Aethelred I

First reign: 774–779/80 AD • Second reign: 789–796 AD

Aethelred I of Northumbria ruled in two separate periods marked by political instability, dynastic rivalry, and frequent changes of leadership. Despite the turbulence of the age, his coinage is varied and historically important, reflecting both the continuity and experimentation of the Northumbrian monetary system. His sceattas, struck by a small number of moneyers, are prized for their rarity and for the insight they provide into the kingdom’s administrative and economic structure during the late 8th century.

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WS 7694 — Ar Sceat

Ar Sceat. Phase Ia. X AEDIL'RED around small cross with a pellet in each angle, inside pelleted circle. ® + CEOLBALD around boss inside pelleted circle. Spink # 856. Booth: BAR 180, 1987 # 12 (same dies). Note the initial cross in the obverse legend is actually an X (possibly for Rex) with a pellet in each angle. Oval flan and off centre but interesting as this is one of the rarer Ceolbald motif types.

£445.00

WS 8316 — Ar Sceat

Ar Sceat. Phase Ia. + AEDILRED R (bar above the final R) around small cross. ® + CVDHEARD (Cudheard) around small cross. 0.9g. Spink # 856. Same obverse die as EMC 1986.5015. Note the bar above the final R for Rex. Cudheard is the only moneyer known to strike coins for Eardwulf (796–806 AD). He uses the same technique of the bar above the final R for this coinage as well.

£395.00