Archbishops of Canterbury. Æthelheard (793-805) Penny ND (797-805) XF40 ANACS, S-886A, N-234, Naismith-C22.2 (same dies). Mercian M in circle, pellets surrounding / Barred AR within circle. The legends of this coin have been removed leaving only the center remaining; however, its extreme rarity still makes it a highly desirable piece, with just one example listed in Naismith which resides in the Vatican. Aethelheard was Archbishop of Canterbury from 793 until his death in 805, and was revered as a saint until his cult was suppressed by Archbishop Lanfranc in the 11th century; after this, it was never revived. Very sharply detailed, this coin is likely as-struck besides the removal of the legends, and represents an immensely rare opportunity for a collector of early English hammered pennies.

HID09801242017

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