Description
Canute (1016-35), Penny, Short cross type (c.1029-35/36), Stamford Mint, moneyer Thurstan, diademed bust left with a lance variation in lieu of sceptre, legend surrounding, CNV T RECX. Rev, voided short cross, within linear circle and legend surrounding, reads +ÐVRSTAN ON STA, 0.92g (S.1159 var; N.792; BMC XVI).
Struck on a full problem free flan, clear legends both sides. A very rare variation with lance in lieu of sceptre, the lance variant is generally known for Winchester, Lincoln and Hastings. Stamford coming under the jurisdiction of Lincolnshire geographically, may explain this variation. One natural die break on reverse, nevertheless, good very fine.
Another example of Thurstan on Stamford, lance in lieu of sceptre sold privately by the cataloguer, is referred to in a recent auction update via Spink. Auction 20123 – 8th July 2020, as part of the cataloguing of a Hastings mint, same variation.
‘Since this time no further examples of the ‘Short cross with lance’ variety have been recorded on EMC or the PAS Finds Database, more recently however an example for the moneyer Thurstan at Stamford has been offered privately on the London market’
