CNG 102, Lot: 1415. Estimate $750. Sold for $1000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANGLO-SAXON, Secondary Sceattas. Circa 725-745. AR Sceat (11.5mm, 0.98 g, 6h). Series O, type 40. Mint in the Thames region(?). Figure standing right, holding two long crosses; pellets around / Fantastic creature in flight left, head reverted; cross pommée below chin. Abramson 55.40; SCBI 63 (BM), 605 (same obv. die); SCBC 807B. Good VF. Very rare.

There has been some discussion as to how this sceat, with the obverse figure standing right rather than facing, should be classified. Metcalf dismisses it as an imitation (Metcalf p. 480), relating it to Series N, while Rigold (“The Principal Series of English Sceattas,” in BNJ 47 [1977]) and the BM assign it to Series O, type 40. Abramson gives it as a variant of type 40.