Description
Aethelred II (978-1016), Penny, Crux type (c.991-997), Rochester mint, moneyer Eadsige, inner linear circles both sides, bare headed bust left, in front trefoil tipped sceptre, legend surrounds +ÆĐELRÆD REX ΛNGLOX, the NG ligate. Rev, short cross voided with CRVX in angles, reading +EDSIGE M-O ROFE, 1.45g (S.1148; N.770; BMC IIIa; SCBI 7 [Copenhagen], 1061).
A fascinating example struck with a broad portrait of the King in a scarcer if not rarer mint town for type. Few peckmarks, die striations with a mottled tone on obverse, reverse with greater precision, some doubling, nice old cabinet tone. Very fine, scarce.
Ex Fred Baldwin collection, with a supporting ticket noting it had been purchased for £8.10 in 1964. Albert Henry Frederick ‘Fred’ Baldwin (1889-1970), joined the family firm in 1905, the second son of the founder, remaining the titular head of the company until 1967. (see, BNJ 2001, ‘Coin tickets in the British Hammered Series’ Eaglen, Mitchell and H. E. Pagan, pp 136-157).
