EARLY MEDIEVAL COIN

828

Part of an Early-Medieval silver penny of Ecgberht of Wessex. The legend has been clipped away from this coin, leaving only the central portion. There is a suggestion that an attempt has been made to create an upturned rim on the obverse. It is likely that this piece was used as an inset for a finger ring or brooch.Details: Silver penny of Ecgberht of Wessex (802 - 839); Portrait/Dorob C Type, struck c. 828 - c. 839; North 573.Dimensions: 10.9mm diameter, 0.6mm thick. Weight: 0.38g.A single coin does not normally constitute Treasure. On this example, however, the extensive and well-executed clipping, which would have rendered it redundant as a coin, indicates a deliberate adaptation for use as a jewellery inset. This item can therefore be considered as an artefact and, subsequently, it fulfils the criteria of Treasure under section C6 of the 1996 Treasure Act, being over 300 years old and containing in excess of 10% silver.