Anglo-Saxon sceatta Series E

Here is another Anglo-Saxon period silver sceatta, which is the second to be found by Tom Burton. After not being able to pin it down, Tom asked if I’d have a look at it.

On the obverse is a plumed bird facing right. This variety is a later development of the degenerate head (‘porcupine’) type. On the reverse is a square standard with a range of symbols inside and outside of it. Therefore, this is a Continental sceatta of series E and is listed in the Standard Catalogue as number 791.  

Valuation

Though not particularly rare, the plumed bird variety is scarcer than most of the other sceattas of series E. This specimen would grade good VF for the issue and a specialist collector should be willing to offer a figure in the region of £150 for it.