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TY23 - The Kingdom of Wessex, Alfred the Great
(871-899), Silver Penny, London Monogram type (c.880),
diademed armored bust right, AELFRD REX, rev., monogram of Londonia
(London),
(N.644; S.1061), very
rare, extremely fine, hairline striking crack on obverse and reverse at 7 o'clock, no
light showing, some hairlines erroneously referred to as tooling on
holder, toned example of good style, (PCGS Holder).
$12,995
- Provenance:
- Stacks Bowers
Galleries Auction, Anaheim, CA, August 10, 2016, lot 20556
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This classic type has been traditionally associated with Alfred’s conquest
of London in 886; however recent research has dated this issue to c.880. In
reality, London had been in English hands since around 880 and the
traditional date of 886 mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon chronicle may refer to
its restoration following a minor Danish raid. Whatever the specific dates
are, the meaning of the design and iconography employed are clear: Alfred is
portrayed as a late roman emperor and the name of London is inescapable.
Alfred in attempting to re-conquer England for the English is calling on
Roman precedents of unity and authority in the island with London as its
capital.
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