William II 'Rufus' coin value guide
William II · 1087–1100 · Penny
Denominations
Penny
Reign
1087–1100
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 II, known as 'Rufus' for his ruddy complexion, continued the Norman silver penny across a thirteen-year reign. His coinage is classified into five types and is distinctly scarcer than his father's — surviving examples are fewer and often crudely struck.
Because the coins are scarce and frequently weakly struck, a well-centred, legible example carries a strong premium. All five types are collectable but none is common. Type, mint, grade and provenance set the value.
Value by type
The Norman silver penny continued, scarcer and often more crudely struck than William I's. Typically 1.3–1.4g of silver.
| Type | Rarity |
|---|---|
Five successive types c. 1087–1100 Cross-in-quatrefoil, cross voided, cross pattée-and-fleury and related designs; all scarcer than William I issues. | Scarce |
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 II (Rufus) penny worth?
His pennies are distinctly scarcer than William I's, so even modest examples sit higher, with well-struck, legible coins commanding a strong premium. Value depends on type, mint, grade and provenance — use the valuation tool for an estimate based on realised prices for comparable coins.
Why are William II pennies scarcer than William I's?
Fewer survive, and they are often crudely struck, so legible, well-centred examples of any of his five types are harder to find than the common PAXS pennies of his father.