© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Penny - Alfred the Great 3rd coinage
| Silver | 1.5 g | 20 mm |
| Location | Kingdom of Wessex (Kingdoms of British Isles and Frisia) |
|---|---|
| Moneyer | Wulfræd |
| King | Alfred the Great (871-899) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 880-899 |
| Value | 1 Penny (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Pound |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.5 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#53833 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Moneyer's name in two lines across field, pellets or crosses between.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VVLF
RED+
Translation: Wulfræd.
Comment
Anglo-Saxon Middle Period (c.780-973), Kings of Wessex (786-924), Alfred the Great (871-899), Third coinage (880-899).Types without portrait, Winchester dies, Wulfræd 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 Alfred the Great penny was the first English coin to feature a portrait of a king. It was designed by the moneyer Eadwold, who was also responsible for the design of other coins during Alfred's reign. The coin features a profile of Alfred with a long, flowing beard and a crown on his head. The reverse side of the coin shows a cross with three pelicans, which symbolize the three virtues of charity, mercy, and faith. The coin was minted in several different towns across England, including London, Winchester, and Canterbury.
