CEOLWULF II 875-876 AD KING of MERCIA ANGLO-SAXON SILVER PENNY Two-emperors type

Description: CEOLWULF II 875-876 AD KING of MERCIA ANGLO-SAXON SILVER PENNY Two-emperors type 1,34 gr. DescriptionBritish Coins, Mercia, Ceolwulf II of Mercia, penny, two-emperors type, c. AD 875-876, London, Beagstan, + CEOLVVF REX (barred Mercian M), diademed and draped bust right., rev. DELIN MON ETA, two facing seated figures, holding orb between them, angel above with wings spread behind seated figures. The Two Emperors type penny is known for both Alfred the Great, king of Wessex (AD 871-99) and for Ceolwulf II, king of Mercia c. AD 875-9. They continued the joint coinage of Mercia and Wessex begun in 866 under Æthelred I (AD 865-71) and Burgred (AD 852-74) when the Wessex adopted the Lunettes style coinage established by Burgred in Mercia at the start of his reign. This 'monetary union', with each king issuing coins in their own name but with the same reverse design, also involved the sharing of die cutting and mint facilities at London. Beagstan is a well-known moneyer for the late issue lunettes (MacKay phase III, c. AD 868/70-74) coinage of Burgred from London and his presence on this coin striking for Alfred is demonstrative of this sharing with Wessex of Mercian coinage production facilities at London. He is also known for the Cross and Lozenge typeIn the 850s the two principle Southumbrian kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia formed an alliance sealed with marriage of Burgred and Æthelswith, a daughter of Æthelwulf of Wessex. This alliance deepened in response to the arrival the Danish Great Army in 865/6, with 'monetary union' in 866 and a joint military campaign in 868. It continued through to the late 870s when Ceolwulf II, the last Mercian king, who took over for Burgred, c.875, disappears from the record. The Two Emperors type is an expression of the alliance between the two kingdoms with the reverse adopting a design found on later fourth century gold solidi. It is possible that examples of such coins would have been known to the London die cutters and that the design was adopted as it had the right symbolism through which to express the joint Mercian-West Saxon alliance.The Two Emperors type is thought to be the first coinage issued in the relationship between Alfred and Ceolwulf II and is dated to c.875-6. The obverse styling of Alfred, as on this coin, in some cases uses the title REX ANGLO X, i.e. King of the English. In using this expression Alfred appears to lay claim to be king of all the English choosing to ignore the Mercian king. It may be the coins on which this form appears belong to the period after the departure of Burgred in 874-5 when the position of the Mercian king was uncertain. It suggests that at this point Alfred deliberately made a claim to extend his authority over all the English, something which he went on to achieve later after the demise of Ceolwulf II in c.879. It was though something he could not sustain in the mid-870s as Ceolwulf II seems to have gained sufficient strength to be assert his authority within the alliance of the two kingdoms. The fact that the joint Wessex/Mercian Cross and Lozenge coinage, now thought to be later, c.876-878/9, than the Two Emperors type, sees Alfred revert to the plain title of REX, leaving out the ethnic of ANGLO or SAX, is now though to indicate that there was more to Ceolwulf II than the 'foolish King's thegn' of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. The coinage suggests he was effective enough to change the relationship between the two kings giving Mercia more say and maintaining the alliance begun under Burgred. UNCLEANED.SILVER Ar PENNY. VERY NICE LIGHT TONED PATINA. CONDITION AS ON A PICTURES! Combined shipping is 1 $ per every new coin,I combined maximum 10 coins in one letter. I Combined maximum 5 large item in one letter!This option is only for auction format!!! If you buy 10-25 small items,combined shipping is 15 $,but ask me before buy.This option is only for Buy it now fomat!!! All my deliveries are with Registered Air Mail and Tracking number. Diametar: mm. Weight: 1,34 gr. Authenticity Guaranteed 100% +++Please look at the pictures and read shop policies before purchasing. Most of my items are vintage and as such may have flaws. Please understand that I am not an expert but I always try to describe an item's flaws as well as it's attributes. Sometimes what I deem unimportant may be important to you. If I miss something, it is not intentional. I will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Thanks for looking and bidding.If you are not happy with your purchase, let me know BEFORE leaving feedback. I will resolve any issue!!!Shipping Upon payment item will be shipped out in next 3 days! Shipping to Europe usually takes 7-10 working days. Shipping to USA usually takes 10-15 working days.I combine shipping for each additional item, but it depends on the total weight of the package!!! NOTE: If You have any questions -please contact me before bidding and you will receive clear answers.

Price: 160 USD

Location: Serbia

End Time: 2025-01-26T15:25:08.000Z

Shipping Cost: 11 USD