Empress Matilda Silver Penny Coin

Empress Matilda (the only female to claim the English throne in the medieval period, r. 1141–1148) are her Silver Pennies struck during the Civil War (The Anarchy). These coins are “excessively rare” because her reign was brief and contested.

Top Recommendation: Empress Matilda Silver Penny (Wareham Mint)
This specific variant is one of the most documented rare types for collectors.

Design:
Obverse: Features a crowned bust facing right with a sceptre in front. The legend typically reads MATILDI IMP.
Reverse: A “cross moline” design with fleurs in each angle, often featuring the moneyer’s name (e.g., RAVL ON for the moneyer Raul).
Mintage: While exact mintage figures from the 12th century are unknown, they are classified as extremely rare. Most surviving specimens were minted at provincial mints under her control, such as Bristol, Cardiff, Oxford, and Wareham.
Value: In high-grade condition, these coins are estimated to fetch several thousand pounds at auction. For context, a similar rare penny from this period (Henry of Anjou) recently had an auction guide price of £6,000–£7,000.

Other Notable Coins

Stephen and Matilda “Standing Figures” Penny: This coin features King Stephen and his wife, Queen Matilda (often confused with the Empress), standing face-to-face. It is one of only 25 known specimens and was sold at a Noonans Mayfair auction for £10,540 in 2020.
Empress Matilda Cardiff Mint Penny: An “extremely rare” penny minted in Cardiff by the moneyer Elwine, featuring a cross plumée over a saltire fleury, has been a highlight in major collections like the Spink Williams Collection.

Important Distinction for Buyers
When searching, ensure you are looking for Empress Matilda (12th Century). Modern collectors often encounter the 1995 “Waltzing Matilda” Silver Proof Coin from Australia, which is a common collector’s item worth roughly £38–£80