity |
|---|---|
Tealby (Cross-and-Crosslets) 1158–1180 Named after the Tealby hoard; frequently weak or on ragged flans, so well-struck coins are scarce. | Common but often poorly struck |
Short Cross 1180–1189 (continued under successors) The start of the long Short Cross series, with the immobilised 'hENRICVS' legend retained by later kings. | Available |
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 II penny worth?
Striking quality drives value, especially for Tealby pennies, which are often weak — a full, round, sharp example is scarce and prized. Short Cross pennies are more available. Use the valuation tool for a figure based on realised prices for comparable coins.
What is a Tealby penny?
It is Henry II's first penny type (Cross-and-Crosslets, 1158–1180), named after the large Tealby hoard found in Lincolnshire. The coins are common but frequently poorly struck.
Why do Short Cross pennies say 'hENRICVS' for later kings?
The Short Cross coinage kept Henry II's name 'frozen' on the coins through the reigns of Richard I and John, so the king's name on the coin does not identify who actually struck it — that takes detailed study of class and moneyer.