The 780-792 Penny - Cynethryth, wife of OffaA rare penny, showing Cynethryth, Queen of the Mercians and wife of King Offa. Cynethryth is the only Anglo-Saxon queen known to have an image on a coin. Struck between 780 and 792 at the Canterbury mint of moneyer Eoba. SCBC: 909. North: 339.
Very little is know of the early life of Cynethryth, but her name was on charters as a witness in 770. By 780 she had the title Cyneðryð Dei gratia regina Merciorum (Cynethryth, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Mercians).
Offa and Cynethryth were known as a devoted couple. When Offa died in 796, Cynethryth became abbess at the monastery at Cookham (Berkshire, England). She died some time after 798.
The Obverse shows a draped bust facing right with trefoil at sides and above.
The Reverse is a barred m, with five pellets around and within. Legend is "CFNE?.R.F?. R.EGIN.Λ".The coin was graded as EF and sold in 2008 for $42,500.
Image credit: CNG Coins
Mintage: Rare
Minted at Provincial mints
Minted in 780AD
Monarch/Ruler: Offa (0757-0796)
Category: Penny. See more Penny coins
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
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