Great Britain
Aethelstan (924-939), Silver Penny, portrait type, Norwich Mint, moneyer Hrodgar. Crowned and draped bust right extending to bottom of coin, legend with inner and outer linear circles surrounding, outer beaded border on rim both sides, legend commences at left, + ÆÐELSTAN REX, rev. cross pattée at centre, legend with inner and outer linear circles surrounding, + HRODGAR MO NORDI:, weight 1.51g (B.M.C. type VIII; N.675; S.1095). Toned, almost extremely fine with a pleasing portrait. Value $3,000 - UP
According to North the Norwich Mint is one of thirteen different mints mentioned on coins of this portrait type of Aethelstan and Hrodgar is one of seven moneyers working at this mint at this time which would suggest it was the second most important mint as a hub of activity in East Anglia, after London which had ten different moneyers. It is interesting to note that Norwich did not seem to contribute to the more prolific earlier circumscription cross non-portrait pennies issued earlier in the reign.
The obverse Latin legend translates as "Aethelstan King" and the reverse as "Hrodgar Moneyer of Norwich.".
Purchased from Spink and Son Ltd. 5th March 2002.