Aethelred II Penny Last Small Cross Type Colchester 997-1003

Description

Denomination: Aethelred II penny, last small cross type but with the rare four extra crosses on the reverse

Period: Late Anglo Saxon

Date: 997-1003

Origin: Colchester mint, Elfwine moneyer

Condition: AVF, slightly wavy, peck marks

Obverse: Diademed and draped bust, left, legend around +EDELRED REX AN

Reverse: Faint central cross surrounded by 4 extra crosses, legend around +ELFPINE ON COLE

Size and Weight: 20mm, 1.43g

References: S 1154var, , see BNJXXXVI, p76 plIX, 42 for same dies

Features and Provenance: 

Aethelred came to the throne of England in 978, at the age of twelve, after the assassination of his older brother Edward (the Martyr). The assassins were supporters of Aethelred, but it is unlikely that Aethelred himself had anything to do with the conspiracy. His name in Old English means: Aethel= noble and red= council or advice, so it is rather ironic that his nickname became ‘the Unready’ =ill advised. However, the first record of this epithet doesn’t appear until 150 years after his death in 1016 and it is very unlikely that his contemporaries thought of him in this light.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible