Penny - Burgred Type Ia

Historical Context: This Penny, Burgred Type Ia, dates from the early reign of King Burgred of Mercia (852-874), a period marking the twilight of independent Mercian power. Ascending amidst increasing Viking incursions, Burgred's rule was defined by a desperate struggle against the Great Heathen Army. This coinage reflects the continued vitality of Mercian royal authority and its minting infrastructure, even as the kingdom faced existential threats. It is a tangible link to a pivotal era of Anglo-Saxon resistance.

Artistry: The artistry of the Burgred Type Ia penny (Sp#938, North#423) exemplifies the prevailing Anglo-Saxon numismatic style of the mid-9th century. While engravers remain anonymous, dies were cut by skilled craftsmen within Mercian mints. The obverse typically features a diademed bust of the king, often crude but recognizable, facing right. The reverse commonly displays a cross pattee, sometimes with wedges or pellets, within an inner circle, surrounded by the mint or moneyer's name. This design reflects a conservative yet functional aesthetic.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, weighing approximately 1.2 grams and measuring 20 millimeters, technical qualities vary. High-points for wear assessment include the king's diadem, hair, and drapery folds on the obverse, and the central cross elements on the reverse. Strike quality often presents challenges; flans can be irregular or off-centre, and die wear is not uncommon. A well-struck example exhibits clear lettering and a strong impression of both the bust and the reverse cross, with minimal double striking or weakness.