Benediction Hand Type

CNG 102, Lot: 1441. Estimate $3000. Sold for $3500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Æthelred II. 978-1016. AR Penny (20mm, 1.70 g, 3h). Benediction Hand type (BMC iif, Hild. B3). Canterbury mint; Leofstan, moneyer. Struck circa 991. Draped bust right; cross-tipped scepter before / + LEFSTΛN M–O CÆNT, manus Dei, in Latin benediction form, descending from clouds; small cross pattée in clouds. SCBI 20 (Mack), 850 var. (rev. legend; same obv. die); North 769; SCBC 1147. VF, toned, minor surface cracks on obverse. Very rare.

From the Dr. Andrew Wayne Collection. Ex Michael Sherman Collection (Dix, Noonan, Webb 68, 12 December 2005), lot 222, purchased from Baldwin’s, 1993.