© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Penny - Cynethryth
| Silver | 1.29 g | - |
| Location | Kingdom of Mercia (Kingdoms of British Isles and Frisia) |
|---|---|
| Moneyer | Eoba |
| Queen | Cynethryth (757-796) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 780-792 |
| Value | 1 Penny (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Pound |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.29 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#103366 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Barred Mercian m, pellets around and within.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
+ CFNEđ·R·Fđ·R·EGIN·Λ
m
Translation: Cynethryth, queen of Mercia.
Comment
Cynethryth, the wife of King Offa of Mercia, was the first and only Anglo-Saxon queen to have her name and image placed on coins. While it has been suggested that these coins were inspired by the appearance of the empress Irene on Byzantine issues, the profile portrait harks back to coinage of Roman augustae.Interesting fact
The Cynethryth Penny, minted between 780 and 792, is a rare example of a silver penny that was issued during a time when most coins were made of copper or bronze. The use of silver in its production gives it a distinctive appearance and makes it stand out among other coins of its time.
