Date: c. 1000-1010

Hiberno-Norse Phase 1, Class B – Silver Penny Long Cross Type. Sihtric, Godwine of Winchester

Description:

Hiberno-Norse, Phase I Silver Penny in the name of ‘Sihtric, King of Dublin’, Silver Penny in imitation of the English, Aethelred II Long Cross type. This coin is unusual insofar as the obverse legend uses the Old Norse word ‘CONUNC’ (king). Most of Sihtric’s other silver pennies bear the legend ‘REX’ – the Latin word for ‘king.’

• Diameter: 19 mm
• Weight: 1.61g
• Good VF, toned
• One peck mark + three nicks (indicating some transactional usage / circulation)
  • Extremely rare

References:

• SCBI 8 (BM), 28 = Lockett 495(B) (same dies); O’S -; D&F 7; SCBC 6105

Obverse:

• Bare headed draped bust left, pellet behind head
• Legend:
  • + SIHTRIC • CVNV(NG) DУFL
  • Translates as Sihtric, King of Dublin

Reverse:

• Voided long cross, no pellets in quadrants, with triple crescent ends
• Legend:
  • + GODPIИE ΠIO PIИT
    • Godwine, Moneyer of Winchester

Country:

• Ireland

Category:

• Hiberno-Norse
  • Phase I
  • Class B (Long Cross issue)
    • Mint = Winchester
    • Moneyer = Godwine
• Hammered

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
  • Blog Post: The “life & times” of Sihtric Silkenbeard, King of Dublin