SCANDINAVIA. 11th century AD. AR Penny (20mm, 1.57 g, 2h). Imitating a Long cross type of Æthelred II, Northampton mint; Wulfric, moneyer. VF.

Electronic Auction 531 – Session 2
Lot: 1601. Estimated: $ 1 000

World, Silver

Sold For $ 1 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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SCANDINAVIA. 11th century AD. AR Penny (20mm, 1.57 g, 2h). Imitating a Long cross type of Æthelred II, Northampton mint; Wulfric, moneyer. Draped bust left; pellet behind / + PVL FRIC MΩ · Θ HΛM, voided long cross with triple-crescent ends and pellet at center. Malmer –; SCBI 50 (Hermitage), 873 (same dies). Toned, peck marks. VF. Unusual and rare.

Wulfric was a prolific moneyer, engraving for Æthelred at numerous mints across England. A close examination of his Long Cross dies for Northampton suggests that his work was also popular in Scandinavia, where this close imitation was likely produced. The present coin exhibits several epigraphical diversions from the usual dies of Wulfric at Northampton, including a slightly wild portrait style and a retrograde N in the title. This reverse also links to a significantly cruder portrait that would be quite out of place for such a talented English engraver. Though not listed in Malmer’s study, we must assume that this, and the coins that die link to it, are products of Scandinavian engravers.

Closing Date and Time: 26 January 2023 at 13:20:00 ET.

All winning bids are subject to an 20% buyer’s fee.