Date: c. 1015-1035

Description:

An Hiberno-Norse Phase II Long Cross Penny, Sihtric of Dublin, with uncertain mint signature (Moneyer: Faeremin).

• Diameter: 18mm
• Weight: 0.77g
• Good Very Fine (gVF), toned

References:

• SCBI 8 (BM), 71-2; O’S -; D&F 23; SCBC 6125

Obverse:

Draped bust left; cross behind neck; two pellets in front of face.

• Legend: +NИTRC REX HГИ
  
• Blundered legend, but translates as “Sihtric, King of Dublin”

Reverse:

Long voided cross, two pellets in quadrant 1 and 3, one small pellet in each of the other quadrants.

• Legend: + FÆR MRF MIӨ HFN
• Blundered legend, but translates as “FAEREMIN, moneyer of ?”

Country:

• Ireland

Category:

• Hiberno-Norse
  • Phase 2
    • Moneyer: Faeremin
• 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’ but legible.

• 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.

 

Other Coins in this Series:

• Check List: Hiberno-Norse Coinage

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