[SOLD]

lordmarcovan

Here is an appealing little Dark Ages coin with attractive grey patina. I was a tad disappointed that PCGS chose to "details" grade it rather than assigning a straight grade, but they gave it XF details, which was higher than I expected. I suppose their "environmental damage" verdict was because of the "light deposits" noted in the CNG description. This is consistent with a dug coin. I would imagine there is a good chance this came from a buried hoard at one time.

I like to think of it having been found in a ship burial like the Sutton Hoo treasure. That's just my imagination, of course, but it's theoretically possible, I suppose.

I find it fascinating that it has the ouroboros (tail-biting serpent) motif on both sides.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouroboros

Ex-CNG eAuction 445, Lot 695. Just encapsulated by PCGS.

https://cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=383486

https://www.pcgs.com/cert/38580861

CNG description:

"ANGLO-SAXON, Primary Sceattas. Circa 685-700. AR Sceatt (12.5mm, 1.10 g, 3h). Series BI A/C, type 27b. Mint in Essex or East Anglia. Diademed bust right within ouroboros; blundered legend around / Bird standing right upon cross; annulets flanking; all within ouroboros; blundered legend around. Abramson 16.40; SCBI 69 (Abramson), 56; North 126; SCBC 777. VF, light deposits.

From the Ealing Collection, purchased from John Cummings, November 1996."

After the CNG and PCGS fees, I'm in it for about $245-250-ish.

UPDATE: now gone to eBay, true auction - 99c start, no reserve, free US shipping

lordmarcovan

Bump. Fixed price and offers are off the table now. It's gone to eBay for a true auction. 99c start (see link above).

Reckon I'll let the chips fall where they may. (So do please give it a look, and maybe a bid or two, if you don't mind.)

Nice little coin. It will be finding a new home soon.

lordmarcovan

Going into the final hours now and still only halfway to my cost.