Sceat Porcupine, TOTII - Series E, var. A

Historical Context: The Sceat Porcupine, TOTII (Series E, var. A), minted in Frisia between 720-740, marks a critical era. Frisia, a major maritime trading power, maintained a distinct monetary identity despite growing Frankish influence, especially after the Battle of the Boarn in 734. This coinage represents the final phase of independent Frisian minting before its absorption into the Carolingian sphere. Sceattas were vital for North Sea commerce, highlighting interconnected early medieval economies.

Artistry: The engraver remains anonymous, typical for the period. This coin exemplifies the Anglo-Frisian sceatta tradition, characterized by highly stylized and often abstract designs. The obverse features the distinctive "porcupine" bust, a heavily debased, geometric rendition of a human head, likely a distant echo of Roman imperial portraiture. The reverse typically presents a cross or standard motif, often with pellets. The crude TOTII inscription, sometimes retrograde, likely denotes a moneyer or mint mark.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this sceat measures 11 mm and weighs approximately 1.1 gg, standard for the type. Key high-points for wear include the "spines" of the porcupine's head, the forehead, and central reverse elements. Sceattas often exhibit irregular flans, leading to off-center strikes, partial legends, and variable clarity of the TOTII inscription. Die alignment and crispness of the stylized features are crucial grading considerations, reflecting the often hurried production methods of the period.