© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Penny - Eric Blood-Axe 1st reign
| Silver | 1.42 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Viking Kingdom of York (Kingdoms of British Isles and Frisia) |
|---|---|
| King | Eric Blood Axe (948, 952-954) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 947-948 |
| Value | 1 Penny (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Pound |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.42 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#102743 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Moneyer's name across two lines, three crosses pattée between.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
INGEL
+ + +
GAR MO
Translation: Ingelgar, moneyer.
Comment
English coins of the Hiberno-Norse Vikings, later period (939-954), Eric Blood-Axe, first reign (947-948);Small cross/Horizontal-Trefoil type, Eoferwic (York) mint; Ingelgar, moneyer.
The most famous of all Vikings, and a fearsome warrior celebrated in the sagas, Eric Bloodaxe twice held power in York in the mid 10th Century. In 948 he butchered the Saxon king Eadred’s army at Castleford but was deposed shortly afterwards as part of a political settlement before regaining the throne in 952.
This coin is one of very few Eric Bloodaxe pennies to survive in private hands.
Interesting fact
The Viking Kingdom of York, where this coin was minted, was established by the Viking leader Ivar the Boneless in 866 AD, and it became a major center of Viking power and culture in the British Isles.
