Description
Canute (1016-35), Penny, Short cross type (c.1029-35/36), Lincoln Mint, moneyer Swartbrand, diademed bust left with lance in lieu of sceptre, legend surrounding, CNVT REX. Rev, voided short cross, within linear circle and legend surrounding, reads +SPERTABRA ON LI, the NL ligatured, 0.96g (S.1159 var; N.792; BMC XVI; SCBI 14 [Copenhagen, Part IIIb], 1868-9 for moneyer; Lockett/English Part III: lot 2785, same variety and moneyer). A fully centred strike brightly toned with underlying golden mint lustre and red toning spots, obverse appears to be struck with a partially worn die, the detail fluctuating from precise to areas of softness in the southwestern region. Legends legible, free from peckmarks both sides, the lance spear headed sceptre in place of the conventional lis tipped style, with it terminating by the X in REX. Reverse, practically as struck with marginal weakness in parts of the outer rims, superb legends. Good very fine, despite some weakness in obverse, reverse near as struck. A very if not extremely rare sceptre variant, appearing mainly in Hastings, Lincoln and Winchester mints.
Ex Timothy Webb-Ware, acquired via an exchange. Accompanied by an old Baldwin’s ticket in the hand of Peter Mitchell.
