Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 318 - The Collector's Series
Lot: 1005

England. Kings of Wessex. Alfred the Great (871-899). Portrait Penny. London mint, ca. 886. Moneyer: Tilewine. 1.45 gms. Diademed and draped bust r.; +AELFR-ED REX, rev. TILEVINE (the 'NE' ligate) / MONETA above and below Londonia monogram which is flanked by small cross pattées, cluster of six pellets at top and bottom. N.646, S.1062. The only English monarch to bear the sobriquet "Great," Alfred had to contend with invading Danish armies for most of his reign. While many times it seemed that all of England would be engulfed, Alfred invariably rallied. In 878, he defeated the Great Danish Army now led by Guthrum at the Battle of Edington. Under the conditions of the subsequent Treaty of Wedmore, Guthrum had to convert to Christianity. Alfred had neutralized a major threat, but still had to contend with Viking raids. In 886, he recaptured London, an event likely celebrated by this coin. He strengthened the defenses of Wessex, forged ties with Mercia, and was acknowledged King of all England outside the Danelaw. While it would be his successors that would one day rule a single, unified English state, it was Alfred who laid the foundations for its creation. Well-detailed portrait and sharp types, toned a smoky slate-gray. A handsome example of this Very Rare Classic of English coinage. NGC MS 61.
Ex 'The Millennia Collection', Ira & Larry Goldberg, Beverly Hills, CA, May 26, 2008, lot 213; ex Dr. Jacob Y. Terner Collection.

Sold for
$15,000