see: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-wiltshire-58028670 A "unique" Anglo-Saxon coin found in a field in south Wiltshire is expected to fetch up to £200,000 at auction. The Gold Penny, or Mancus of 30 Pence, was unearthed by a metal detectorist in a field near West Dean in March 2020. Weighing 4.82g, it was struck between 802 and 839 during the reign of Ecgberht, King of the West Saxons. Thought to be the only late Anglo-Saxon gold coin in private hands, it is expected to fetch between £150,000 and £200,000 at auction on 8 September. Auctioneer Peter Preston-Morley, from London-based Dix Noonan Webb, said it was "very exciting" to see the coin. "Gold coins of this monarch were completely unknown until this one was found," he said. He said the coin was analysed in June 2021 and found to be made of "high-purity gold". Struck at a West Saxon mint, possibly in Southampton or Winchester, the coin bears the King's title 'Ecgbeorht Rex' around a monogram of the word Saxon. Mr Preston-Morley said only eight other known gold coins were struck in England between 630 and 1257, seven of which are now held at the British museum. 'Extremely valuable coins' It is believed orders for mancuses to be struck were only given on special occasions or religious events, and the coins were produced for ceremonial or high-status payments. "Mancuses would have been extremely valuable coins," he said. "A single gold mancus would have bought the equivalent of 360 loaves of wheat bread." Mr Preston-Morley added it had not been possible to date the coin to a more specific period due to limited records from Ecgberht's reign .
The condition of the coin is a mystery to me. Most gold coins of that time period have not fared as well. I realize the coin was buried for several centuries, but still yet the coin looks great. How was it conserved? Would it pass a major TPGs grading with- out a "details" grade? Almost looks like a "souvenir copy" sold at a museum gift shop. Best wishes to the new owner. Maybe the British Royal Museum or Tyrant.
I'm not sure- I think it would have a decent chance at a "straight" grade- but in any event, that would be a totally moot point, on something this unique and important. That was my very first reaction as well.
I don't think the new owner will send it to a TPG. I was just curious if it would pass without the "details" label.
As noted above, these coins were prestige pieces, not intended to circulate. Gold is a noble metal which doesn't react easily. I imagine it's had a rinse and perhaps some careful straightening. That should be about all. I look for the coin to stay in the UK. I wouldn't be surprised to see an export ban.
I find that statement somewhat odd. Correct me if I'm wrong but, going backwards in time, wasn't it more difficult to refine and purify gold the farther back you go? I am certainly not a chemist nor a metallurgist.
Gold is relatively easy to refine. If I remember correctly, the Lydians were producing fine gold coins by the mid-6th century BC.
