Summary

Silver coin; Denomination: penny
Eadmund (855-869) King of East Anglia
Moneyer: Beornheah

Eadmund (Edmund) was probably the son of King Aethelweard (c.840-855) but there is a tradition that he was of Old Saxon descent, being born in Nuremburg and later adopted by Aethelweard. It is believed that he was crowned on Christmas day 855 at the age of fourteen, from which his birth date is derived. Nothing is known of his life during the next fourteen years but it is recorded that Eadmund was a model king who treated all with justice.

In 869 the Danes marched into East Anglia and either Eadmund engaged them in battle and was killed on the field or he was captured and, refusing to renounce Christ and be a vassal to heathen overlords was martyred or he refused to do battle and was martyred. He was canonized perhaps during the reign of Aethelstan (924-939) and was for a time the patron saint of England, being replaced by St. George during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377).

The date of his death quoted by numismatic reference works is 870. However, recent research indicates that he actually died in 869.

Obverse Description

A cross with transverse arms sloping up, crosslets on upper and transverse arms, base set on ground line; around, EADMVND REX AN

Reverse Description

At centre cross pattee with bead in each angle; around, BEORNFED MO

Edge Description

Plain

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