Coin of Burghred of Mercia (1989-58/3723)

A Silver Penny of King Burghred of Mercia found at Repton, Derbyshire

A silver penny of Burghred of Mercia, found in the mass grave at Repton, minted by the moneyer Dudda, probably in London. Burghred was king of Mercia from 852-874 CE. He was driven out of Mercia by the Vikings during their march from Lindsey to Repton in 874 after they sacked Tamworth. Burghred fled to Rome, where he eventually died, and was replaced by Ceowulf II who was loyal to the Vikings.

Minting coins was a way of controlling the means of exchange within a kingdom and which created a more easily administered standardized system of trade. Moreover, the coins themselves were often used as propaganda, portaying symbols and statements that gave off a desired message. The Vikings later used the minting of coins to legitimize their own rule.

Object Type

Coin

Date

852 — 874

Ascribed Culture

Original/Reproduction

Original

Material

Collection

Viking Objects

Current Location

Derby Museum and Art Gallery

Keywords

Anglo-Saxon, burial mound, cemetery, coin, Currency, Derby_Museums, Derbyshire, Economy, penny, Repton, silver, trade

Further information

You can see the original at Derby Museum and Art Gallery.

This object is related to Repton, Derbyshire.
Find out about Repton, Derbyshire.

Acknowledgements

(c) Derby Museum and Art Gallery