Date: c. 1018-1035

Description:

IRELAND, Hiberno-Norse. Sihtric III Olafsson. 995-1036. Silver Penny (19mm, 1.30 g, 3h). Early Phase II coinage, Long Cross type. Difelin (Dublin) mint signature; Steng, moneyer. Struck circa 1018-1035. Blackburn 4 –; O’S 10; cf. SCBI 8 (BM), 67 (for type); SCBI 32 (Belfast), 46 (same rev. die); D&F 23; cf. SCBC 6122.

• Almost Extremely Fine (aEF)
• Toned
• Very rare moneyer

Obverse:

• Draped bust right; cross pattée behind neck; pellet in each angle of neck
• + (retrograde Z)IHTR(IC) RE+ DIFL

Reverse:

• Voided long cross, with triple crescent ends; pellet in each angle.
• + (retrograde Z)TE NGM O DУF LNIR

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