Iconic Transitional Pyramids Type
ANGLO-SAXON, Kings of All England. Edward the Confessor. 1042-1066. AR Penny (19mm, 1.19 g, 1h). Transitional Pyramids type (BMC xiv, Hild. Ia). Dover mint; Wulfweard, moneyer. Struck circa 1065. EΛDPΛRD REX Λ, crowned facing bust, cross on breast, holding scepter and orb / + PVLFPVRD ON DOF, voided cross with "pyramids" in quarters. EMC 1992.0283 = Coin Register 1992, 283 (
this coin); Freeman 89; North 835; SCBC 1185. Glossy dark find patina. Good VF. Extremely rare.
Found Little Mongeham, Kent, 5 September 1992 .
The handsome obverse design of this extremely rare, late issue of Edward the Confessor is derived from the reverses of Byzantine gold nomisma of the early 11th century which depict the emperor facing, holding sceptre and orb. On this penny from the Dover mint the saintly king wears a pectoral cross instead of the annular brooch otherwise encountered. Only the coin offered here and one other fragment are known with the king depicted thus. When Edward the Confessor’s tomb in Westminster Abbey was opened in 1685, a richly enamelled cross on a long gold chain was found amongst the bones and presented to the then king, James II. This cross was reportedly lost along with the Crown Jewels when James fled London following the invasion of William of Orange.
