Sale: CNG 75, Lot: 1435. Estimate $1000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 May 2007.  Sold For $1400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANGLO-SAXON, Secondary Sceattas. Circa 730-765. AR Sceat (1.02 g). Series L, type 23e. London-related mint. Figure standing facing, head right, on goundline, holding two long cross pommées / Three serpent heads in counterclockwise circle, tongues forming tribrach. Beowulf 65 (this coin); Abramson L700; Metcalf 359; North 85; SCBC 830. EF, toned.

From the Beowulf Collection.

The obverse of this issue adopts the motif of Primary Series W (see lots 1363-4, above). Regarding the reverse, like coiled serpent-like creatures, whorl-like creatures were also a common protective motif in pre-Christian artwork. This symbol was likewise assimilated into Christianity, possibly as an allusion to Christ’s Resurrection, but also possibly as a representation of the message of Psalm 34:8 -- “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Gannon, pp. 141-142).