Penny - Alfred the Great Cross and Lozenge type

Historical Context: Issued during Alfred the Great's later reign (871-899), this Cross and Lozenge Penny reflects a pivotal period in Anglo-Saxon history. Following the Treaty of Wedmore (878), Alfred consolidated his authority, establishing fortified burhs. This coinage was crucial for economic stability, facilitating trade, and asserting royal power across his expanding kingdom, laying foundations for a unified English state.

Artistry: While specific engravers remain anonymous, the coin exemplifies the distinctive Anglo-Saxon numismatic style of the late 9th century. The obverse features a stylized, right-facing bust of Alfred, often rendered with robust simplicity, encircled by "AELFRED REX". The reverse presents the eponymous Cross and Lozenge motif: a central cross within a rhomboid frame, typically flanked by trefoils or pellets, with the moneyer's name and mint town encircling the design. This geometric reverse is a type hallmark.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a silver flan (1.3 grams, 19 millimeters), the technical execution of these pennies varies. High-points for wear or strike weakness typically include the king's nose and forehead on the obverse, and the central cross and lozenge points on the reverse. Planchets are often irregular, and strikes can exhibit unevenness or off-centering, leading to partial legends. Despite variations, the silver purity generally remained high, attesting to Alfred’s monetary integrity.