Round halfpenny of Alfred the Great

The coin shown here is an Anglo-Saxon round halfpenny, which was found and reported to the PAS by Ben Dilk earlier this year. Ben said he is “. . . not sure if it is legit or not” so he asked for my opinion on its authenticity and possible value.

Firstly, this is a coin of Alfred the Great and it looks to me to be perfectly genuine. On the obverse is a bust facing right, together with a legend reading AELFR ED RE. On the reverse is a large London monogram, with a small cross pattee above and a triangle of six pellets below.

In volume I of J. J. North’s English Hammered Coinage halfpennies of this type are listed as number 645. In the Standard Catalogue they are number 1063.

Valuation

This is a very rare coin but its state of preservation leaves something to be desired. On the obverse the bust of King Alfred hardly shows up and at best this side would grade only Fair. The reverse is clearer but only about Fine. In its present condition a likely presale auction estimate would be £600-800.

Valuation Service

If you would like your coin identified or valued, please read about my valuation service and contact me