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Auction: 14006 - Ancient, British and Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals
Lot: 90

Mercia, Coenwulf (796-821), Penny, 1.23g, groups III/IV, c.810-20, letter A type variant, London or Rochester, Ealhstan, large stylised bust right wearing devolved Roman helmet, hair showing below, rex m + coenvvlf, uncial m, rev. +ealhstan mone, uncial m and s reversed, letter a in centre (Naismith L18/19 obv. var.; N.345 var/360 var; S.918/917), a field find, 10% flan loss, some discolouration on reverse, otherwise good very fine, unique of this style and die pairing

Although Ealhstan is known for Rochester only, this piece has definite stylistic affinities with Coenwulf's London coinage. It is up for speculation as to whether the die was prepared at London and subsequently sent to Rochester or whether the moneyer moved from Rochester to strike at London. Of course other scenarios are also possible. A variant struck at London with the Roman inspired laureate bust (cf Naismith L18.1a/b /L19.2a) is known so it is more than feasible that this variant is directly related. See also the Pada type Thrymsas for other examples of this helmeted bust inspired by a Roman prototype.

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Estimate
£2,500 to £3,500