GREAT BRITAIN. Anglo-Saxon. Kings of All England. Penny, ND (1066). Steyning Mint; Diorman, moneyer. Harold II. PCGS Genuine--Graffiti, AU Details.

S-1186; N-836. Pax (BMC i) type. + HΛROLD REX ΛNGLO, crowned head left; scepter to left; Reverse: + DERMON OM STENI, PΛX across central field. A VERY RARE and always desirable type for this brief monarch, the present specimen does exhibit the noted graffiti on the reverse above the central legend, but nevertheless does not display much in the way of handling and even sports a rather alluring gunmetal gray cabinet tone to further its eye appeal.
The final Anglo-Saxon king of England, Harold II ruled from the death of Edward until his own demise in the Battle of Hastings. As soon as Harold II was coronated, William of Normandy began preparations for an invasion and he started building English defenses to attempt to repel the Normans. He was also faced with the prospect of invasion by his brother Tostig and the Norwegian king Hardrada. Tostig and Hardrada invaded in the north, and Harold was able to score a victory against them in Yorkshire. Shortly thereafter, Harold marched his army south to meet William’s invasion in Sussex. Unable to win two major victories in the span of three weeks, Harold II was defeated and killed at Hastings and the Norman’s conquered England.     

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From the Paul C. Runze Collection (purchased from Davisson's; includes old Seaby ticket, ca. 1963).