Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 318 - The Collector's Series
Lot: 1011

England. Late Anglo-Saxon. Harold (1035-1040). Joint reign of Harold I and Harthacnut, with Harold I, as King in Mercia and the North. Jewel Cross Penny, struck Spring 1036-1038. Norwich, moneyer: Leofside. Diademed bust l.; +HAR-OLD REX, rev. Cross composed of four ovals set on two circles which enclose a pellet; +LEOFSIDE ON NOR. When Cnut died in 1035, his son Harthacnut by Queen Emma of Normandy was the legitimate heir to the Danish and English thrones. He could not, though, come to England to be crowned as his Danish lands were being threatened by King Magnus of Norway and King Anund Jakob of Sweden. Thus his half-brother, Harold, Cnut's son by Aelfgifu of Nothampton was installed as a temprorary regent or joint ruler. Harold, essentially ruled Mercia and the north, while southern England was governed by Godwin, Earl of Wessex and Emma in Harthacnut's name. Known as the "Harefoot" for his speed and prowess as a hunter, Harold steadily took control of most of England at the expense of Emma and her son. Harthacnut prepared a Danish invasion force, but was spared the necessity when Harold died in 1040. Harthacnut had his body exhumed, beheaded and tossed into a fen near the Thames. Rare. N.802, S.1163. Rich old cabinet toning, a Choice example. NGC AU 50.
Ex Ira & Larry Goldberg 'Pre Long Beach' sale, May 27-30, 2007, lot 3164.

Sold for
$1,700