Hiberno-Norse Silver Penny Sihtric Phase III c1035-1060 RARE

Description

Denomination: Silver penny, phase III

Period: Viking period

Date: c1035-1060

Origin: Probably Dublin mint, Ireland

Condition: VF+, toned,  excellent for type but a little crimped RARE

Obverse: Bare-headed bust, left, two pellets in front of forehead, blundered legend around

Reverse: Voided long cross with hand in two quarters, blundered legend but reads RIN MO DILH (LH ligatured) or silmilar

Size and Weight: 17mm, 1.12g

References: Spink 6132

Features and Provenance: 

With no coins of their own up to this point, the authorities copied the English coinage so that the Hiberno-Norse pennies were imitations of contemporary Anglo Saxon coins of Aethelred II and Cnut. These early coins were minted under the authority of Sihtric Silkbeard. One of the features of later Hiberno-Norse coinage is the ‘blundering’ on the legends to the point of being almost illegible

Sihtric (also known as Sigtrygg) was a Hiberno-Norse king of Dublin of the Uí Ímair dynasty. Sihtric was of Norse and Irish ancestry and son of Olaf Cuarán, King of York and of Dublin. Sihtric’s long reign spanned 46 years, until his abdication in 1036. During that period, his armies saw action in four of the five Irish provinces of the time. In particular, he conducted a long series of raids into territories such as Meath, Wicklow, Ulster, and perhaps even the coast of Wales. He also battled with rival Norse kings, especially in Cork and Waterford. Although Dublin underwent several reversals of fortune throughout his reign, on the whole, trade in the city flourished. He died at the age of 72 in 1042.

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