
Eadbald, King of Kent 616-640 AD
London mint. Armored portrait facing right; reverse, central cross upon globe, legend around beaded inner circle. Exceedingly rare. The earliest coins struck from native gold in Anglo-Saxon England were minted circa 630 AD, and within 50 years these had given way to a silver coinage, first called the Sceat and then for centuries called the Penny. This coin was the first ever to name its issuing king! Only a few pieces are known, this specimen being the finest in private hands. One of the great treasures of the Tyrant Collection.
Lustrous on a full flan with bold details on each side, including the legend.