CNG 100, Lot: 2263. Estimate $1500. Sold for $1700. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Æthelstan. 924-939. AR Penny (24mm, 1.32 g, 4h). Circumscription Cross type (BMC v). Winceastre (Winchester) mint; Eadstan, moneyer. + ÆÐELZT Λ RE+ RBTOT (Z, R, and B retrograde), small cross pattée / + EΛDZTΛN IIO VVIИ · CIVIT (Z retrograde), small cross pattée. Cf. Blunt, Aethelstan 498-501; cf. Harvey 10-15; cf. SCBI 34 (BM), 157-8; North 672; SCBC 1093. Near EF, toned, minute flan crack. Rare.

The Winchester series of the Æthelstan’s Circumscription Cross includes several anomalous issues described by Blunt as irregular, but included in Harvey’s die study as official issues. While the engraving on these and the present pieces is crude and several of the letters are retrograde, it is quite possible that they are simply rough official issues.