Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 531 25-26 Jan 2023
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SCANDINAVIA. 11th century AD. AR Penny (20mm, 1.57 g, 2h). Imitating a Long cross type of Æthelred II, Northampton mint; Wulfric, moneyer. Draped bust left; pellet behind / + PVL FRIC MΩ · Θ HΛM, voided long cross with triple-crescent ends and pellet at center. Malmer –; SCBI 50 (Hermitage), 873 (same dies). Toned, peck marks. VF. Unusual and rare.
Wulfric was a prolific moneyer, engraving for Æthelred at numerous mints across England. A close examination of his Long Cross dies for Northampton suggests that his work was also popular in Scandinavia, where this close imitation was likely produced. The present coin exhibits several epigraphical diversions from the usual dies of Wulfric at Northampton, including a slightly wild portrait style and a retrograde N in the title. This reverse also links to a significantly cruder portrait that would be quite out of place for such a talented English engraver. Though not listed in Malmer's study, we must assume that this, and the coins that die link to it, are products of Scandinavian engravers.
Wulfric was a prolific moneyer, engraving for Æthelred at numerous mints across England. A close examination of his Long Cross dies for Northampton suggests that his work was also popular in Scandinavia, where this close imitation was likely produced. The present coin exhibits several epigraphical diversions from the usual dies of Wulfric at Northampton, including a slightly wild portrait style and a retrograde N in the title. This reverse also links to a significantly cruder portrait that would be quite out of place for such a talented English engraver. Though not listed in Malmer's study, we must assume that this, and the coins that die link to it, are products of Scandinavian engravers.