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The Severn Stoke Saxon Coin Hoard
Author: Steven Ricey Published: 08-07-2009
In 1996 a hoard of 18 silver Saxon pennies were found near Severn
Stoke, Worcestershire.In 2001 a further coin from the hoard was found
in the same area. Twelve of the coins (of which 9 are shown below)
were struck for King Burgred of West Mercia (reigned 852-874.) The
other coins were struck for kings of Wessex - Aethelwulf, Aethelberht
and Aethelred l. It was Burgred who gave the land at Hartlebury
Castle, now home to Worcestershire County Museum, to the Bishops of
Worcester in 854 AD.The hoard was probably buried in 868 AD.Although
there is no evidence to suggest why the coins were concealed, and it
is not generally believed there was a Viking army raiding this deeply
into Mercia, it may be a sign of this part of Worcestershire being
concerned about possible Viking incursions.
The coins are shown here with their obverse side over their reverse
side (i.e.'Heads' over 'Tails'.) The obverse shows an image of the
king, the reverse the moneyer's mark.
Special thanks for permission given to Worcestershire County Council
for giving Steve Rice and Treasure hunting TV permission to reproduce
this article. |
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East Lothian
