The Coinage of Æthelred II: A New Evaluation
Rory Naismith
Even at the beginning of his long and turbulent reign (978–1016), Æthelred II's coinage was an impressive institution. Mint-places across kingdom issued silver pennies identical design, each sporting image king surrounded by name title while reverse named both man responsible for manufacture (the moneyer) location where he produced coin. subjects inherited this currency from Edgar (959–75) Edward Martyr (975–8), but were not content to rest on their laurels. Indeed, saw evolution most ambitious form yet seen in England. Nationwide recoinages became frequent first time since ninth century, emerged as a potent tool symbolic expression. It probably also helped attract attention Viking aggressors, facilitated collection transfer tribute.
English Studies|Apollo (University of Cambridge)