Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 2.djvu/225

Rh be divided into two classes, some thick, some thinner, of larger diameter, but about the same weight. Now the blanks found with them correspond in size and weight with the coins, and I consider it was only by some un- known accident that they were not converted into coins, when they would have borne two dissimilar types. The coins are, if I recollect right, in the same state of good preservation, a very improbable circumstance had they been of different and distant periods; I suspect that every little prince or chief occasionally struck money without much regard to any superior authority, and imitated the types of any pieces which happened to be circulating in his district at the time. This may account for the variation of types and inferiority of workmanship."

Mr. W. Higgin, of Lancaster, sent for inspection a large brass coin of Antoninus Pius, which was found in digging the foundations of the Penitentiary in Lancaster Castle, with some silver coins, now in his possession.

The Rev. B. Belcher, of West Tisted, Hants, communicated a sketch of the representation of St. Christopher, which was discovered on the walls of East-Meon church, but has been concealed by white-wash. The drawing was made by Mr. Richard Eames, of Petersfield, who stated that, according to tradition, the figure of a serpent or dragon had formerly been apparent at the feet of St. Christopher.

Mr. Way exhibited a silver ring, communicated to him by Mr. W. Whincopp, of Woodbridge, inscribed with the Anglo-Saxon word "dolᵹbot," the meaning of which is compensation made for giving a man a wound, either by a stab or a blow. Amongst the dooms which Æthelbirht, king of Kent, established in the days of Augustine, the amount of bot, or damages to be paid for every description of injury to the person, is fully detailed. The laws of King Alfred comprise likewise numerous clauses respecting compensation for wounds inflicted, and the term "dolᵹ-bote" occurs in c. 23, relating to tearing by a dog. This ring is ornamented with a simple waxy line and dots, as if to represent a branch; it weighs 45 grs., and was found in Essex.

Mr. Hawkins exhibited a brass matrix, recently purchased by him; it appears to have been the seal of a Scottish monk. It is of oval form, measuring 1 in. and two-tenths by nine-tenths of an inch; the central device is the figure of an archbishop, represented with the right hand raised in benediction, and bearing the cross-staff in the left: on either side is an angel kneeling, and holding a large flower. Beneath is seen part of the figure of a monk, tonsured and wearing the cowl, with the hands raised in supplication. The legend appears to read as follows—S' F' W. MATHA MONAC' DABERBROTIOT, probably Aberbrothick, or Arbroath, in the county of Angus, where a celebrated abbey was founded A.D. 1178. by William the Lion, king of Scotland, in honour of St. Thomas of Canterbury.

The Rev. W. Haslam, of St. Perran-zabuloe, communicated a sketch of a mutilated figure of St. Anthony, which was found buried in a field in the