Description
Denomination: Aethelred II Long Cross Silver Penny, voided long cross type
Period: Late Anglo Saxon
Date: 997-1003
Origin: London mint, Aethelweard moneyer
Condition: AEF Dark patina, from damaged dies
Obverse: Diademed and draped bust, left, legend around +AEDELRED REX ANGL
Reverse: Voided long cross, surrounded by legend +AEDELPERD M’O LVND
Size and Weight: 20mm, 1.43g
References: S 1151, N 774
Features and Provenance: Previously Bonhams 22nd May 2002
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
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