Anglo-Saxon sceatta of series F

Tom Burton thought the coin pictured here was an Anglo-Saxon silver sceatta. He said he didn’t know much about it so he asked if I could provide him with a full ID and a valuation.

Firstly, this is an Anglo-Saxon sceatta of series F, variety b, type 24b. In the Standard Catalogue it is listed as number 781.

On the obverse is a right-facing bust wearing what looks like a brimmed hat but this is usually described as a helmet. This is surrounded by a blundered legend.

On the reverse, set on steps, is a cross with an annulet on top and on the end of each arm. This side, too, has a blundered legend. The overall design is inspired by a slightly earlier Merovingian denier.

Valuation

The obverse would grade about VF, the reverse VF. Series F sceattas are quite scarce and this is a nice example, so a pre-sale auction estimate shouldn’t be any lower than £200.