Northumbria Alchred AD 765-774 Silver Sceatta ex T Abramson Collection

Northumbria Alchred AD 765-774 Silver Sceat

Small cross / Stylized stag to right with cross below

S849, 14x13mm, 1.07g

This coin was part of the famous Tony Abramson collection (ticket in his hand). Found by a metal detectorist in East Yorkshire, circa 2019.

A great rarity in wonderful condition

Kingdom of Northumbria

The end of the 7th Century sees the establishment of an advanced monetary system in Northumbria with Kings and Archbishops being named on silver sceats, also the introduction of a bronze coin called the Styca. The silver coins of this series vary in rarity and price, some kings who ruled for very short periods are extremely rare, other, more successful rulers produced far more coins.

Aldfrith (685-705) – Aldfrith was the first King of Northumbria to issue coins and also one of the earliest English rulers known to display his name on a coin itself. A well-educated churchman who became king on the death of his older brother Ecgfrith, under his rule Northumbria entered its so-called ‘golden age’. He was a direct contemporary of both Bede and Alcuin, both of whom write favourably about him.