Alfred the Great, King of Wessex 871-899 AD

Diademed “Roman style” portrait facing right; reverse, LONDONIA monogram. Rare. King Alfred invaded and captured the capital city, London, in the year 886 and it was long believed that this coin was struck to commemorate that victory, but more likely it was made prior to his attack on the city in order to intimidate his enemies.

An unusually choice and well-detailed example of this famous king’s most striking coin, possessing a crisply detailed and unflawed portrait as well as a beautiful multi-hued gray patina. Most known examples have an advanced die-flaw through the king’s portrait, but not this one! One of the great treasures of the Tyrant Collection.