Penny - Æthelred II (Benediction Hand type) ND (991) front Penny - Æthelred II (Benediction Hand type) ND (991) back
Penny - Æthelred II (Benediction Hand type) ND (991) photo
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.

Penny - Æthelred II Benediction Hand type ND

991 year
Silver 1.7 g 20 mm
Description
Issuer
England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies)
King
Æthelred II (978-1016)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
991
Value
1 Penny
Currency
Penny (924-1158)
Composition
Silver
Weight
1.7 g
Diameter
20 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-08
References
Numista
N#96760
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Hand of providence between issuing from clouds with edges that billow outwards, without alpha and omega, moneyer and mint name around

Script: Latin

Lettering: + LEFSTΛN M–O CÆNT

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Æthelred II (Benediction Hand type) Penny is that it features a unique design element known as the "Benediction Hand" on the reverse side. This design depicts a hand with the fingers extended in a blessing gesture, and is believed to have been added to the coinage during Æthelred's reign to symbolize the king's role as a divine ruler.