An Anglo Saxon silver penny produced under the reign of King Aethelbert II of Kent (circa AD 779-794) more than doubled its high estimate at Dix Noonan Webb today.
It sold for ?�65,000 ($109,180) against a ?�20,000 ($33,594) estimate, an increase of 225%.
 The silver penny was issued in the 8th century under the reign of Aethelbert II |
The silver penny was discovered with a metal detector. It's the first of its kind ever found and one of only four from Aethelbert's era ever uncovered.
In addition to its extraordinary rarity, the coin is thought to have a significant bearing on history.
It has been hypothesised that the neighbouring King Offa may have objected to the coin's layout ("Aethelbert" and "Rex" appear on the same side, which may have been interpreted as a break for independence) and had Aethelbert killed as a result.
Auction house owner Christopher Webb told the BBC prior to the sale: "This new discovery is an important and unexpected addition to the numismatic history of 8th century England."
Click here to see our fascinating range of rare coins.
Sign up here for our free newsletter.
