Featured Completed a moneyer set of Anglo-Saxon Northumbrian stycas

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Nap, May 24, 2016.

  1. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Very nice coin and welcome!
     
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  3. Nap

    Nap Well-Known Member

    Hi,
    I'm glad some of what I wrote was of help to you.

    I agree with your identity of your styca. Aldates only coined for Eanred, and is a fairly scarce moneyer, though not rare. It is thought that Aldates, Gadutels (or Ladutels), and Badigils (or Thadigils) were all variations of the same name. I'm not sure I necessarily agree with the conclusion of the article, but it's worth a read (article starts on page 4):
    http://www.britnumsoc.org/publications/Digital BNJ/pdfs/2000_BNJ_70_14.pdf

    The next time I go through my Pirie book, I'll try to identify your die match, if there is one.

    I have to question one thing in the coin's description though- the suggestion that it was "probably struck at Bamburgh castle". This is news to me, I have always been under the impression that all Northumbrian stycas were most likely struck at York, or, at least, there is no evidence to suggest that they were struck in quantity outside of York. Of course, "evidence" is a generous term, since data about this time period is extremely scant. The coin record is one of the most important links to this otherwise dimly lit medieval time.
     
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  4. DeLaFe

    DeLaFe Active Member

    I am at the Baltimore coin show and just picked up the book:

    Sceatta List by Tony Abramson

    It includes "Stycas Simplified".

    Seems to be a decent reference work!
     
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  5. odinsruleg8

    odinsruleg8 Active Member

    Great collection and information, any idea of whim would have been the maker of this?
     

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  6. John N. Cross

    John N. Cross Member

    Is this lovely example of an Anlaf (Olaf) Guthfrithsson, Viking king of York 939-941AD. Do you own it? It was almost certainly struck at York, by the moneyer Athelherd, ( ATHELHERD MINETR[E]?) on reverse. S.1019, N.537. Is this what you wanted to know?
     
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  7. Eduard

    Eduard Supporter**

    Congratulations to the O.P on a significant numismatic achievement!
     
  8. 4to2centBC

    4to2centBC Well-Known Member

    Last edited: Nov 5, 2016
  9. Nap

    Nap Well-Known Member

    10th century "raven" penny of Anlaf, Viking king of Nothumbria.

    Your coin appears to be a modern replica, though closer scrutiny would be necessary. A real coin, in EF condition, is worth upwards of $20000.

    My collection stops at the close of the styca period, traditionally given as 867. I don't collect the coins of Viking Northumbria strictly for practical reasons- other than the coins of Cnut and Siefred they are all extremely rare and very expensive. Perhaps at some point I might expand my collection to the 10th century.

    The known rulers of Viking Northumbria who issued coins include:
    Cnut (~895-905)
    Siefred (~895-905)
    Regnald I (914-921)
    Sihtric Caoch (921-927)
    Anlaf Guthfrithson (939-941)
    Anlaf Sihtricson (941-943 and 949-952)
    Regnald II Guthfrithson (943-944)
    Eric Bloodaxe (947-948 and 952-954)

    A complete collection of those coins in any sort of decent shape would be a lifetime achievement. Even with all the money in the world, these coins are really difficult to find.
     
  10. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    Well, that leaves me out. It would be nice to see someone put a collection together.
     
  11. Puckles

    Puckles Cat Whisperer


    That article is certainly interesting but it has mentally tied me up in knots on this beautiful sunny Sunday morning. Maybe another coffee will help. Don't agree with her conclusion; Aldates stays, I have a vested interest!

    As for it being minted at Bamburgh Castle, I have my doubts, too. I am a fan of the Saxon series of books by Bernard Cornwell (starts in 866 and continues through to the early 10th century) and enjoyed the TV series "The Last Kingdom" which is based on them. Bamburgh Castle figures prominently throughout and I suspect that suggesting the coin was struck at Bamburgh was an attempt by the seller to capitalise on the interest stimulated by the series. Certainly attracted my attention! However, I agree that based on available information, York is a much stronger candidate.
     
  12. odinsruleg8

    odinsruleg8 Active Member

    Yes I do own and paid a decent price..got or from a reputable dealer in England, also a pendant from earlier era, pondering if I should wear it PR keep it as is, it was made to be worn so...but you've a gorgeous collection..still working g on mine but can get pricey.
     
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