Museum Acquires 9th Century Alfred the Great Silver Penny
By Jill Dando News
Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) has acquired an Anglo-Saxon silver penny; an incredibly important object which marks the beginning of modern Exeter.
The penny was made in Exeter around 895-899 (over 1,100 years ago) on the orders of King Alfred the Great.
It is the earliest and rarest coin minted in Exeter. Only three examples are known and the other two are in the British Museum.
The coin had been in the Dr Irving Schneider Collection in America since 1989, but the collection came up for auction in Zurich in May, giving RAMM the opportunity to acquire this hugely important piece of Exeter’s history.
This silver coin is the earliest object to bear the name Exeter and was made on the orders of King Alfred the Great.
On one side it proclaims AELFRED REX SAXONUM (Alfred King of the Saxons) and on the other EXA (Exeter).
It marks the point where Alfred identified Exeter, alongside Winchester, as the headquarters from which to strengthen his rule as King.
Alfred’s confidence in Exeter was a turning point in the city’s fortunes after being virtually abandoned since Roman times.
The city walls were repaired and new street grid, different from the Roman one, was laid out. The city evidently grew rapidly. By the year 1000 it was about the sixth most prosperous city in Britain.
RAMM’s Assistant Curator Tom Cadbury said:
‘This little coin is an incredibly important piece of Exeter’s history. It was made 1,130 years ago making it the earliest known use of the name ‘Exeter’. Only 3 of these coins have ever been found and the museum has been aware of this one’s existence since 1868. It’s incredible that it’s finally coming home.’
Exeter City Council lead for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Councillor Bob Foale said:
‘We’re delighted that this coin, evidence of Exeter’s important role in the history of the nation, has been acquired for the city. It is fascinating to compare the Exeter of Alfred the Great to the thriving and bustling city it has become today. We are grateful to the donors who supported the museum in this acquisition, and look forward to having the coin on display in the near future.’
For more information and updates on the coin’s display, visit: https://rammuseum.org.uk/
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