ANGLO-SAXON, Anglo-Viking (Hiberno-Norse Northumbria). Anlaf Guthfrithsson. 939-941. AR Penny (20mm, 1.07 g, 12h). York mint; Athelferd, moneyer.

Triton XXIII – Session Four – World Coinage Part II, British Coinage and Medals, and Large Lots
Lot: 1230. Estimated: $ 10 000

British, Silver

Sold For $ 12 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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ANGLO-SAXON, Anglo-Viking (Hiberno-Norse Northumbria). Anlaf Guthfrithsson. 939-941. AR Penny (20mm, 1.07 g, 12h). York mint; Athelferd, moneyer. ·: A•N•L•A•F CVNVNC :·, raven with wings displayed, head left / + ΛÐELFERD MINETR E, small cross pattée. Grierson, Coins of Medieval Europe 126; CTCE group IV, a-al; SCBI 4 (Copenhagen) 628-33 var. (stops); BMC 1092-6 var. (legend and stops); North 537; SCBC 1019. Lightly toned. Excellent metal. Near EF. Very rare.

From the Richard A. Jourdan Collection of Medieval European Coins. Ex CNG Inventory 973332 (January 2014).

A remarkable coin struck by Anlaf in York, after he seized the Northumbrian kingdom on the death of Aethelstan in 939. Described by Grierson’s protégé Mark Blackburn as ‘one of the most dramatic coin designs in the English series’ on the obverse we find a raven with outstretched wings, a classic Viking symbol, which could, according to Blackburn, would also serve in a “Christian context: the raven is associated with Saint Oswald (a Northumbrian royal saint)...[W]e can speculate whether the designers were subtly appealing to a dual audience."

The final winners of all Triton XXIII lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 14-15 January 2020. Triton XXIII – Session Four – World Coinage Part II, British Coinage and Medals, and Large Lots will be held Wednesday afternoon, 15 January 2020 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and in person at the public auction, 22.50% for all others.