Date: c. 1015-1035

Description:

Hiberno-Norse, Sihtric, penny, phase II (c.1015-1035), imitating long cross type of Aethelred II,  (S.6122; D&F.23), bottom edge very ragged

• About very fine (aVF)
• Scarce

Obverse:

• + SIHTRC RE DIFLM, bust l
  • (translates as “Sihtric, King of Dublin”)

Reverse:

• + FÆ REMI NMO DYHI, long voided cross, pellet in each angle
  • (translates as Moneyer = “Faeremin of Dublin”)

Country:

• Ireland

Category:

• Hiberno-Norse
  • Phase 2
• Hammered

Additional Information:

During Phase II (c. 1018 to 1035) the coinage became lighter, possibly reflecting the declining fortunes of the Kingdom of Dublin.

• While early Phase I coins weighed about 1.5 grammes
  • By Phase II the average weight of the coinage is reduced to 1.2 grammes

The inscriptions (legends) on Phase II coins are, typically, ‘blundered’

• This is a numismatic term for mis-spelt, or a jumble of letters
  • bits of the name “Sihtric” and “Dyflin” are still often recognizable.
• On the obverse of Phase II coins, a J-shaped symbol – interpreted as an inverted bishop’s crozier – sometimes appears behind the bust.
• Small pellets, typically, appear in the angles of the long cross on the reverse.

Further Reading:

• O’Brien Coin Guide: Anglo-Saxon Coins & Their Links to Ireland
• O’Brien Coin Guide: Who Introduced Anglo-Saxon Coins to Ireland and why ?
• O’Brien Coin Guide: Introduction to the Hiberno-Norse Coinages of the Late 10th & Early 11th C