Kings of Mercia – Offa Silver Penny 757-796AD Light Coinage

Kings of Mercia – Offa Silver Penny 757-796AD Light Coinage, moneyer Eoba.
16mm, 1.17g

Offa was the son of Thingfrith and related to earlier Mercian rulers.
He became king of Mercia following a period of civil war after the assassination of Aethelbald, subsequently consolidating control of other territories; this apparent unification of England is interpreted by some as a quest for power. His coinage is artistically accomplished and his wife Cynethryth is the only Saxon queen to be depicted on a coin.

A lovely example in good metal, previously sold by Spink, auction 38, lot 533 (October 2004)