© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Penny - Ceolwulf II Cross and lozenge type
| Silver | 1.36 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Kingdom of Mercia (Kingdoms of British Isles and Frisia) |
|---|---|
| King | Ceolwulf II (874-880) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 874-880 |
| Value | 1 Penny (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Pound |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.36 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#102737 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Small cross within central lozenge, moneyer's name in angles.
Script: Latin
Lettering: LIOF VAL D MO ИET
Translation: Leofweald, moneyer.
Comment
Anglo-Saxon middle period (c.780-973), Kings of Mercia (757-880), Ceolwulf II (874-80), Cross and lozenge type, London mint; Leofweald, moneyer.Although a puppet of the Vikings, and dismissed in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as a ‘foolish king’s thegn’, Ceolwulf II, the last Mercian king, issued a series of coinages that shared types with Alfred the Great of Wessex. Despite the ravages of the Danish army, the monetary system clearly maintained its integrity.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Ceolwulf II Penny is that it features a unique design element known as a "cross and lozenge" pattern, which is a combination of a cross and a diamond shape. This design was used specifically during Ceolwulf II's reign and is not found on other coins from the same time period.