Early medieval coinage: a brief overview of sceattas and of my collection

[Roerbakmix]

Background

Sceattas, small silver deniers, widely circulated as trading coinage in Anglo-Saxon England, Francia, Frisia, and Danmark (i.e. current England, France, Netherlands and of course Danmark). Traditionally, the coinage is divided in three phases: 

1) the primary phase (c. 680-715 AD)

2) the secondary phase (c. 715-750)

3) the tertiary phase (c. 750 - ? differs; depending on the series)

... and two main groups: continental, and Anglo-Saxon. (Also traditionally), sceattas are grouped in series (A-Z) and BMC numbers, partly based on hoard evidence, find location or stylistic similarity. A new categorization approach has recently been proposed by Tony Abramson, in his (now standard work) Sceatta List. 

Sceattas are usually anepigraphic (i.e. there is no legend), they are usually anonymous, and the often abstract design sometimes requires an acquired taste. 

Aim

The aims of this post are twofold:

1) present an overview of all available literature, part of which is freely available (but sometimes requires registration)

2) present an overview of my collection of sceattas. 

I'll try to expand on this post regularly. 

 

An overview of the available literature:

General

• Abramson, Tony. Sceatta list, third edition (2021) available at https://www.greenlightpublishing.com/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=25777660. This book is regarded as the new standard reference. Its aim is to provide an overview of all known sceattas, grouped in sceatta list numbers, instead of the conventional series and BMC numbers. Sceattas are shown with black/white photos in a tabular form. For the 50 GBP, it's a nice general overview to identify your sceattas. 
• Metcalf, Thrymsas and Sceattas in the Ashmolean Museum Oxford (1993-1994) volume I-III. This comprehensive study by Metcalf is regarded as the academic standard work on both the gold phase (shillings or thrymsas) and silver phase (sceattas). It's difficult to come by, and expensive (I bought my three voluminae for 500€ in 2021). Yet, for the serious collector, these three books are very informative.  
• Rigold. The two primary series of sceattas. Description will follow
• Hines. Units of account in gold and silver in seventh-century England. Scillingas, sceattas and paeningas. Description will follow
• Lyon. A reappraisal of the sceatta and styca coinage of northumbria. Description will follow
• Metcalf. Some finds of thyrmsas and sceattas in England. Description will follow
• Sosvo. Emporia, Sceattas and Kingship in 8th C. Denmark. Description will follow
• [PUBLIC] May. Sceattas anglo-saxons inedits ou peu connus (1895). Available at: https://jaarboekvoormuntenpenningkunde.nl/jaarboek/1895/1895j.pdf
• [PUBLIC] May. Considérations sur trois sceattas anglo-saxons identiques du cabinet numismatique de la Société frisonne à Leeuwarden. (1904) Available at: https://jaarboekvoormuntenpenningkunde.nl/jaarboek/1904/1904e.pdf
• [PUBLIC] Metcalf. The composition of some Frisian Sceattas (1968). https://jaarboekvoormuntenpenningkunde.nl/jaarboek/1968/1968d.pdf
• Breternitz et al. Friesische Halbsceattas; Werkstoffkundliche und historische Überlegungen (2017). Available at: https://jaarboekvoormuntenpenningkunde.nl/jaarboek/2017/2017a.pdf. A theory on a different monetary unit, half-sceattas, which should explain the debasement of sceattas over time. Metcalf and Op den Velde disagreed in a letter published here: https://jaarboekvoormuntenpenningkunde.nl/jaarboek/2017/2017b.pdf

Hoards:

• Ijsennagger. Der Sceatta-Schatz von Hallum. Description will follow
• Marsden. Three recent sceatta hoards from Norfolk. Description will follow
• [PUBLIC] Op den Velde. The Cothen Hoard as Witness of the International Circulation of Sceattas New Research into Early-Medieval Communities and Identities. Available at: https://jaarboekvoormuntenpenningkunde.nl/jaarboek/2014/2014-101b.pdfDescription will follow
• [author] The Aldborough Norfolk hoard of sceattas. Description will follow
• [PUBLIC] Hill. Anglo-Saxon and Frisian sceattas in the light of Frisian hoards and site-finds. (1954) Available at: https://jaarboekvoormuntenpenningkunde.nl/jaarboek/1954/1954b.pdf
• [PUBLIC] Two Hoards of Sceattas from the Province of Groningen. (1955) Available at: https://jaarboekvoormuntenpenningkunde.nl/jaarboek/1955/1955g.pdf
• [PUBLIC] Sceatta’s gevonden bij Maurik en Rijswijk. (1982) https://jaarboekvoormuntenpenningkunde.nl/jaarboek/1982/1982a.pdf

Series D : 

• Metcal and Op den Velde. The Monetary Economy of The Netherlands, c. 690 – c. 715 and the Trade with England: A Study of the Sceattas of Series D. (2003). Available at: https://jaarboekvoormuntenpenningkunde.nl/jaarboek/2003/2003a.pdf. Standard work on series D (including all subtypes, ie BMC 2c, 8, and 10), including a die study. 

