ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Æthelstan. 924-939. AR Penny (22mm, 1.37 g, 12h). Circumscription Cross type (BMC v). Eoforwic (York) mint; Ragnaldr, moneyer. + EÐEL·:STΛN REX To BRIT, small cross pattée; pellet in fourth quarter / + REGИΛLD Mo EFoRPC, small cross pattée. Blunt,
Aethelstan 239 var. (rev. legend); cf. SCBI 34 (BM), 111/117 (for obv./rev.); North 671; SCBC 1093. Choice EF, minor die scratches.
The capture of York by the Anglo Saxons in 927 and subsequent homage paid to Aethelstan by the Danes and other Scottish, Welsh, and British kings and princes allowed Aethelstan to proclaim himself King of All Britain (REX TOTIUS BRITANNIAE). A new coinage type, known as the Circumscription Cross type was issued from the freshly captured city and across the kingdom bearing this grandiose new title. York would stay in English hands until Aethelstan's death in 939.
