Lot 485
Edward the Martyr (975-978), Silver Penny, London Mint, Moneyer Leofstan. Draped diademed portrait left, legend with inner linear circle and outer beaded circle surrounding, legend commences at top, +EADPEARD REX ANGLORX, last two letters ligatured, rev. small cross pattée, legend with inner linear circle and outer beaded circle surrounding, +LEOFSTAN MON LVN:, weight 1.28g (B.M.C. type I; N.763; S.1142). Toned, seemingly struck from a worn reverse die, soft strike on the high points, otherwise with a detailed portrait, very fine, the moneyer name not listed by North, therefore rare. Value $3,000 - UP
The only type of Penny for Edward the Martyr is the portrait coin with all mentioning a mint town on the reverse. There are 35 mint towns recorded by North for this reign with at least five other more mysterious readings that are unallocated. It is interesting to note that North does not list a Leofstan for London, but only a similar Leofeh amongst the total of six names for this mint. In this reign the number of moneyers was actually greater at Lincoln with ten, and Stamford with fourteen, but the most are recorded at York with fifteen.
The obverse Latin legend translates as "Edward King of the English" and the reverse as "Leofstan Moneyer of London.".
Ex Viking Collection, Spink Coin Auction 150, 14th March 2001, lot 1007.
|
| |
| Realized $5,040 |
