The Iconography of Early Anglo-Saxon Coinage: Sixth to Eighth Centuries (Medieval History and Archaeology)

This is the first scholarly art-historical appraisal of Anglo-Saxon coinage, from its inception in the late sixth century to Offa's second reform of the penny c.792. Outside numismatic circles, this material has largely been ignored because of its complexity, yet artistically this is the most vibrant period of English coinage, with die-cutters showing flair and innovation and employing hundreds of different designs in their work. By analysing the iconography of the early coinage, this book intends to introduce its rich legacy to a wide audience. Anna Gannon divides the designs of the coins into four main categories: busts (including attributes and drapery), human figures, animals and geometrical patterns, presenting prototypes, sources of the repertoire and parallels with contemporary visual arts for each motif. The comparisons demonstrate the central role of coins in the eclectic visual culture of the time, with the advantages of official sanctioning and wide circulation to support and diffuse new ideas and images. The sources of the motifs clarify the relationship between the many designs of the complex Secondary phase (c.710-50). Contemporary literature and theological writings often offer the key to the interpretation of motifs, hinting at a universal preoccupation with religious themes. The richness of designs and display of learning point to a sophisticated patronage with access to exotic prototypes, excellent craftsmanship and wealth; it is likely that minsters, as rich, learned, and well-organized institutions, were behind some of the coinage. After the economic crises of the mid-eighth century this flamboyant iconography was swept away: with the notable exeption of the coins of Offa, still displaying exciting designs of high quality and inventiveness, reformed issues bore royal names and titles, and strove towards uniformity. Contents 8 Abbreviations 11 Introduction 12 PART I. NUMISMATIC BACKGROUND 16 1. Numismatic Background of Early Anglo-Saxon England 18 The End of the Roman System 18 Alternative Uses of Coins 19 The Beginning of Coinage: Gold Issues 21 Silver Issues 23 Offa's Coinage 24 Manufacturing of Coins 25 Die-Cutters and Moneyers 26 Patronage 27 The Function of the Coinage 28 Mints 29 Chronology 29 Classifications 30 PART II. ICONOGRAPHY 32 2. The Bust 34 The Head 36 Attributes 74 3. Human Figures 90 'Victory' and Angels 90 The Two Emperors 95 Single Figure between Crosses 98 Single Figure with Vegetation Motifs and Crosses 104 Standing Figures with Cross and Bird 106 Seated Figures 109 Two Standing Figures 112 The Archer 116 4. Animal Iconography 118 Birds 118 Lions 136 Snakes 147 Wolves 155 Backward-Looking Animals 159 Fantastic Hybrids 162 5. Reverses with Crosses, Standards/Saltires, and Porcupines 168 Crosses 168 Standards and Saltires 182 Porcupines 187 6. Conclusion 193 Bibliography 205 Index 230 Index of Anglo-Saxon Coins 230 General Index 232 A 232 B 232 C 233 D 235 E 235 F 235 G 235 H 236 I 236 J 237 K 237 L 237 M 237 N 238 O 239 P 239 Q 239 R 239 S 239 T 241 U 241 V 241 W 241 Y 241 MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict Contents 8 Abbreviations 11 Introduction 12 PART I. NUMISMATIC BACKGROUND 16 1. Numismatic Background of Early Anglo-Saxon England 18 The End of the Roman System 18 Alternative Uses of Coins 19 The Beginning of Coinage: Gold Issues 21 Silver Issues 23 Offa's Coinage 24 Manufacturing of Coins 25 Die-Cutters and Moneyers 26 Patronage 27 The Function of the Coinage 28 Mints 29 Chronology 29 Classifications 30 PART II. ICONOGRAPHY 32 2. The Bust 34 The Head 36 Attributes 74 3. Human Figures 90 'Victory' and Angels 90 The Two Emperors 95 Single Figure between Crosses 98 Single Figure with Vegetation Motifs and Crosses 104 Standing Figures with Cross and Bird 106 Seated Figures 109 Two Standing Figures 112 The Archer 116 4. Animal Iconography 118 Birds 118 Lions 136 Snakes 147 Wolves 155 Backward-Looking Animals 159 Fantastic Hybrids 162 5. Reverses with Crosses, Standards/Saltires, and Porcupines 168 Crosses 168 Standards and Saltires 182 Porcupines 187 6. Conclusion 193 Bibliography 205 Index 230 Index of Anglo-Saxon Coins 230 General Index 232 A 232 B 232 C 233 D 235 E 235 F 235 G 235 H 236 I 236 J 237 K 237 L 237 M 237 N 238 O 239 P 239 Q 239 R 239 S 239 T 241 U 241 V 241 W 241 Y 241 This is the first scholarly art historical appraisal of early Anglo-Saxon coinage. Anna Gannon examines the many coins produced during this most vibrant period of English coinage. She analyses their prototypes and explores their sources and parallels with contemporary arts, literature, and theology, setting their meaning in context.