ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of Mercia. Offa. 757-796. AR Penny (17mm, 1.28 g, 6h). Light coinage, portrait type. London mint; Ealhmund, moneyer. Struck circa 785-792/3. + ΘFFΛ REXX (various pellets), bare bust right / ΛLHM/4N/d in three lines within two-headed serpent torque. Chick 37k ( this coin ); SCBI 67 (BM), 68; SCBI 21 (Yorkshire), 953 (same dies); North 318; SCBC 905. Richly toned. Small area of porosity on king’s cheek. EF. An excellent example of this very rare and artistic type.

From the G.W. Trow Collection, purchased from M. Rasmussen. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular LXXXIII.3 (March 1975), no. 2002; Spink Numismatic Circular LXXXI.12 (December 1973), no. 9783. Found at Turnpike Drive, Warden Hill, Luton, 1973.