Series E:

• Metcalf and Op den Velde. The Monetary Economy of The Netherlands, c. 690 – c. 760 and the Trade with England: A Study of the ‘Porcupine’ Sceattas of Series E. Volume I. (2009) Available at: https://jaarboekvoormuntenpenningkunde.nl/jaarboek/2009/2009a.pdf. The standard work on Series E. 
• Metcalf and Op den Velde. The Monetary Economy of The Netherlands, c. 690 – c. 760 and the Trade with England: A Study of the ‘Porcupine’ Sceattas of Series E. Volume II. (2009) Available at: https://jaarboekvoormuntenpenningkunde.nl/jaarboek/2010/2010a.pdf. The die study of series E. 
• Metcalf. A stylistic analysis of the porcupine sceattas

Series W:

• Martinez. Une sceat marseillaise d'imitation trouvé à Torrecampo (Cordoue, Espagne)

Series X:

• [PUBLIC] Barrett. An analysis of the series X or Wodan monster sceattas. Some implications for trade and exchange in the 8th century AD (volume I). 1992. Available at: https://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/14738/. Barrett provides an overview of the Series X. 
• [PUBLIC] Barrett. An analysis of the series X or Wodan monster sceattas. Some implications for trade and exchange in the 8th century AD (volume II) Available at: https://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/14738/. Die study of series X. 
• [PUBLIC ]Feveile. Series X and coin circulation in Ribe. Available at https://www.academia.edu/639506/Series_X_and_Coin_Circulation_in_Ribe This publication gives an overview of the archaeological excavations at Ribe (Danmark), with a focus on sceatta finds in that region. 

 

Unsure (will categorize correctly later):

Metcalf. The 'bird and branch' sceattas in the light of a find from Abingdon

 

Edited April 4, 2023 by Roerbakmix

[Roerbakmix]

SERIES A

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series A), minted: Probably Eastern England; 690-710 AD
Obv: Radiate bust to the right, somewhat curde, curved line of pellets beneath crown, legend (partly off-flan): TIC
Rev: TTo// standard, without clear tuva as.
Weight: 0.75g; Ø:10 mm. Catalogue: Abramson 3-10. Provenance: Found in 2010 bij Johan (unknown surname)
Ex. Heritage Europe auction 50, lot 3935 (24.05.2016);
Ex. World Coins Company (owner E. Datema, bought on Coinfair Houten on 28-01-2021); acq.: 01-2021
Find location: Wijk bij Duurstede (Dorestad), The Netherlands Published:
Personal communication with Tony Abramson (28-01-2021): "It's certainly Series A with the TIC legend. There are a few anomalous features as you point out - the large head, the curved hairline and the disintegrated tufa. I would suggest this deterioration and the light weight, places it late in Series A. "

[Roerbakmix]

SERIES B

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series BIb, type 27b), minted: Mint in Essex or East Anglia; c 685-700
Obv: Diademed bust right, breaking inner border; blundered legend around
Rev: Bird standing right upon cross; annulets flanking and two dots below; all within ouroboros (snake eating its own tail); three annulets below, blundered legend around
Weight: 1.19g; Ø:12 mm. Catalogue: Abramson 16.10. Provenance: Ex. World Coins Company (owner E. Datema, bought on Coinfair Houten in 2020)
Ex. Heritage Europ sale 54, lot 6790 (22-05-2017); acq.: 09-2020
Find location: Unknown Published: No
Very pleasing dark toning.

