Description
Denomination: Silver penny (large fragment)
Period: Late Anglo-Saxon coinage
Date: 1035-1040
Origin: Godric moneyer. but mint unknown
Condition: VF but as a large fragment
Obverse: Diademed bust left. wearing armour. sceptre in front. +HAROL[D RECX R]
Reverse: Voided long cross with fleur-de-lis in each quarter. +GODRIC [?]N
Size and Weight: 18.34mm. 0.69g
References: S1164. N803
Features and Provenance: Harold I. not to be confused with Harold II of the Battle of Hastings fame. is a much forgotten character. but is none the less a lynch-pin in British history. He was the illegitimate son of Cnut and Aelfigu and as such. was not directly in line for the throne.
On the death of Cnut in 1035. Harold’s half brother. Harthacnut. should have been crowned. However. as king of Denmark. his responsibilities lay there and unrest did not allow him to travel to England until 1040. Harold was made regent. Queen Emma held Wessex for her son. Harthacnut. but Harold drove her out by 1037 and he was recognised as king throughout the country.
History always creates twists and harold died soon afterward; consequently. Harthacnut began his reign. Harold’s coins are therefore scarce objects and even a fragment is a thing of beauty. Oh. and he was called ‘Harefoot’ as he was supposed to have been ‘fleet of foot.’ according to the earliest chroniclers.
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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