Series O, type 40 var. -

Anglo-Saxon England, Secondary Series (710-760), Sceat, Series O, type 40 variety, Monster right, looking back, crest forward (?), one claw beneath, other raised to back of head, trefoil tail raised below jaw, pellets in field, rev. central annulet and single pellet within beaded standard joined at corners to beaded circle enclosing double pellets either side, chevrons in outer border with annulets at (or near) compass points, 1.02g (SL 57-10 plate coin; Abramson, 2012b, plate; SCBI 69, 607 this coin; Spink 807D plate coin).  Very rare.

Images and selected text reproduced by kind permission of Spink and Son Ltd, London, auction 21000, The Tony Abramson Collection of Dark Age Coinage - Part I, March 18th 2021, lot #234.  Acquired privately from finder, April 2006 ~ Found at Boynton (East Yorkshire) ~ [EMC 2006.0279]

The beast with foreleg raised behind the head is also seen on contemporary stone sculptures. The complex geometric design on the reverse is reminiscent of contemporary garnet inlaid jewellery.