Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 117 19-20 May 2021
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IRELAND, Hiberno-Norse. Sihtric III Olafsson. Circa 995-1036. AR Penny (21mm, 1.64 g, 3h). Phase I coinage. Imitating Crux type of Æthelred II. Dublin mint; Asketill, moneyer. Struck circa 995-1000. + ZITIR– DICLIИ MELO, draped bust right; trefoil-tipped scepter to right / + ΛZCETEL O– DIFLMC, voided short cross; C R V X in quarters. O'S Type 1; SCBI –; Hildebrand 11 = B. Roth, "The Coins of the Danish Kings of Ireland. Hiberno-Norse Series" in BNJ 1909, 13 (same dies); SCBC 6100. Some light die wear otherwise lightly toned. Choice EF. A remarkable coin of the highest rarity.
From an American Collection of Hiberno-Norse Pennies.
As far as we are aware this is the only example of the excessively rare Crux type with a right facing bust in private hands. The bust is engraved in, what North describes as, a "Benediction Hand" style. This bust style is encountered on the very earliest coins struck in the Crux issue of Aethelred II before the left facing bust was introduced. Could our coin be one of the earliest products of Sihtric's mint?
From an American Collection of Hiberno-Norse Pennies.
As far as we are aware this is the only example of the excessively rare Crux type with a right facing bust in private hands. The bust is engraved in, what North describes as, a "Benediction Hand" style. This bust style is encountered on the very earliest coins struck in the Crux issue of Aethelred II before the left facing bust was introduced. Could our coin be one of the earliest products of Sihtric's mint?