AR penny, quadrilateral on cross fleury type, circa 1125-35, 19mm, 1.33gr. Obv: HE(NRICUS), crowned bust, 3/4 figure, with scepter. Rev: +WI(LLEM ON) CANT, cross with lis. Mint is Canterbury, Moneyer is Willem (according to seller). S1276, J.J. North 871. Ex (J.J.) North Collection. The contemporary French kings are Philip 1 and Louis VI.

Henry was son of William the conqueror and succeeded to the throne on the death of his brother (William Rufus). He married Matilda, daughter of Malcolm III, king of Scotland. The marriage blended royal Norman and Saxon lines, to the disgust of the Barons but acceptance of the commoners. They had four children. He then married Adeliza and they had seven children. He was succeeded by his nephew, Steven even though he asked his Barons to recognize his daughter Matilda (born with the name Adelaide). He died of food poisoning in Normandy.

He spent a lot of time  procreating (in addition to his legitimate children he had 25 illegitimate children). He usurped the duchy of Normandy from his brother and had lands in both France and England. In England, he was concerned with a deteriorating coinage. From Seaby, "At Christmas 1124 the famous Assize of Moneyers was held at Winchester when all the moneyers in England were called to account for their activities and a number are said to have been mutilated for issuing coins of inferior quality."