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”

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”

 

Country:

• Ireland

Category:

• Hiberno-Norse
  • Phase 2
• Hammered

 

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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