Sale: Triton VI, Lot: 1336. Estimate $400.  Closing Date: Monday, 13 January 2003.  Sold For $675. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANGLO-SAXON. Aethelred II. 978-1016. AR Penny (0.90 gm). Exeter mint; Manna, moneyer. Helmet type, circa 1003-1009. +ÆDELRÆD REX A•NG, helmeted bust left / +MA NN•A M•O EX, voided long cross with triple-crescent ends that extend to edge of flan, central pellet over square with trefoil at each point. North 775; SCBC 1152. Toned EF. Attractive portrait. ($400) 

From the William J. Conte Collection. T

The helmet type takes its design from Roman coins of the third century. It is entirely possible that Roman coins were still familiar to the English of the 11th century; if not as circulating currency, at least as stray finds and hoards, still valuable stores of metal.