Edmund, King of East Anglia, Penny, moneyer Eadberht

Eadmund (855-870), King of East Anglia, silver Penny, moneyer Eadberht, large A at centre within linear circle, legend and outer beaded border surrounding, +EADMVND REX, rev. cross with pellet in each angle at centre within linear circle, legend and outer beaded border surrounding, .:EADBERHT MO., weight 1.15g (BMC 53; Naismith E64; N.456; S.954). Well struck, fully round, some light toning, good very fine and an additional example to the eight listed by Naismith.

We note this appears to be a new reverse die different from the others recorded by Naismith most obviously by virtue of the smaller tri-pellets squeezed in at the start of the legend.

Little is known of Edmund's actual reign and he was coronated on Christmas day of 854 aged about 16 and probably the son of his predecessor Beorhtric. His reign is assumed to have been peaceful apart from some Viking raids and occupation around 865-866 when the three sons of Ragnar Lothbrok wintered in the Fens. Eadmund let them camp unmolested and gave supplies in the hope they would pass through as the main target would appear to be York. The Viking raiders overthrew Northumbria and brought the Mercians to a standstill at Nottingham and in the autumn of 869 they camped confidently in the heart of East Anglia at Thetford well away from their ships, when legend takes over the story of St Eadmund. As a Christian hero Eadmund was prepared to sacrifice himself in lieu of his people and had dismissed his main army but may have rejected a demand to hand over at least part of his kingdom. One account then goes on to say he did battle with the Vikings at Hellesdon/Hoxne in November 869 and was defeated and killed. Stories emerged how he was captured alive and tortured and tied to a tree for target practice. Apparently beheaded, his remains were later recovered and buried by his followers whilst East Anglia was settled by the Vikings with possible installation of a puppet king. A cult of Saint Edmund later grew encouraged by the christianised warlord Guthrum and by 915 his relics were transferred to Bedricsworth - todays Bury St Edmunds. By the 14^th Century St Edmund was one of the patron saints of England.

The obverse legend translates as "Eadmund King" and the reverse "Eadberht Moneyer".

Provenance:

Ex Dr John Tooze Collection, Dix Noonan and Webb, Auction 163, 19^th September 2019, lot 1009.

Ex Collection of an English Doctor, part one, Sovereign Rarities, London, March 2022.