ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of East Anglia. Edmund. 855-869. AR Penny (21mm, 1.31 g, 12h). Mint in East Anglia (Ipswich?); Beornferth, moneyer. Struck 855-circa 862. + EADMVND REX AN, cross on base with crosses emanating diagonally from sides / BEORNEERÐ MO, cross pattée; pellets in angles. Naismith 56.1v (same dies); SCBI 67 (BM), 930-4; North 459; SCBC 955. Iridescent toning with faint luster, slightly wavy. Near EF. Rare.
From the Sidney W. Harl & Kenneth W. Harl Collection, purchased from J. Linzalone.
Edmund “the Martyr,” King of East Anglia (855-869) was the last Anglo-Saxon to rule that kingdom. In 865, he was compelled to yield to the demands of the Viking Great Army which wintered in East Anglia and invaded Northumbria the following year. When the Vikings returned in 869, Edmund attempted to oppose the invaders. Though he was defeated and likely slain in battle, legends quickly began to circulate that he had been captured and martyred by the heathens. His remains were translated to Bury-Saint-Edmunds during the reign of King Aethelstan of Wessex.
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