Thrymsa 'Witmen' type

Thrymsas are among the earliest native Anglo-Saxon gold coinages, derived directly from Merovingian and late Roman prototypes as Continental trade flooded the Thames estuary ports during the early seventh century. The 'Witmen' type takes its name from a runic or pseudo-runic inscription that has never been definitively read — 'witmen' is itself a scholarly convenience rather than a confirmed reading.

Struck most likely in or near London, these pieces circulated in a world where coin use was still largely confined to elite exchange and tribute payment rather than daily commerce.