Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 14006 - Ancient, British and Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals
Lot: 89

Mercia, Coenwulf, Penny, 1.28g, tribrach phase, 797-805, London, Diola, uncial m, contraction bar above within inner circle, +coenvvl.f r.e.x, rev. diola, within angles of a tribach formed of two lines, each arm containing a row of pellets, pellet in di and ol angles of tribrach (Naismith L9 var. this reverse with moneyer's name divideddi/ol/a unlisted; N.342; S.914), deliberately bent into a rectangular shape with four almost equal edges facing towards the obverse, the host coin nearly extremely fine

provenance
Found Upton upon Severn near Worcester, Worcestershire, February 2013
Recorded with the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, EMC 2014.0233

The appearance and findspot of this coin has a significance which is yet to be fully understood. Upton upon Severn was part of the original endowment given by Coenwulf to Winchcombe Abbey. Winchcombe (16 miles from Upton) was, at this time, the capital of the Kingdom of Mercia. The Abbey was founded by Coenwulf and its charter was subscribed on 11th November 811 by Cuthred, King of Kent, Sired, King of the East Saxons, Wulfred, Archbishop of Canterbury, and a total of twelve bishops and eleven dukes. Upon Coenwulf's death in 821 he was interred within the Abbey which was also the final resting place of his son, Cynehelm, later venerated as Saint Kenelm.

The practice of coin bending is most usually associated with the 13th-15th centuries. There is much evidence to support the notion that these pieces have an explicitly religious nature and were largely used as votive offerings. One other 9th century parallel is known, an imitative solidus of Louis the Pious, found in Wiltshire, cf P.A.S. (WILT-A50F43). The current specimen, deliberately folded on all four sides and discovered on land belonging to Coenwulf's own religious house could feasibly have a direct association with the endowment of the land to Winchcombe Abbey or possibly the foundation of the Abbey itself. More research needs to be undertaken but seldom can an artefact of such age have such a direct association with the King whose name it bears.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£700