In 978 England was beginning to consolidate from many small kingdoms to fewer large ones. This is a penny minted by King Æthelred II, who was King twice. He was dethroned by Rædwulf, who was king for less than a year due to being killed by Vikings. An experienced king was better than no king so Æthelred II was given his throne back. Unfortunately, he was assassinated about a year later. Being an English king would make anyone's hair stand up, as seen in the coin.
