Anglo-Saxon gold coin could bring £200k

The Gold Penny, or Mancus of 30 Pence, was unearthed by a metal detectorist in a field near West Dean in March 2020. Weighing 4.82g, it was struck between 802 and 839 during the reign of Ecgberht, King of the West Saxons. Thought to be the only late Anglo-Saxon gold coin in private hands, it is expected to fetch between £150,000 and £200,000 at auction on 8 September. Struck at a West Saxon mint, the coin bears the King's title 'Ecgbeorht Rex' around a monogram of the word Saxon. Only eight other known gold coins were struck in England between 630 and 1257, seven of which are now held at the British museum.