Alfred the Great, King of Wessex (871-899), issued various types of coins during his reign, primarily silver pennies.
- Portrait Pennies: These coins typically feature a diademed portrait of Alfred facing right, wearing a tunic.
- Londonia Monogram Pennies: These coins are particularly significant in the history of the Royal Mint as they are among the first coins to explicitly state that they were minted in London. The reverse features a stylized arrangement of the name “LVNDONIA”.
– The London Monogram Penny with the moneyer Tilewine is a known type.
- Two Emperors and Cross and Lozenge Coins: These rare coins were jointly issued with King Ceolwulf II of Mercia.
- Inscription: The coins bear inscriptions such as “ÆLFR / EDREX” (King Alfred) and “LVNDONIA” (London).
- Material: Alfred the Great’s coins were primarily made of silver.
- Value: Original Alfred the Great coins are quite valuable, with non-portrait coins typically selling for £2,000 to £3,000, and portrait issue coins commanding prices over £12,000.
- Mints: Coins were struck at various mints, including London.
- Currency Reforms: Alfred also implemented reforms to the currency system, establishing new mints throughout the country.
The Royal Mint has also issued commemorative coins featuring Alfred the Great. For example, a [Royal Mint 2021 King Alfred the Great Silver Proof Five Pounds Coin] was released to commemorate 1,150 years since his coronation . There are also silver and gold proof coins and replicas available for purchase.
Original coins are available through reputable numismatic dealers and auction houses. Commemorative coins and replicas can be purchased online from places like Etsy and eBay. If you are looking for rare coins or bullion, you can visit local coin dealers like A World of Coins and Rocky Mountain Coin.
What is the real Alfred the Great coin?
The penny was made in Exeter around 895-899 (over 1,100 years ago) on the orders of King Alfred the Great. It is the earliest and rarest coin minted in Exeter. Only three examples are known and the other two are in the British Museum.
Are Alexander the Great coins valuable?
These are some of the most well-known coins of the ancient world. Alexander issued a small amount of the impressive distaters, or double staters, that were thought to be used as payment to his most trusted soldiers, that are extremely desirable and rare today.
What is Alfred the Great famous for?
I can help with that. It is for his valiant defence of his kingdom against a stronger enemy, for securing peace with the Vikings and for his farsighted reforms in the reconstruction of Wessex and beyond, that Alfred – alone of all the English kings and queens – is known as ‘the Great’.
Why did Alfred the Great increase the silver content of coins?
The increase in silver content was radical and is an action of a secure king anticipating a long reign. However, Alfred’s rule was highly uncertain with the Vikings controlling much of Anglo-Saxon England north of Wessex and his nephew agitating for the Wessex crown.