Choice Benediction Hand Type

CNG 90, Lot: 2384. Estimate $5000. Sold for $9500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Aethelred II. 978-1016. AR Penny (20mm, 1.68 g, 3h). Benediction Hand type (BMC iif, Hild. B3). Northwic (Norwich) mint; Leofing, moneyer. Struck circa 991. + ÆÐELRED REX Λ(NG)L(OR), draped bust right; scepter before / + LEFING M–O NORÐ, manus Dei, in Latin benediction form, descending from clouds; small cross pattée in clouds. SCBI 26 (East Anglia), 1155 (same dies); BMC –; North 769; SCBC 1147. Good VF, lightly toned. Strong portrait. Very rare.

From the Collection of an Underwriter (purchased from Wolfshead Galleries, December 2008). Ex Dix, Noonan, Webb 79 (September 2008), lot 3422; Spink Numismatic Circular XC.1 (February 1982), no. 368.