Eadgar Penny, North Western variety, Freothric, ex Lord Stewartby Collection

Eadgar (959-973), silver Penny, North Western moneyer Freothric, two line type, small cross pattée, circles and legend surrounding, + EADGA REX, rev. cross pattée at centre, pellet in annulet either side, rosette of pellets above and below legend, moneyer name in two lines, FREO /ÐRIC, weight 1.29g (N.745; S.1131). Toned, rim a little chipped, otherwise a bold very fine.

Probably born in 943, Eadgar was only around 16 when he inherited the Kingdom from older brother Eadwig, having already ruled Mercia since the age of 14. Eadgar was known as "The Peaceable" on account of his 16 years reign being relatively free of any conflict or revolt, perhaps reflecting his military prowess and naval power from his capital at Winchester. He enjoyed a second Coronation in 973 in the Roman ruins of Bath, having had already his first at Kingston after his accession, in order to associate himself with past glories and with Charlemagne who had had his Coronation in Rome in 800. Eadgar was married three times, having a son Edward with his first wife, a daughter Edith with the second, and two sons with the third, Edmund and Aethelred. Eadgar died unexpectedly at Winchester aged around 32 on the 8^th July 975.

Provenance:

With Lord Stewartby's ticket with a purchase date of 20^th December 1954 from "D"

Ex Lord Stewartby Collection, part I, Spink Coin Auction, 22^nd March 2016, lot 206 pt.