William I 'the Conqueror' coin value guide
William I · 1066–1087 · Penny
Denominations
Penny
Reign
1066–1087
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
William I, the Conqueror, kept the established English minting system after 1066, continuing the silver penny and its network of mints and moneyers. His coinage is classified into eight successive types, from the early Profile and Bonnet issues to the well-known final PAXS type.
Norman pennies are often less finely struck than the late Saxon issues, so well-centred, sharp examples command a premium. The PAXS type is the most frequently encountered; earlier types and rare mints are scarcer. Type, mint, grade and provenance determine value.
Value by type
The continuing English silver penny, struck across many mints under the Norman administration. Typically 1.3–1.5g of silver.
| Type | Rarity |
|---|---|
Profile / Cross Fleury & other early types c. 1066–1080 The early Norman types (Profile, Bonnet, Canopy, Two Sceptres, Two Stars, Sword) — generally less common than the late issue. | Scarcer |
PAXS c. 1083–1087 Facing bust; PAXS in the reverse angles — the most frequently encountered William I penny. | Most common type |
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 William the Conqueror penny worth?
The common PAXS type in collectable grade sits at the accessible end, while earlier types, rare mints and sharp high-grade examples command considerably more. Value depends on type, mint, grade and provenance — use the valuation tool for a figure based on realised prices for comparable coins.
How many types did William I strike?
Eight successive penny types are recognised, from the early Profile and Bonnet issues to the final PAXS type.
Did William the Conqueror change English coinage?
Not fundamentally — he kept the existing silver penny, the mint network and the moneyer system, continuing the late Anglo-Saxon arrangements after 1066.