Penny - Ecgberht Rochester mint

Historical Context: Ecgberht (802-839) presided over a pivotal era in Anglo-Saxon England. His reign marked the ascendance of Wessex as the dominant kingdom, challenging and ultimately surpassing Mercian supremacy. This period saw the consolidation of power and a nascent move towards a unified English identity, setting the stage for his successors like Alfred the Great. The Rochester mint, a key economic hub, played a vital role in circulating coinage that symbolized Ecgberht's authority across his expanding dominion.

Artistry: The Penny of Ecgberht from the Rochester mint (Sp#1039) typically features a rudimentary portrait or monogram on the obverse, encircled by the king's name and title. The reverse design often displays a cross or a distinctive monogram, such as the 'Saxon-S' type, accompanied by the moneyer's name and mint signature (e.g., 'HROF' or 'ROF'). Engravers, though anonymous, worked within the established Anglo-Saxon numismatic tradition, reflecting local stylistic interpretations common to the Rochester workshop, distinct from those of Canterbury or London.

Technical/Grading: This silver penny, weighing 1.39 grams, exhibits characteristics typical of early 9th-century Anglo-Saxon minting. High-points for wear assessment include the central elements of the obverse portrait/monogram and the outer edges of the lettering. Strike quality can vary, often showing some degree of off-centring or irregular flan shape due to hand-striking methods. A well-preserved example will retain clear details in the legends and a crisp impression of the central devices, indicative of a strong strike and minimal circulation.