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series BII, type 27b), minted: Mint in Essex or East Anglia; 700-710 AD
Obv: Crudely executed, heavy-jowled, diademed bust to the right; blundered legend around
Rev: Neat bird on cross within serpent circle starting at 7 o'clock, cross pommée before, annulet on either side
Weight: 0g; Ø:11 mm. Catalogue: Abramson 16-60. Provenance: Bought on ebay from seller mathw000 (item nr: 224903325937); acq.: 03-2022
Find location: Unknown Published: No
Darkly toned, obverse off-center, showing the legend outside the circle (which is usually off-flan)

[Roerbakmix]

SERIES C

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series A/C (contemporary imitation)), minted: Uncertain mint; uncertain, probably 680-750 AD
Obv: Radiate bust to the right, within dotted border. Before and behind the bust, an inversed T; a + before the bust.
Rev: T T o /\ standard within square dotted border; garbled legend around.
Weight: 0.64g; Ø:11 mm. Catalogue: Not in Abramson, probably unique. Provenance: Ex Heritage Auctions Europe, 18-11-2020, lot 5811; acq.: 11-2020
Find location: Unknown Published: No
Correspondence with Tony Abramson, 28-12-2020: "This is new to me. It's related to primary Series A and C, perhaps a derivative of these. The obverse has several curious features, the plain crown, the absence of letters, the two T's either side of the head in the lower quarters, the cross before (with a tiny chevron beneath - perhaps a flaw) and the crescent behind. The reverse has unusual symbols in the margins. I think Metcalf would have said its one of many unofficial contemporary derivatives of Series C. A most unusual coin."

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series C), minted: Anglia; 700-710 AD
Obv: Radiate bust right, runic T EPA before, broken A, annulet and pellet behind, beaded pyramid neck on linear and beaded exergual lines
Rev: Beaded standard containing votive legend, crosses to sides, phean ('pick-age'shape) at outer corners
Weight: 1.08g; Ø:10.9 mm. Catalogue: Abramson 4-40 (scarce). Provenance: Bought from H. Eeuwe; acq.: 06-2021
Find location: Unknown Published: No

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series C), minted: East Anglia (Kent?); 700-710 AD
Obv: Radiate bust to the right, Runic AEPA before, broken A, annulet and pellet behind, beaded pyramid neck on linear and beaded exergulal lines
Rev: Beaded standard containing votive legend, crosses to sides, pheon ('pick-age' shape) at outer corners
Weight: 1.07g; Ø:11 mm. Catalogue: Abramson 4-40 (scarce). Provenance: Ex Heritage Auctions Europe, 19-11-2020, lot 9389; acq.: 11-2020
Find location: Unknown Published: No
Cleaned; weight 1.11 > 1.07

 

[Roerbakmix]

SERIES D

BMC type 2c:

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series D, type 2c), minted: Frisia; 690-715 AD
Obv: Degenerated diademed head, runic inscriptings before
Rev: Central cross-pommee with dots on each corner; cross above, annulet below.
Weight: 1.23g; Ø:11 mm. Catalogue: No die match in Metcalf and Op den Velde, The Monetary Economy of the Netherlands, c. 690 - c. 715 and the Trade with England: A Study of the Sceattas of Series D. (JMP 2003). Provenance: Bought from finder; acq.: 04-2020
Find location: Oud-Zevenaar, The Netherlands, near the assumed location of an 8th century church Published: Numis nr: 1150618

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series D, type 2c), minted: Possibly England; 695-715 AD
Obv: Abstract head
Rev: Central cross with four pellets around, below annulet, above cross patté, runic letters around.
Weight: 1.08g; Ø:13 mm. Catalogue: . Provenance: Bought from M. Eldijk, who bought it from the finder; acq.: 09-2019
Find location: Unknown Published: no
Series D (Continental Runetype), Type 2c, sub-variety 3c (with head right (it often faces left in sub-variety 3c), reverse die-match to the major 3c die-chain). Based on find-material, these are quite possibly English imitations of the continental sceattas, which in turn are imitations of early English Sceattas.

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series D, type 2c), minted: Frisia; 695-715 AD
Obv: Abstract bust to the right, Runic EPA before
Rev: Central cross, with pellets in each quarter, large annulet above. VVVVs around
Weight: 1.21g; Ø:11.4 mm. Catalogue: . Provenance: Bought from Finder (Jean Peusens)
ex. Heritage Coin Auction May 2019, lot 6502 (unsold); acq.: 11-2022
Find location: Maastricht, The Netherlands Published: Numis: 1165547
Nice, even dark tone, well detailed.

