Unique Type

Triton XXI, Lot: 1386. Estimate $15000. Sold for $25000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Wessex. Æthelberht. 858-865/6. AR Penny (20mm, 1.26 g, 6h). Cross Pattée type. Canterbury mint. Beornmod, moneyer. Struck circa 860-864. + ΛEÐELBEΛR(HT) REX, diademed bust right / + BIΛRNMOD MONETΛ, cross pattée. Naismith pp. 173–4 = EMC 2010.0306 = Coin Register 2011, 99 (this coin); SCBI –; BMC –; North –; SCBC 1053A (this coin illustrated). EF. Excellent metal. Unique.

From the Dr. Andrew Wayne Collection. Found Wye, Kent, 2010.

According to Naismith, the obverse is of the Inscribed/Open Cross type (circa 854-64), while the moneyer, general design of the reverse type, and epigraphic style are all indicative of the Floreate Cross type (circa 864-865/6). The absence of the type in the Dorking hoard suggests it was struck near the end of the Inscribed/Open Cross coinage, and, along with the unique Naismith type C218.1 penny of Archbishop Ceolnoth, suggests that there was a period of experimentation during this time.
The Standard Catalogue of British Coins (50th-52nd editions) plate coin.