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Auction: 21000 - The Tony Abramson Collection of Dark Age Coinage - Part I (conducted behind closed doors)
Lot: 53

Anglo-Saxon England, Primary Series (680-710), Sceat, Series B (BId-g), type 27b, diademed bust right, bead before, crescent ear, shoulder breaking beaded circle, legend around, rev. bird right atop cross pattée, annulets in quarters, beaded serpent circle starting at 3 o'clock, 1.10g, 90° (SL 16-10; SCBI 69, 49 this coin; T&S pp. 94-105, 107-12; Gannon 36, 47, 48, no. 173, 107-10, 112, 136, 184, 184, no. 18, and Figs. 2.18a, 4.1b, 4.5; North 126; Spink 777 plate coin), some light surface marks on a smaller irregular but darkly toned flan, otherwise a handsomely bold very fine with a striking portrait

provenance
M Vosper, January 1999
~ Found at Saham Toney (Norfolk), 1997/8 ~
[EMC records a 'Two Emperors' type thrymsa and a Series Q Sceat from this location]


The serpent devouring its own tail or 'ouroboros' had, in classical mythology, been an allegory for the circle of life, from birth until death. However in wider Norse lore, the 'Jörmungandr' is a 'World Serpent' that is vanquished by Thor to surround 'Midgard' (Earth) to grasp its own tail. Were it to release its grip, a great battle would commence in which the Gods would be slain, the land would burn and eventually be submerged under water. The barbed tongue and hooked tail depicted herein instil a fearsome reminder of this most provocative imagery.

In combination with the bird, cross and 'apotropaic' annulets, the whole design could be symbolic of a cautious society, still uncertain of its true political or religious identity within a foundling Christian kingdom, but very much eager not to invoke wrath, Ragnarök and the end of days.

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Sold for
£750

Starting price
£180