Lot 2148

Description

Ireland, Hiberno-Norse issue, semi bracteate penny, Phase VII, 'Scrabo' type, c.1100-1150, (0.7 grams), obv. crude bust to left, blundered legend, rev. long cross quatrefoil type, traces of legend around, (S.6191, SCBI Ulster 395-6, SCBI BM [1966], Nos.251-2, cf.Spink 'Viking' Sale March 14, 2001 lot 1149). Very fine and very rare.

Ex Scrabo Hoard of 1855. The lot includes an old ink penned note stating 'Dano-Irish Coin/silver found in a cairn @ Scrabo Newtonards. 1857 vide Ulster Journal Arch only 12 found'. The SCBI Ulster Museum No.32 Part II Hiberno-Norse Coins state that the Scrabo Hill find at the head of Strangford Lough, Co. Down was made in February 1855 and that this hoard contained over 100 pieces. Dolley in SCBI BM states 1854 but some disagreement exists as to the exact position of the find in relation to the megalith. (See UJA first ser., (1855) (315-321). Dolley above (p.81-4) gives a full account of the hoard.