Date: c. 1018-1035
Description:
Hiberno-Norse. Sihtric III Olafsson. 995-1036. Silver Penny (17.5mm, 1.20 g, 7h). Phase II coinage, Long Cross type. Difelin (Dublin) mint signature; ‘Nirinn,’ moneyer. Struck circa 1018-1035. O`S 12 (same rev. die as illustration); SCBI 22 (Copenhagen), 88 (same dies); D&F 23; SCBC 6125A.
- Good VF (gVF)
- Toned
Obverse:
- Draped bust left; inverted croizer behind
- + I?TRC RE+ IDIFHI
- Blundered legend, but translates as “Sihtric, King of Dublin”
Reverse:
- Voided long cross, with triple crescent ends; pellet in each angle
- + ?I RI? N HO DFII
- Blundered legend, but translates as “Nirinn 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
The Old Currency Exchange is a specialist dealer and valuer of Irish & GB coins, tokens and banknotes 
How rare is this coin ? Interesting design!
LikeLike
When it comes up for sale at auction, it is usually described as Very Rare (which is vague).
To the best of my knowledge, only 2 have been sold recently.
1. Triton XVIII (Jan 2015), Lot: 1757. Estimate $500.
Sold for $1200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee
2. Triton XV (Nov 2011), Lot: 1948. Estimate $2000.
Sold for $2000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.
LikeLike
I have a very similar coin, mint state, 64. Nice design! I have another with the mint of London on the reverse, very interesting MS63
LikeLike
Do you think some coins were minted in England for a trader to bring back to Dublin with him?
or, did they (perhaps) quickly produce a few dies for the trader to bring back with him?
or, did the trader buy used dies and have them repaired?
or, did the moneyers work for a while in Dublin (as a visiting artisan)?
LikeLike