[SOLD]
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.
Comments
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.
Going into the final hours now and still only halfway to my cost.