7th century AD. Two lead disc weights comprising: one thin (about 3mm) with the impression of an inset sceatta coin of Abramson's triquetra type with looped triquetra and rosettes within a pelletted border; one thicker (about 5mm) with similar impression. 25 grams total, 21-23mm (1"). From an old Hampshire collection; found Doncaster, UK. See discussion of lead weights with coin inserts in G. Williams, Anglo-Saxon and Viking coin-weights in British Numismatic Journal 4, 69 (1999); cf. Abramson, T. Sceattas. An Illustrated Guide, King's Lynn, 2006, p.104. Lead weights with inset coins and fragments of jewellery are known from the Middle Saxon period and are associated with the needs of Scandinavian traders. These two discs are set with coins of an earlier date than the Viking period types, which begin to appear in the mid-9th century (Williams, 1999, p.19"). Evidence for the practice of coin-insertion in lead weights among the Anglo-Saxons is almost entirely lacking: Williams (ibid., p.20) cites one example set with a porcupine' penny of the early eighth century' in the possession of Dr. David Rogers which nevertheless may be attributed to a Scandinavian rather than an Anglo-Saxon source since English 'porcupine' type coins have been found in excavations at Ribe, Denmark. The coins may have played some part in Anglo-Scandinavian trade, although they may equally have been acquired as loot. Williams notes that there are no known examples of weights with coin inserts dating from after the unification of England under Athelstan in the second third of the 10th century. [2, No Reserve]

Fine condition.