Name/TitleCoin of East Anglian King Æthelstan with ship on obverse, Norwich Castle Museum, 1978.423
About this objectA silver penny from the reign of Athlestan (r.929–39) discovered in 1977 in East Anglia. This type of coin with a ship on the obverse is derived from Carolingian deniers of Charlemagne (768–814) and Louis the Pious (814–40), struck at the important trading posts at the mouths of the Rhine and Canche, namely Dorestadt and Quentovic.
The ships depicted are rudderless and have ropes shown starting from close to the base of the mast. This ship type was introduced during the last years of Charlemagne [see our Ships Story].
Date Made10th c.
PeriodAnglo-Saxon
Place MadeEngland
Subject and Association KeywordsShips
Subject and Association KeywordsPilgrimage
Subject and Association DescriptionLearn More: Archibald 1982.
