Kings of Mercia Offa Silver Penny 757-796AD Light Coinage Alhmund

Kings of Mercia Offa Silver Penny 757-796AD Light Coinage Alhmund

16mm, 1.17g, S904

A most pleasing example of this early Mercian portrait type, some surface pitting consistent with the usual base silver fabric.

This coin comes with an old Spink ticket & find spot provenance.

Offa was the son of Thingfrith and related to earlier Mercian rulers.
He became king of Mercia following a period of civil war after the assassination of Aethelbald, subsequently consolidating control of other territories; this apparent unification of England is interpreted by some as a quest for power. His coinage is artistically accomplished, as shown by this eaxample, and his wife Cynethryth is the only Saxon queen to be depicted on a coin.