Eadwig Halfpenny Winchester Mint, of highest rarity only example available

Eadwig (955-959), silver Halfpenny, Winchester Mint, small cross type, small cross within linear circle with legend surrounding, +EADVVIG RE, rev. two sceptres arranged vertically with handles joined at central pellet, mint name VV IN across centre, weight 0.56g (N.740/3; S.1128A). Rim chipped, otherwise toned a bold very fine and of highest rarity with only three examples known, and this probably the only one available to commerce.

The elder of the two sons of Eadmund and nephew of Eadred, Eadwig was still a boy of 14 years of age when he ascended the throne in November of 955 and barely a man by the time of his death aged around 18 in 959. Not much is known of his reign as the north remained quiet as Eric Bloodaxe was dead and the Dublin Kings were otherwise occupied. However, political struggles dominated the Royal court as the young Eadwig fell out with Bishop Dunstan from the time of his Coronation banquet, and his young wife convinced Eadwig to Exile Dunstan. Later in 957 the leading men of Mercia and Northumbria revolted favoring Eadwig's young brother Eadgar for the succession. Dunstan joined with Eadgar and Eadwig's rule was reduced to Wessex only. This induced him to have his marriage annulled and to take a more aristocratic wife in 958, however all was in vain, as he passed away on the 1^st October 959 leaving the Kingdom to Eadgar.

Provenance:

Found Calbourne Parish, Isle of Wight, Hampshire, 3^rd May 2006, EMC.2006.0203.

Coin Register 2007.290.

Ex A H Baldwin, Fixed Price List Summer 2011, AS009.

The only other examples recorded are the North plate coin from different dies and another with same reverse not seen since the early 19^th Century.