© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Penny - Alfred the Great Lunettes type
| Silver | 1.32 g | 19 mm |
| Location | Kingdom of Wessex (Kingdoms of British Isles and Frisia) |
|---|---|
| Moneyer | Wine |
| King | Alfred the Great (871-899) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 871-875 |
| Value | 1 Penny (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Pound |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.32 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#104151 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Moneyer's name between lunettes above and below.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
MON
+VVINE
ETA
Translation: Wine, moneyer.
Comment
Anglo-Saxon Middle Period (c.780-973), Kings of Wessex (786-924), Alfred the Great (871-899), Lunettes type, 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)
Interesting fact
The Alfred the Great Penny, also known as the "Lunettes" type, is a rare and highly sought-after coin among collectors. It's believed that only about 100 of these coins were minted, making it one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world. In fact, in 2010, one of these coins was sold at an auction for a whopping $1.5 million! That's a pretty penny, indeed.
