Unique find in Noonans auction
Unique find in Noonans auction
Noonans auction on 7 June 2023 included many detecting finds including a “unique” coin from the Anarchy. It sold at the top of its auction estimate and the other finds also achieved figures in line with expectations.
To view any of my selected lots in the auction catalogue click on the lot number. The full catalogue can be found here.
There is a buyer’s premium of 24% (plus VAT) on the hammer price.
Featured lot
Baronial penny of Stephen
This penny was found near Bossall, North Yorkshire in January 2023 and recorded at the EMC as 2023.0038. The EMC record says it is “A new variant of David I’s Cross and Pellets in Crescents type, in the name of Stephen“. The auctioneer describes it as “A New Baronial Penny from the mint of ‘Alve’” and presumed unique.
The visible part of the obverse legend reads “SEFE” for Stephen. The reverse reads [-]D O[-] O ALVE. This is an unknown moneyer/mint.
Auctioneer’s appraisal
The auctioneer provides a detailed appraisal of the coin. He notes that both legends make use of ornamental lettering. The distinct style differs from the style used on coins minted in London and is more usually associated with Baronial coinage. He acknowledges that the reverse type could be likened to the “Pellets in Annulets” coinage of David I of Scotland but says that coin is superior and stylistically different.
The weight of the coin of 1.05g is at the standard of the south-western Baronial issues including those struck for Matilda and Robert of Gloucester. Could the “ALVE” on the legend be for Alveston in Gloucester? The problem with this line of thought is Stephen’s name on the obverse and the find location of North Yorkshire.
