Anglo-Saxon gold penny could sell for £150,000
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man walking his dog has discovered an Anglo-Saxon gold penny worth up to £150,000. The coin was struck during the reign of King Coenwulf between 796 and 821, on the banks of the river Ivel in Bedfordshire.
A man walking his dog has discovered an Anglo-Saxon gold penny worth up to £150,000. The coin was struck during the reign of King Coenwulf between 796 and 821, on the banks of the river Ivel in Bedfordshire.
The find is likely to provoke keen bidding when it is auctioned in London next month. Though many similar examples survive from the period, the heyday of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia, the Ivel coin is the first gold penny found with Coenwulf's portrait.
The dog-walker, and the landowner on whose property the coin was found, are being kept secret. Richard Bishop, a coin specialist at Spink, the London auction house, said: "Even if it were silver, the penny would be very exciting due to its good condition and the quality of the portrait. In gold, it's just unbelievable."
The record price tag for a British gold penny is £149,500 in 1996, for a coin from the reign of Henry III.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments