© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
½ Penny - Alfred the Great London monogram type
| Silver | 0.57 g | - |
| Issuer | Kingdom of Wessex (Kingdoms of British Isles and Frisia) |
|---|---|
| King | Alfred the Great (871-899) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 880-899 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Pound |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.57 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#313535 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Londonia monogram; cross above, triangular arrangement of pellets below, one pellet to left.
Script: Latin
Lettering: LONDONIA
Translation: London.
Comment
Anglo-Saxon Middle Period (c.780-973), Kings of Wessex (786-924), Alfred the Great (871-899), London mint, unknown moneyer.Brother and successor to Aethelred, Alfred had to contend with invading Danish armies for much of his reign. In 878, he and Guthrum the Dane divided the country, with Alfred holding all England south and west of Watling Street. Alfred asserted over-lordship of Mercia and London from c.880. (courtesy of Spink SCBC 56th ed. 2021)
Interesting fact
The ½ Penny coin of Alfred the Great (London monogram type) was minted during a time of great change and reform in the Kingdom of Wessex. Alfred, who ruled from 871 to 899, implemented a number of measures to strengthen the kingdom's economy and military, including the introduction of a new coinage system. This coin, made of silver and weighing 0.57 grams, was part of that system and was used widely throughout the kingdom. It features a design of Alfred's name and title in a monogram format, which was a common feature of coins during this period. Despite its small size, this coin played an important role in the economy of the time and is now a valuable piece for collectors and historians.