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series D, type 2c), minted: Frisia; 695-715 AD
Obv: Abstract and crude bust to the right, with prominent square nose. EPA before.
Rev: Central cross, with pellets in each quarter, large annulet above. VHN around
Weight: 11.1g; Ø:1.13 mm. Catalogue: . Provenance: Bought from Finder (Jean Peusens)
Ex. Heritage Coin Auction May 2019, lot 6501 (unsold); acq.: 11-2022
Find location: Maastricht, The Netherlands Published: Numis: 1165548
Die-break in the A of EPA

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series D, type 2c), minted: Frisia; Primary phase
Obv: Abstract head to the left, runic EPA to the left (largely off-flan)
Rev: Cross-pommee with garbled legend around; above a cross.
Weight: 1.33g; Ø:11 mm. Catalogue: No die match in Metcalf and Op den Velde, The Monetary Economy of the Netherlands, c. 690 - c. 715 and the Trade with England: A Study of the Sceattas of Series D. (JMP 2003). Provenance: Ex. DNW 03-11-2020, lot 8; acq.: 11-2020
Find location: Unknown Published: No
 

BMC 8

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series D, type 8), minted: Frisia; 690-720
Obv: Dotted standard, annulet with pellet in center, around three V and one I, dot between. Outside standard, a pellet and largely off-center garbled legend
Rev: Runic inscription (A V H) around cross-pommee, pellets around
Weight: 1.18g; Ø:12 mm. Catalogue: . Provenance: Bought from finder Paul van der Ven, who found it in 2019; acq.: 05-2020
Find location: Northern France, near Abbeville Published: No

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series D, type 8), minted: Frisia; 695-715 AD
Obv: Central cross with garbled runic legend around
Rev: Standard with central annulet,
Weight: 0.63g; Ø:10 mm. Catalogue: . Provenance: Bought from J.T.M. van Bergen; acq.: 11-2019
Find location: Unknown Published: no

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series D, type 8), minted: Frisia; 695-715 AD
Obv: Central cross with garbled runic legend around
Rev: Standard with tufa, central annulet, a V in each quadrant
Weight: 0.97g; Ø:11.1 mm. Catalogue: Die match to reverse dies 38 and 40; possibly also obverse die match. . Provenance: Ex. Elsen, auction 150, lot 1017; acq.: 03-2022
Find location: Unknown Published: no
 

BMC 10

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series D, type 10), minted: Frisia; c.700-715 AD
Obv: Crowned bust to the right with pellets as hair. Sharp, portruding nose. Runic inscription aepa in front
Rev: Radiated 'porcupine' or 'moonface' bust, to the right. Latin inscription TICV in front.
Weight: 1.16g; Ø:12 mm. Catalogue: Op den Velde die chain 312-325 (obverse); 318-319 (reverse). Abramson 9-10; BMC type 10;. Provenance: Bought from finder; acq.: 04-2020
Find location: Oud-Zevenaar, The Netherlands, near the assumed location of an 8th century church Published: NUMIS nr. 1150617
The series D sceatas consists of three distinct styles: the BMC type 8, showing a standard on the obverse and a runic inscription on the reverse; the BMC type 2c (which is the most abundant) showing a bust, facing right on most coins, with a runic inscription in front, and the same runic inscription as type 8, and BMC type 10, showing the same bust as type 2c (die links have been found) and a 'porcupine' radiate bust on the reverse. This coin (BMC type 10) is closely connected to the mint of type 2C (as suggested by the die links), but much rarer - fewer than 30 specimens of this coin are known, possibly indicating a smaller, independent mint.
This coin is die linked to chain 312-325 (obverse die link), and 318-319 (reverse die link), minted in Kerk-Averza and Escharen. Other find locations of this type are IJzendoorn, Valkenburg and Ven-Zederheide. Locations in the United Kingdom include Bedford and Bawsey; two locations are unsure (one in Friesland, and one unknown).

[Roerbakmix]

SERIES E

Primary phase:

Secondary phase

Tertiary phase:

[Roerbakmix]

SERIES F:

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series F), minted: probably continental; 695-705
Obv: Bust facing right, wearing helmet with neck gaurd, large nose to forehead, cross-patte behind. Blundered legend around.
Rev: Cross on steps, annulets around, blundered legend around (largely off-flan)
Weight: 1.22g; Ø:11.5 mm. Catalogue: Abramson 106-35. Provenance: Ex iNumis Mail Bid Sale 18, lot 385, 19-10-2012; acq.: 04-2021
Find location: Published:
Pleasant dark-grey toning. Obverse struck with fresh die; reverse with worn die.

