Stephen (1135-1154), Cut Halfpenny, uncertain issue, bust right wearing mitre and holding crozier, [–]Tii:eRIAOIST[–], rev. cross moline, fleurs in angles, IDIT: CISI:, 0.67g/8h (cf. M 189-90; N –; S –). Very fine, unpublished, UNIQUE £1,500-2,000

Provenance: Found in Northumbria 2009. PAS no. NCL B42BB8.

During the Civil War the Scots took advantage of the turmoil in England. David I supported the Empress Matilda who was his niece and invaded the north of the country in January 1136. Having taken control he passed the cities of Carlisle and Durham to his son Henry. Most of the northern part of the kingdom remained in Scottish hands until 1157. The crozier on the obverse also occurs on the coins formerly attributed to Henry of Blois, now thought to be by Henry Murdack, archbishop of York. These however show a crowned figure. The small square lettering on the reverse is particularly reminiscent of Mack 189 which is attributed to Newcastle. In the early 1140s William Cumming was put in control of the bishopric of Durham and it may be the present coin was struck to commemorate this event by the Scots either in Newcastle or in Durham itself