Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

United Kingdom

Anglo-Saxon gold coin found by metal detectorist could fetch £200,000

 

A rare Anglo-Saxon gold coin found in a field could fetch £200,000 at auction.

The Gold Penny – or Mancus of 30 Pence – was struck between 802 and 839 during the reign of Ecgberht, King of the West Saxons.

Advertisement

The coin was ordered for use at ceremonial or religious services.

It is thought to have been minted in Southampton or Winchester.

It was unearthed in Wiltshire by a metal detectorist in March 2020.

It is said to be the only late Anglo-Saxon gold coin in private hands.

Eight other specimens are held by institutions – the British Museum has seven of them.

Peter Preston-Morley, at auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb, said:

“It is very exciting to see this coin, gold coins of this monarch were completely unknown until this one was found.

“This composition is consistent with that of natural gold which has been neither refined nor artificially alloyed.

“Gold of such purity is particularly malleable and easy to strike, but also more prone to wear and damage.

”None of the surface marks seem consistent with damage or alteration caused by attempts at mounting the coin for its use as a brooch or pendant.“

”This coin probably represents a mancus, a gold denomination that first appeared in central and northern Italy, but was current in England already before the year 800.

”Mancuses would have been extremely valuable coins.“

The coin is expected to fetch between £150,000 and £200,000 at auction on 8 September.

 

 

Comments

You May Also Like

United Kingdom

Film director Ridley Scott has recalled the death of actor Oliver Reed while making the Oscar winning blockbuster Gladiator. Scott said hard-drinking Reed “just...

Business

The controversial Russian businessman Viktor Baturin, well-known for his years-long counterstanding with his wealthy sister Elena, widow of Moscow ex-mayor Yuri Luzhkov, is likely...

United Kingdom

The Tremeloes. Dave Munden centre Dave Munden the Tremeloes drummer – and often lead singer – with the 60s chart toppers has died. He...

United Kingdom

The Watneys Party Seven is making a comeback. The ubiquitous 70s beer was a bland fizzing bitter ridiculed by many. The drink’s insipidness helped...