Published at 11th Feb 2010
Modified at 3rd Nov 2023
Rare British coin Alfred the Great sold for US$24,000
Rare British coin sold for 24,000 US$.
One of the rarest coins ever minted in the British Islands was recently sold by Gemini, LLC on the 10th of January, on public auction, lot number 935.
The coin is minted by the king Alfred the Great and is considered to be one of the most beautiful pieces ever found, if not the most… The experts from Gemini graded this coin as “choice EF” and no one can deny this.
Shop now for $10 off your first Purchase
The coin has a weight of 1,5 g , it’s made from silver and has the value of 1 penny. On the obverse the bust of the king appears, looking right with diadem on his head and wearing a military armor. The legend is ÆLFR-ED REX.
On the reverse, a monogram appears and can be easily read as LONDONIA. A small cross appears on the upper side.
This coin was found in Dr. John Gulick collection.
Alfred, son of Aethelwulf, was born around 849 and was king of Wessex from 871, till 899. His extraordinary life is recorded by a medieval chronical named He is well known for his military skills, proved during the battles against the Vikings. His victories saved the island of an occupation and made him the first king that received the epithet “the Great”.
Also, he is the first king that assumed the title REX SAXONUM, king of the Saxons. This title is known on some of his coins.
Another specific merit is that he was the first organizer of a fleet in the British Islands and the issued, around 880’s or even 890’s, a low code, known today as the Doom Book. After his death, for his behavior, he was made a saint by both the Catholic and the Orthodox Church. A feast is held for him every year on the 26th of October.
It also must be said that Queen Elizabeth II is a direct descendent of King Alfred the Great, the connection being made by Matilda of Scotland.
The coin was estimated at 15,000 US$. But the collector’s wish to own a unique coin of an amazing king made the final sale price equal to 24,000 US$.
Vasilita Stefan
Search the Coin Encyclopedia
Related Auctions
Related Articles
Why Do People Collect Coins? Collectors buy and collect coins for personnel pleasure and enjoyment or for an enjoyable investment. In late 1980s to early 1990s coin collecting was not so popular but now there is a re insurgence in collecting coins.
10th Jun 2009
Silver has been used in coins for centuries. The ancient Romans made silver coins for the Roman Empire but only Rome was allowed to make silver coins and all the countries that were made part of the roman Empire could only produce bronze, not silver coins
24th Apr 2018
From time to time you will come across an ancient coin with a hole on it. Coins that were holed in ancient times are intriguing. Why was this so?
12th Mar 2018
Latest Articles
Walking liberty half dollars are 50-cent American coins circulated from 1916 to 1947. The iconic design has been featured on the silver eagle bullion since 1986 and remains sought-after by collectors.
7th Oct 2024
Standing liberty quarters were circulated US coins issued from 1916 to 1930 as part of the Renaissance of American Coinage. Learn the values, varieties, and stories of standing liberty quarters!
9th Sep 2024
American silver eagles are the official silver bullion of the US, offered since 1986 in stunning finishes at accessible prices. Learn the key dates, history, values, and types of silver eagle coins!
12th Aug 2024
Article Categories
Collection of articles providing lots of useful information on coins through the ages.
30 Articles