Stephen (1135-1154), Penny, Phase 6, Two Figure type, York, st[–]fn[–], standing figures of Stephen and Matilda supporting sceptre, King with distinctive open mouth, rev. cross fleurée over saltire pommée, ornaments in place of legend, 1.06g/1h (Allen, NC 2016, dies unlisted; Mack 220; cf. BMC 261-3; N 922; S 1315). Very rare.  Provenance: A metal detecting find by Graeme Rushton, found at Market Rasen (Lincolnshire), September 2018 (EMC 2018.0320).  Images courtesy of DNW, lot 225, 16th Sept. 2020.  

Following the battle of Lincoln on 2 February 1141 Stephen was captured and imprisoned for six months in Bristol Castle, before an exchange with Robert, Earl of Gloucester enabled him to be released. In 1142 Stephen and Matilda travelled to York and the coin may have been struck to celebrate this. There are an estimated 25 examples in existence (Allen recorded 17 in his study), many of which are damaged or fragmentary. It was minted in York in a very continental style, so likely by an engraver from Ghent (Allen, NC 2016, p.285), or by a local artisan copying Flemish characteristics.