This reproduction Harold II Penny is moulded directly from an original coin and is made from lead-free pewter.
Housed in specially designed packaging, the coin pack has an image from the Bayeux Tapestry on the front, the two coins in the collection inside, as well as historical information about the coins and about Harold II, the Battle of Hastings and William I.
Harold II's reign was very short. He became King on 5 January 1066 and died on 14 October 1066. Only three types of penny were minted during his reign. The obverse of this coin depicts the bust of Harold II and the reverse PAX across the centre. Harold II had been crowned King shortly after the death of Edward the Confessor, in January 1066, but he faced invasions by William of Normandy, his own brother Tostig and Harold Hardrada of Norway.
The Battle of Hastings was fought on 14 October 1066. It took place 7 miles northwest of Hastings and lasted from 9am to dusk. Early efforts of the invaders to break the English battle lines had little effect. The Normans then adopted the tactic of pretending to retreat and as the English troops pursued then their cavalry attacked, which weakened Harold’s army.
Later in the day Harold was killed and the battle was over. William was crowned King on Christmas Day 1066 at Westminster Abbey.
