Styca - Aethelred II 2nd reign; Phase IIci
| Copper (alloy) | 0.7 g | 12 mm |
| Location | Kingdom of Northumbria (Kingdoms of British Isles and Frisia) |
|---|---|
| Moneyer | Eardwulf |
| King | Aethelred II (841-843, 844-849) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 844-850 |
| Value | 1 Styca |
| Composition | Copper (alloy) |
| Weight | 0.7 g |
| Diameter | 12 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#302474 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Pellet within beaded circle, moneyer's name around.
Script: Latin
Lettering: +EΛRDVVLF
Translation: Eardwulf.
Comment
Styca Coinage - C: Copper Alloy Regal Issues (c.810-c.830)Kings of Northumbria, Aethelred II (second reign c.844-849), Phase II, Group Ci. York mint.
The dates of Aethelred II's reigns are uncertain. He may have reigned from around 840-1 to 848-50 with a break in 844 when Redwulf usurped the throne, or from 854 to 862 with Redwulf usurping in 858.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique blend of Christian and pagan imagery. The obverse (front) side of the coin depicts a cross, which symbolizes Christianity, while the reverse (back) side features a image of a bird, which was a common motif in pre-Christian Anglo-Saxon art. This blending of religious symbols reflects the cultural and religious shifts that were taking place in England during the 9th century.
