Ireland, Hiberno-Norse imitation of Aethelred II Penny, hand with pellets reverse, ex Brand

Ireland, Hiberno-Norse Kings, Sihtric III Olafsson (c.995-1036), Phase III (1035-60),silver Penny, draped bust left, pellet in field behind head, blundered legend surrounding, +-NIO III PIO NINN,rev.long voided cross with tri-crescent ends, pellet at centre, small pellet in three individual quarters, crude comb like hand in final quarter, blundered legend surrounding, +III IIIO IIII -OI, weight 0.99g (SCBI 32:297 Ulster; D&F 24; S.6132A).Toned, a little weak in parts, a bold very fine and very rare with single hand.

The phase III coinage was probably issued after Sihtric was forced to abdicate in 1036 as it has much cruder legends than phase II and represents a continual degradation of style into the later phases.

Sihtric Olafsson, known as "Silkbeard" was the son of Olaf Cuaràn King of York, Northumbria and Dublin, and Gormflaith Ingen Murchada previously the wife of Mael Sechnaill, King of Meath and High King of Ireland. Sihtric's Father Olaf Cuaràn had ruled over Dublin from 952-980.

Sihtric was born in Dublin circa 970 and could have been King as early as 989 for a five year period, but then was either restored or actually began his reign in 995. He was briefly deposed in 1000 but was restored again shortly after, until he was forced to abdicate in 1036 by Echmarcach mac Ragnaill whereupon it is thought he died in exile in 1042. He was married to Slàine the daughter of Brian Boru the High King of Ireland, and they had five children together all of who pre-deceased him, the last dying in the same year Sihtric was thought to have died in 1042.

Achievements in his reign included establishing a Bishopric in Dublin in 1028 and the Christ Church Cathedral as well as taking a pilgrimage to Rome.

Provenance:

Ex Virgil M Brand Collection, dispersed post mortem from 1932.

Ex A. H. Baldwin, purchased 2019.

Ex Collection of an English Doctor, part one, Sovereign Rarities, London, March 2022.