© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Penny - Anlaf Guthfrithsson Raven type
| Silver | 1.23 g | 21 mm |
| Location | Viking Kingdom of York (Kingdoms of British Isles and Frisia) |
|---|---|
| Moneyer | Athelferd |
| King | Olaf Gothfrithson (939-941) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 939-941 |
| Value | 1 Penny (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Pound |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.23 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#119100 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Small cross pattée, moneyer's name around.
Script: Latin
Lettering: + ΛÐELFERD MINETR Γ
Translation: Athelferd, moneyer.
Comment
Anglo-Saxon Middle Period (c.780-973), Anglo-Viking Coinages (885-954), English Coins of the Hiberno-Norse Vikings of York (c.919-954)Later period, after the battle of Brunanburh, 937 (939-954), Anlaf Guthfrithsson (939-941), Raven type, struck at the York mint.
In 939, following the death of Aethelstan, the Vikings, under Anlaf Guthfrithsson, occupied York. This occupation lasted until Eadred defeated them in 954, although the Anglo-Saxons briefly recovered York from 944-7 and 948-9. During this occupation, the Vikings struck a variety of coin issues, all quite rare today, with fewer than 200 of all vareities combined.
There are three groups of coins that were struck: those following the types of the contemporary Anglo-Saxon coinage, types that were copies of special issues by the Anglo-Saxons or earlier Vikings, and types that were new, original Norse designs. The last group, comprising the Raven and Triquetra types, are perhaps the most intriguing.
Interesting fact
The Anlaf Guthfrithsson (Raven type) Penny, minted between 939-941, is one of the earliest coins to feature a representation of a Viking ship. The ship is depicted on the reverse side of the coin, and it is believed to symbolize the Viking raids and trading expeditions that took place during the reign of King Anlaf Guthfrithsson. This coin is a rare and valuable example of early Viking-era currency and is highly sought after by collectors.
