Coins struck by Norman kings at Exeter

The Norman kings simply took over the system of coinage of their Anglo-Saxon predecessors, which in truth was more sophisticated than their own in Normandy. Exeter continued to function as the major mint of the region, but its output was declining. The sites of the mint are unknown; coins will have been struck on the premises of leading citizens, rather than at Exeter Castle.

The upper row shows a series of 'portraits' of William the Conqueror, shown in successive types of penny struck at Exeter. The museum holds examples of seven of the eight types of William struck at Exeter; some are extremely rare. Below are four 'portraits' of William II, showing successive types of his extremely rare pennies struck at Exeter.

Acknowledgments: RAM Museum