Aethelred II Penny Small Cross Type Norwich 978-1016

Description

Denomination: Aethelred II penny, last small cross type

Period: Late Anglo Saxon

Date: 978-1016

Origin: Norwich mint, Cenric moneyer

Condition: AVF, slightly wavy, peck marks

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

Reverse: Faint central cross surrounded, legend around +CENRIC ON NORDP

Size and Weight: 20mm, 1.26g

References: Spink 1154

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 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