Lot 486
Aethelred II (978-1016), Silver Penny, long cross type (c.997-1003), Exeter Mint, Moneyer Manna. Draped bust left, large pellet at nape of neck, legend and outer beaded border surrounding, legend commences lower left, +ÆÐELRÆD REX ANG, rev. long voided cross with tri-crescent ends, legend and outer beaded border surrounding, +MA NNA M.O E AXE, pellet in O, weight 1.41g (B.M.C. type Iva; N.774; S.1151). Dark attractive tone, two small peck marks on reverse, otherwise extremely fine. Value $600 - UP
Aethelred II issued nine types of silver Penny throughout his long 38-year reign as there was a veritable explosion in the number of mints and activity of their moneyers. According to North there are a total of up to 73 mints operating in this reign with a further 14 enigmatic readings that are uncertain. Six of the coin types including long cross, ran for six-year periods with the other three being much more short-lived. The long cross type spanned the turn of the eve of the first Millennium in 1000 and the Exeter Mint at that time had up to 33 moneyers working as a key town to supply money for commerce in the West Country. The only mints that had more moneyers were Stamford with 37, Winchester with 44, Lincoln with up to 65, York with up to 82, and the lion’s share in the capital of London with up to 102 in operation.
The obverse Latin legend translates as "Aethelred King of the English" and the reverse as "Manna Moneyer of Exeter.".
Ex Hermann Vogel Collection, Adolph Hess, Frankfurt, 16th April 1928, lot 4580. Ex R. A. Shuttlewood, Spink Coin Auction 151, 15th March 2001, lot 467.
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| Realized $600 |
