2017-05-03 Wed

The Dix Noonan Webb Auction that will take place from 14th to 16th June will be offering a 775-779 Anglo-Saxon silver penny found by a metal detectorist at Sheldwich, near Canterbury, Kent, in September 2016. The only known coin of this type features the name of the late 8th-century Archbishop of Canterbury - Jaenberht. Unlike other coins of this era, this one does bear the name of King Offa of Mercia, who wanted to conquer other Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

Showcased in the Yorkshire Museum, is the only other known example which was found in 1993 in North Yorkshire. All other coins discovered before this also featured Offa’s name. The penny offered at the auction, with an estimate of £10,000 to £12,000 was issued during a time period when Kent enjoyed a brief period of independence from Offa.