S.1142 Eadward the Martyr (Æthelstan)

Penny of Eadward "the Martyr", king of England 975-978
Moneyer: Æthelstan
Mint: Canterbury
S. 1142
O: EADPEA REX ANGLOR
R: ÆÐESTAN M-O CÆNT

The unfortunate Eadward, with the sobriquet "the Martyr", obviously wasn't destined for long life. Just three years into his reign, the hapless Eadward was killed, probably by his step mother Ælfthryth, mother of his half-brother Æthelred (II).

This particular coin appears to have been from an altered die of Eadgar, with the last three letters of the presumably still serviceable die altered.

Ex- Davissons e-Auction 31 (lot 79), Spink