Description
Aethelred II (978-1016), Penny, Long cross type (c.997-1003), Lincoln mint, moneyer Unbein, bare headed bust left, pellet behind, legend surrounds +ÆĐELRED REX ANGLO. Rev, long voided cross with tri-crescent terminals, pellet at centre, reads +VNBEIN MΩO LINC, 1.53g (S.1151; N.774; BMC IVa).
A darkly toned chocolate brown patina, with an excellent portrait, fields clear with the exception of four peckmarks, mainly on reverse. Legend inscriptions legible in the main, with a broad flan showing the outer beaded border. A complete example on a full flan. Much eye appeal on an underrated type in the series. Bold very fine in strike, despite some weak spots.
Unbein an interesting Lincoln moneyer, the name in its source Scandinavian as ‘Ubeinn’ and appearing mainly in script for Eadred, Eadgar and Aethelred II; Hildebrand B1, C,D types. There is a rendition of Unbein on an Eadwig Penny BMC 1, see ‘Smarmore hoard of tenth century pennies’ BNJ 27 (1952): C. E. Blunt. Coin 23, plate VI, reading +EADV.VICREX- .•.|VNBI|+++|NMOI|’.’ At the time of this distinguished paper, Unbein being recorded or considered as new for Eadwig.
