2020-02-07 Fri

Empress Matilda also referred as Empress Maude was the consort of the Holy Roman Emperor Henry V and afterward claimant to the English throne in the reign of King Stephen.

Empress Matilda was born on February 7, 1102, the daughter of King Henry I and Matilda of Scotland at Berkshire, England. Through her father, Matilda was descended from the Norman conquerors of England, including her grandfather William I, Duke of Normandy and King of England, known as William the Conqueror.

She is best known in history for the civil war sparked by her fight against her cousin Stephen to win the throne of England for herself and her descendants.

Depicted here is silver Penny of Empress Matilda struck by the moneyer William at Bristol. The obverse of a coin depicts a crowned bust facing right with a scepter in front. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin engraved cross moline with a fleur in each angle.

Image Source: https://www.numismaticnews.net/