[Roerbakmix]

SERIES G

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series G), minted: England; 710/5-720
Obv: Diademed bust, wearing torque, large eye gazing heavenward, braided hair upright, wreath ties unknotted behind. Cross-pommé in front, three pellets below. Dotted border around
Rev: Standard with four crosses pommé, pellets in between, in center annulet with pellet inside, within dotted square border. Around pellets with crosses in each quadrant (two visible)
Weight: 1.18g; Ø:12 mm. Catalogue: Variety. Not in Abrahamson. Provenance: Found near Roosteren, the Netherlands, in 2019. Numis nr: 1150653; acq.: 05-2020
Find location: Published:
From Abrahamson: It is thought that this type may take its inspiration from Constantine the Great's dream-vision, reported by Eusebius of Caesarea and Lactantius, of a cross of light before the setting sun, bearing the inscription hoc signo victor eris, 'under this sign you shall be the victor', before the battle of Milvian Bridge on 28th October 312. This marked the start of Constantine's conversion to Christianity. Troops had proclaimed Constantine emperor in York in 306, on his father's death, so use of his image would be most appropriate, though little mention is made of this by the likes of Bede. The source of emissions is unknown; there are resonances with Merovingian deniers, with Metcalf discussing Quentonvic as a candidate. The best specimens show a coiffured hairstyle though the mainstream displays an upright, braided style. This decays into imitative types with some mingling with Series J (cross-on-)bird reverses. Contemporary imitations can form a valid part of the circulating medium

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series G), minted: Probably Quentonvic; 710-720 AD
Obv: Crude and somewhat geometric bust to the right, with the typical oval almond shaped eye, but without the cross before the face. A group of four pellets before and behind the long neck.
Rev: Four cross-pommee around a central pellet-within-annulet, all within dotted square border
Weight: 0.9g; Ø:13.5 mm. Catalogue: . Provenance: Bought from Paul van der Ven; acq.: 05-2021
Find location: Published:
0.91 gram prior to restoration

[Roerbakmix]

SERIES H

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series H), minted: Hamwic (Southampton); 720-745
Obv: facing ‘Wodan’ head with pellets below within beaded inner border, seven roundels surrounding with pellets between
Rev: long legged bird walking right, pellet cross below neck and pellet in annulet above, pellet between leg, with pellet details surroundin
Weight: 0.73g; Ø:12.1 mm. Catalogue: Abramson 4.48. Provenance: Bought from finder, name unknown; acq.: 05-2021
Find location: Thorn (Limburg) Published: Numis #1163486
Delamination on the reverse

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series H), minted: Hamwic Mint; 720-745 AD
Obv: Pecking bird in beaded foliage, right, wing raised and curled, pellet eye, beak open, feet splayed, pellets in field.
Rev: void Celtic cross, encompassing four rosettes, central rosette, no pellet cross.
Weight: 0g; Ø: mm. Catalogue: Abramson 46-10. Provenance: Found at Westfield Farm Cheriton on 21-05-2006, according to the notes of the archeologist that found it ("ref WF/105, Area no B"); acq.: 10-2021
Find location: Published:
Sharply struck, underlying lustre, high relief and a pleasant toning

[Roerbakmix]

SERIES J

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series J, type 37), minted: Mint in Northumbria; 710-725 AD
Obv: Two confronted diademed heads; between, long cross with trident end; double border
Rev: Cross, at each end a bird right; double border.
Weight: 0g; Ø:12 mm. Catalogue: . Provenance: Bought on ebay from adl-numismatics, NR 154920101191, found in Norfolk, England, 2018; acq.: 03-2022
Find location: Published:
Darkly toned, irregular flan

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series J, type 37), minted: Mint in Northumbria; 710-725 AD
Obv: Two confronted diademed heads; between, long cross with trident end; double border
Rev: Cross, at each end a bird right; double border.
Weight: 0.84g; Ø:11 mm. Catalogue: Abramson 18.30; Metcalf 298-9; North 135; SCBC 802A.. Provenance: Ex Heritage Auctions Europe, 20-11-2020, lot 11369; acq.: 11-2020
Find location: Published:
EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series J, type 85), minted: Anglo-Saxon; 710-725, York
Obv: Diademed head right, double strand pearl diadem
Rev: A bird on a cross, pellets in field in front of bird and below horizontal bar on the cross; annulets at the ends of the horizontal arms, beaded inner circle
Weight: 0.98g; Ø:10.8 mm. Catalogue: . Provenance: Ex Gallery 51 (May auction, lot 185, 30.05.2014), Ex iNumis (Auction 42, lot 191, 05.06.2018), Ex iNumis (shop, 27-04-2021); acq.: 04-2021
Find location: Published:

