Kings of Wessex. Ælfred the Great (871-899) Penny ND MS62 PCGS, uncertain mint (London or Canterbury), Dunna as moneyer, cross-and-lozenge type, S-1058, North-629 (Very Rare). ÆLFR | ED REX SΛX, diademed bust right / DVN | NA | MON | ETA in angles of cross crosslet with lozenge center, small cross within. It is hard to examine this 1100 year-old coin and to fully believe one's eyes. Besides a dark tone (presumably from time spent underground), this Penny is as pristine and sharp as when first struck during Alfred's reign, with every detail fully represented. Almost more surprising than this, however, are the extraordinarily well-produced dies used to create this piece. Every letter is perfectly produced, readable and with no liberties taken as to spelling or order; clearly Dunna was a very well-educated moneyer. Ælfred's portrait is immaculate, engraved with a prominent chin and slightly open mouth, his attire elaborate and performed in the manner of a Roman emperor. An extremely rare type in any grade but almost never-seen in such a lofty state of preservation as this, and accordingly this piece is the highest graded by either PCGS or NGC.

HID99912102018