Plunkett notes that the large number of coins bearing his name show that Beona was in primary control of the minting of East Anglia's coinage and was at times in a position to consolidate his authority as king. The East Anglians under Beonna co-operated with Æthelbald's Mercians in the Battle of Burford Bridge against Cuthred of Wessex in 752, and, according to Archibald, Beonna can be identified with Beornred, who for a few months ruled Mercia after Æthelbald's assassination in 757.