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COIN
Unique ID: SF-4AA4E3
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
A pale gold 7th-century Anglo-Saxon shilling modified for usage as a pendant or similar item, c.660-680 AD. It is of Sutherland type II.ii.var: Roman: Constantine (26var) with star-like object on the obverse instead of hand and cross as in Sutherland 26. The coin has been pierced and the remains of a separately cast cylindrical silver rivet are present towards one side of the flan, indicative of modification for usage as something other than a coin. Coins of this period were commonly either looped or pierced for suspension and worn as pendants, and it is likely that the purpose of the rivet was to secure a suspension loop. The coin has a very silvery appearance suggesting that the alloy has a low gold content, which is typical for the type. However, although coins of this type might conceivably fall below 10% of gold, the vast majority of the remainder of the alloy is typically silver, and although this particular example has not been tested, all comparable types tested have a precious metal content well in excess of 80%.
Discussion: Three parallels to this coin are recorded on the EMC (1990.1285, 1998.0081 and 2010.0258) all with East Anglian distribution (see also Metcalf, 1993: pp. 47-49). The parallel from Billockby, Norfolk (1998.0081) differs through the presence of a left facing obverse bust and more recognisably runic legend, although the remaining two examples, both from Suffolk, offer very close parallels.
The precious metal content of this coin, combined with its modification into an object with differing function, and the presence of a separately cast silver rivet indicate that this object qualifies as Treasure under the requirements the Treasure Act.
Evidence of reuse: Silver rivet
Subsequent actions
Current location of find: Acquired by The British Museum
Subsequent action after recording: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2013T106
Chronology
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Early
Period to: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Ascribed Culture:
Anglo-Saxon style
Date from: Circa AD 660
Date to: Circa AD 680
Period of reuse: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Weight: 1.2 g
Diameter: 12.23 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 2nd February 2013
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
SMR reference number: MNL 086
Other reference: EMC 2013.0256.
Treasure case number: 2013T106
Materials and construction
Primary material: Gold
Secondary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Struck or hammered
Completeness: Complete
Coin data (numismatics)
Denomination: Thrymsa
Ruler/issuer: Anonymous (Shilling/Thrymsa)
Mint or issue place: Unknown
Category: Early Anglo-Saxon gold coin
Type: Sutherland II.ii.var: Roman: Constantine (26var): star instead of cross
Obverse description: Diademed bust right, cross behind head and double row of pellets below representing drapery. In front of the bust is a six pointed star or spiked object, two of the 'spikes' terminating in annulets, a cross to the right of the object.
Reverse description: A lyre-like standard, with two crosses above, within a double border of pellets, a triangle or pyramid of pellets below.
Reverse inscription: [X?...]IIIVVNMIX
Die axis measurement: 9 o'clock
Coin references
No coin references available.
Spatial metadata
Region: Eastern (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Suffolk (County)
District: Forest Heath (District)
To be known as: Mildenhall
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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