Aldfrith (685–705) – Aldfrith was the first king of Northumbria to issue coins and also one of the earliest English rulers known to display his name on a coin itself (Figure 1). A well-educated churchman who became king on the death of his older brother Ecgfrith, under his rule Northumbria entered its so-called ‘golden age’. He was a direct contemporary of both Bede and Alcuin, both of whom write favourably about him.
– another individual ruling during Northumbria’s). His coins are relatively common, this reflecting the high output during his reign that reflects a burgeoning economy. Energetically ruling for over two decades, he voluntarily abdicated in 758 and became a monk, dying peacefully in 768.
