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Auction: 21000 - The Tony Abramson Collection of Dark Age Coinage - Part I (conducted behind closed doors)
Lot: 65

Anglo-Saxon England, Primary Series (680-710), Sceat, "Series E", type 89, SEDE (or AESE [?]) divided by four saltire crosses around central cross, beaded inner border with chevrons beyond, rev. serpent, biting pellet, coiled clockwise with radiant quills, protecting central saltire cross, 1.10g (SL 93-10; SCBI 69, 298 this coin; T&S pp. 246, 263; JMP pp. 222-23; Gannon 132, 138, 175, no. 133, 181, and Fig. 5.28c; North 47; Spink 786 plate coin), a pleasing very fine, extremely rare

provenance
Granta Coins, August 2001
~ Found at Watton (Norfolk), 2000 ~
[EMC 2003.0137 = BNJ Coin Register 2001, no. 50]


The reading SEDE is uncertain but other readings of this mysterious inscription carry even less meaning. Gannon states: 'The snake has 'rays' around its body, which is curved over a cross, a design with strong Christological meaning.' As testified by the Rolltier (lot 117), the motif, ideal to fit a roundel, has precedence on both Celtic coinage and equally on Roman insignia.

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Sold for
£2,100

Starting price
£600