Description
Mercian Penny (Saxon), King Coelwulf II of Mercia 874-879 AD
Provenance:
Coins of England & the United Kingdom, 44th edition, Spink, 2009, page 98 ref-944
We are delighted to offer for sale these close copies of the original coin.
The Coin is hand struck with our own hand cut dies, The coin is available in either lead free English Pewter or Sterling Silver (925, 2.7 grams approx.)
These make a great addition to any pouch or Living history dice game, Suitable for all cultures of the period.
These coins are accepted for use within:
The Vikings (NFPS)
Regia Anglorum.
Many other Groups and Societies also accept these for use, if in doubt please check with your group/society Authenticity/Provenance Officer or refer to your kit Guides. If you would like to add your Group or Society to the above list please let us know
Mercian Penny (Saxon), King Coelwulf II of Mercia 874-879. But what do we know about him?
Family.
Ceolwulf’s immediate ancestry is unknown, but he is thought to be a descendant of Ceolwulf I through his daughter Ælfflæd. Ælfflæd was first married to Wigmund, son of King Wiglaf, and then to Beorhtfrith, son of King Beorhtwulf. Far from being “an unwise king’s thane”, it is clear that Ceolwulf was a descendant of previous kings. A number of thegns who witnessed charters under Burgred witnessed charters under Ceolwulf, and his charters were witnessed by Mercian bishops, testifying to his acceptance in Mercia.
Life.
Ceolwulf II was the last king of independent Mercia. He succeeded Burgred of Mercia who was deposed by the Vikings in 874. His reign is generally dated 874 to 879 based on a Mercian regnal list which gives him a reign of five years. However, D. P. Kirby argues that he probably reigned into the early 880s. By 883, he was replaced by Æthelred, Lord of the Mercians, who became ruler of Mercia with the support of Alfred the Great, king of Wessex.
