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Auction: 21000 - The Tony Abramson Collection of Dark Age Coinage - Part I (conducted behind closed doors)
Lot: 116

Anglo-Saxon England, Secondary Series (710-760), Sceat, Series K/R mule, 'Wolf serpent' / Annulet cross, variety P3f, coiled serpent right, extended and bifurcated tongue, two small pellets above head, ear behind, beaded body and border, rev. standard enclosing saltire with annulet limbs, line of three pellets on each side, dash-beaded standard and border, 1.00g (SL 14-90; Rigold & Metcalf, BNJ 47 (1977), pl. II, no. 26 this coin; Abramson, 2012b; SCBI 69, 754 this coin; T&S pp. 449-50, 357-58; cf. North 58; Spink 834 plate coin), good very fine, extremely rare

provenance
T Webb-Ware, December 1997
P Mitchell, 1971
~ Reportedly found in near Winchester (Hampshire), 1839 ~
[EMC 1977.0105]


The 'Rolltier' or 'rolled animal' is tightly curled to fit the circular flan. Its barbed tongue and hooked tail provide it with a fearsome armoury. In combination with the enclosed annulet cross reverse, the whole is reminiscent of the protective serpent guarding treasure - whether temporal or spiritual, indeed this concept gives us the etymology of the coin's name - 'sceatt'. Its descent from the Regenbogenschusselchen offered next is evident.

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Sold for
£3,200

Starting price
£450