Sale: CNG 75, Lot: 1413. Estimate $750.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 May 2007.  Sold For $650. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANGLO-SAXON, Secondary Sceattas. Circa 715-720. AR Sceat (1.02 g, 3h). Series N, type 41b/a. Mint in east Kent or lower Thames region. Two figures standing facing, heads confronted, each holding long cross pommée in outer hands, jointly holding another between themselves / Creature advancing left, head right. Beowulf 71 (this coin); Abramson Q040, var. 1; Metcalf p. 463; North 99; SCBC 810. Good VF, toned.

From the Beowulf Collection.

The obverse type has numerous possible prototypes in classical sources, both numismatic and non-numismatic. These diverse origins notwithstanding, there are common ideas enshrined in them that certainly were influential in the development of this type. The crosses around the figures serve the same apotropaic function as on the similar, single-figure type (see lot 1363, above), but the addition of a second figure with similar features implies concerted action among equals (Gannon, pp. 101-103). Backwards-looking animals such as that on the reverse of this coin are among the most enduring images in ancient Europe. In pre-Christian times, these creatures typically appeared as custodians of treasure. It is possible that they were assimilated in the Christian period as guardians of one’s soul (Gannon, pp. 149-150).