Date: c. 1015-1035
Hiberno-Norse Phase II Long Cross Penny, Sihtric of Dublin (Difelin) and signature; (Ndremin) moneyer of Dublin.
- Weight: 1.25 g
- Diameter: 19mm
- Toned, small striking fracture at center
- Good VF (gVF)
References:
- O’S 10; D&F 23; SCBC 6122
- SCBI 32 (Ulster), 58 cf. SCBI 22 (Copenhagen), 66; cf. SCBI 8 (BM)
Obverse:
- Draped bust left; cross pattée behind neck
- Legend:
- + ZINTRC RE DN
- Blundered legend, but translates as “Sihtric, King of Dublin”
- Legend:
Reverse:
- Voided long cross, with triple crescent ends; pellet in each angle
- Legend:
- + ND REMIN HO DyFLI
- Blundered legend, but translates as “Ndremin of Dublin”
- Legend:
Country:
- Ireland
Category:
- Hiberno-Norse
- Phase 2
- 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