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series J, type 85), minted: Anglo-Saxon; 710-725, York
Obv: Diademed head right, double strand pearl diadem
Rev: A bird on a cross, pellets in field in front of bird and below horizontal bar on the cross; annulets at the ends of the horizontal arms, beaded inner circle
Weight: 0.88g; Ø:11.6 mm. Catalogue: . Provenance: Bought from Eddy Pauwels, who found the coins near Etaples-sur-Mer (2022); acq.: 07-2022
Find location: Published:
 

[Roerbakmix]

SERIES K

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series K), minted: ;
Obv:
Rev:
Weight: 0.67g; Ø:12.4 mm. Catalogue: . Provenance: Found near Étaples, France. Bought from Le Numis d'or, Ebay (ID 185594493974); acq.: 10-2022
Find location: Published:
 

[Roerbakmix]

SERIES N

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series N, type 41b), minted: Probably Eastern England; 715-720 AD
Obv: Two figures facing forward, long cross pommee between, both wearing long tunics, long crosses at either side
Rev: Crested monster left, looking back, crest behind, tail raised, claws beneath, pellets in field
Weight: 1.06g; Ø:11 mm. Catalogue: Abramson 52-40 (scarce). Provenance: Bought from G. van Dijk; acq.: 01-2021
Find location: Published:
Minor iron deposits on the obverse, cleaning scratches on reverse

 

[Roerbakmix]

SERIES R

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series R10 (Wigraed)), minted: East Anglia, uncertain mint; c. 710-750 AD
Obv: Radiate bust of crude style right, annulet either side of head, runic "WIGR", before, ΛO and pellets behind, wearing collared drapery
Rev: Beaded degenerate standard containing symmetrical geometric symbols, central annulet, cross pommée to each side, diagonals at outer corners
Weight: 0.72g; Ø:11 mm. Catalogue: Abramson 11.150 (id. Provenance: Coin fair Houten; bought from E. Datema; acq.: 09-2020
Find location: Unknown Published: No
Relatively scarce (Ashmolian museum lists three; Abramson lists three other; PAN lists one die-identical example (both obv. and rev. die match: SF-1743C6) subtype of the series R with the name of the moneyer (?) "Wigraed" on the obverse, instead of the typical runic EPA. This coin probably belongs to the last twenty years of the production of this coinage, between 735 and 749, and therefore to the reign of Ealdwulf’s successor Aelfwald. Two named moneyers, Tilberht and Wigraed, were operating in Aelfwald’s reign; Wigraed possibly at Gipeswic, and Tilberht at Thetford.

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series R8), minted: East Anglia, uncertain mint; c. 710-765
Obv: Abstract head to the right; before: EA (blundered runic legend), behind: three annulets.
Rev: Beaded ‘standard,’ with degraded TOT II legend; crosses pommée around.
Weight: 0.94g; Ø:12 mm. Catalogue: Abramson 11.120; SCBI 63 (BM), 670–1; cf. North 157; SCBC 813A. Provenance: ; acq.: 12-1899
Find location: Published:
Minor encrustations, cleaned

[Roerbakmix]

SERIES X

EARLY MEDIEVAL, Anonymous. Denomination: AR Sceatta (Series X), minted: Ribe, Danmark; 710-780 AD
Obv: Facing 'Wodan' head with radiate hear, beard and mustache, cross on either side, all within line border
Rev: Bipedal monster in flight, looking back, gaping jaws biting raised triple-forked tail, crest before with pellet and, ornaments below head.
Weight: 0g; Ø:11.8 mm. Catalogue: Abramson 103-10. Provenance: Schulman, auction 371, lot 1751; acq.: 04-2022
Find location: Unknown Published: No
Sharply struck, some earthen deposits mainly on reverse. Dark grey toning

[Nap]

You are putting together a lovely representative set of the different types of sceattas, the "alphabet soup" of types.

I too like Rigold's series letter attribution, it is just easier to remember than Tony Abramson's more comprehensive numeric classification.  Even though the series letters are problematic at times and there are may types that don't fit the lettered series.  I don't think the series letters are going away any time soon, and will remain a main method to classify.

[John Conduitt]

A great collection with some very interesting coins. I love the bibliography, very useful. My collection focuses solely on British sceattas and sceattas found in Britain so it is helpful to have a view including the Continent.

[Roerbakmix]

Thanks @Nap and @John Conduitt. It appears some of my images aren't loading properly; I'll look into that later. If you have any biography that is missing in this list, please feel free to post them here, or send me a pm!