Edward the Martyr (975-78), Penny, Sole type, Stamford mint [ex Lockett collection]

Description

Edward the Martyr (975-78), Penny, Sole type, Stamford mint, moneyer Boia, legend reads EΛDPΛRD REX ΛNG, the NG ligate, diademed bust left in tunic within inner linear circle, outer beaded borders both sides. Rev, small cross pattée, moneyer and mint inscription surrounds, BOIA M¯O STANF, 1.41g (S.1142; N.763; SCBI 27 [Lincolnshire], 1076, Wells 24 and Grantley 1106 same dies).

Fully centred strike with a handsome cabinet tone, exceptionally well detailed in both the portrait and legend inscriptions. Rev, immediately intelligible in the moneyer and mint signature, fields clear. The portrait superlative with a distinguished pedigree and lineage, one of the finest known examples (on par with the R. P Mack [SCBI 20, 815] specimen – cf. ‘The Williams Collection Part I’: Spink 27th March 2018, lot 73, £21,080 inclusive of buyer’s premium) with some old supporting tickets in place. Bold extremely fine, much as struck. Extremely rare.

H.H. Allan Collection, Sotheby Auction, 7-10 July 1908, lot 19
R.C. Lockett Collection, Part III, Glendining Auction, 4-6 November 1958, lot 2759
‘Ridgemount’ Collection, Spink Auction 69, 20 April 1989, lot 70
L.R. Stack Collection, Sotheby Auction, 22-3 April 1999, lot 492
J. Hall Collection, DNW Auction 71, 28 September 2006, lot 46