Benediction Hand Type

CNG 85, Lot: 1453. Estimate $3000. Sold for $5500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Aethelred II. 978-1016. AR Penny (20mm, 1.60 g, 12h). Benediction Hand type (BMC iif, Hild. B3). Canterbury mint; Leofstan, moneyer. Struck circa 991. + ÆÐELRÆD REX ΛNGL(ORX), bare headed and draped bust right; scepter before / + LEFSTAN M–O CÆNT, manus Dei, in Latin benediction form, descending from clouds; cross in clouds. SCBI 20 (Mack), 850 var. (same obv. die, LEOFSTAN); Hild. 218; BMC -; North 769; SCBC 1147. VF, toned, some die wear, a couple peck marks. Boldly struck. Very rare.

From the Marie Karlsson Collection.