Alexander III, penny

Alan Edwards said this find was unearthed from a cropped maize field in Leicestershire. It’s a hammered silver penny of Alexander III of Scotland.

The coin is an example of the voided long cross and stars type, which pre-dates the more common REX SCOTORVM pennies. On the obverse is a crowned head facing right. The reverse legend isn’t clear in places but the most likely reading is ION ON PER TE, so the moneyer will be Ion and the mint Perth. This penny will belong to type VII.

Valuation

On the obverse there is some flatness but the portrait of Alexander stands out quite well; this side would grade good Fine. The reverse is also partly flat and would grade no better than Fine. In its present condition Alan’s find should be worth £70 – £80 to a collector of Scottish hammered silver coins.

Coin Valuation Service

Have your coin or artefact valued using my free online coin valuation service