© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Penny - Alfred the Great Cross and Lozenge type
| Silver | 1.3 g | 19 mm |
| Location | Kingdom of Wessex (Kingdoms of British Isles and Frisia) |
|---|---|
| Moneyer | Beorheah |
| King | Alfred the Great (871-899) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 877-899 |
| Value | 1 Penny (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Pound |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.3 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#313334 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Cross pattée within lozenge over long beaded cross, crossbars at lozenge ends.
Script: Latin
Lettering: BER HAH MOH ETΛ
Translation: Beorheah, moneyer.
Comment
Anglo-Saxon Middle Period (c.780-973), Kings of Wessex (786-924), Alfred the Great (871-899), Portrait types, uncertain mint.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)
Our understanding of the cross and lozenge coinage of Alfred the Great and his contemporary Ceolwulf II of Mercia has been transformed by the discovery of the Wattlington Hoard in 2015. This extremely important hoard of some 200 coins, jewellery and hack silver was acquired by the Ashmolean Museum after a major fund raising campaign. The cross and lozenge coinage is now firmly recognized as a joint issue of the kings of Wessex and Mercia acting in unison under extraordinary circumstances as their territories were ravaged by marauding Viking armies. Though Mercia was unable to withstand the onslaught Alfred held firm and turned the tide against the foreign invaders, laying the foundations for a new, united kingdom of England in the struggle. (courtesy of Classical Numismatic Group, LLC)
Interesting fact
The Alfred the Great Penny was minted during a time of great change and upheaval in England. It was issued during the reign of Alfred the Great, who was King of Wessex from 871 to 899. During his reign, Alfred successfully defended his kingdom against the Viking invasions and also introduced a number of reforms, including the creation of a new coinage system. The Penny was one of the coins introduced during this time, and it features a unique design that includes a cross and lozenge pattern on the reverse side. Despite being made of silver, the coin was not particularly valuable during its time, but it is now considered a rare and valuable collector's item.
