Imitating Aethelred II’s ‘Hand of God Penny’

334, Lot: 504. Estimate $300. Sold for $700. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BOHEMIA. Boleslav II. 972-999. AR Denár (21mm, 1.84 g, 7h). Malin mint. Struck circa 985-995. +VЄZVAЄSD+VSOIC (D and C retrograde), manus Dei emerging from clouds; ω to either side / +VEZVAЄSD+VSOIC (D and C retrograde), diademed and draped bust left; Latin cross before. Smerda 57b. Near EF, toned. Rare.

This type is based on the ‘Hand of God penny’, introduced in England by Aethelred II after 979 (SCBC 1144).