File:Early-medieval coin, Primary Phase Series BII sceat (Treasure case 2014 T79) (FindID 600948).jpg

An Early-Medieval silver sceat. This coin was found at metal detecting rally and is the only sceat from this rally to have been reported as potential treasure; however, three further sceattas were seen by the rally organiser and were noted as having been found in the same general area as the reported coin; these three coins were photographed (see below). Anecdotal evidence suggests that the actual total number of sceattas was probably in excess of ten.

Catalogue:

Coin 1 [this coin]: A silver sceat of Primary Phase Series BII; date: AD 700-710.

Obverse: Head right, wearing double-stranded diadem; beaded border in the form of a serpent eating its own tail (mouth left, just below ear).

Inscription: +VA[]VA

Reverse: Bird standing facing right on cross, annulet either side of cross and smaller cross to right of bird; beaded border in the form of a serpent eating its tail (mouth left, below cross).

Inscription: +[]VA

Other photographed coins (described left to right attached photographs):

Coin 2: A silver sceat of Primary Phase VERNUS group 2, c.710-715.

Obverse: Degraded bust right.

Inscription: VEO[ ]

Reverse: Beaded standard enclosing 'TOTII', cross on at least one side, unidentified symbol on each of the other three sides.

Coin 3: A silver sceat of Primary Phase Series C2; date: c. 700-710.

Obverse: Radiate bust right, beaded neckline.

Inscription: æpa

Reverse: Beaded standard enclosing 'TOTII', cross on at least three sides, symbol projecting diagonally from each corner.

Coin 4: A silver sceat of Primary Phase Series BII; date: AD c. 700-710.

Obverse: Head right, wearing double-stranded diadem; beaded border in the form of a serpent eating its own tail.

Inscription: (from 3 o'clock): [ ]AVAV[ ] (A unbarred)

Reverse: Bird standing right on cross, annulet either side of cross, smaller cross to right of bird; beaded border in the form of a serpent eating its tail.

Inscription: (from 6 o'clock): oA[ ]AVA (A unbarred)

Discussion:

Although only a single silver coin has been reported, the evidence points towards this being part of a scattered hoard of coins dating from the late 7^th to early 8^th century, probably deposited c.710-15. Because of this association and as it is likely to contain in excess of 10% silver, this coin fulfils the criteria of Treasure under section C7 of the 1996 Treasure Act.