A 1,300-year-old coin featuring the face of a little-known Saxon king has sold for £32,000 at auction, after three years of efforts by its owner to prove its historical significance.
Andy Hall stumbled upon the rare silver coin while metal detecting, sparking a three-year quest to prove its historical significance. Initially dismissed as fake due to the king’s obscurity, Hall persevered, eventually confirming the coin’s authenticity through metallurgical analysis.
Mr. Hall will split the money with the owner of the land he finds, intending to take his family to Disney World, Florida, to travel with the reward from his sold coin.
The coin depicts King Ludica, Saxon ruler of Mercia in the 9th century. Its discovery challenges historical narratives, suggesting that London may have remained under Mercian control in 826 AD, contrary to previous beliefs.
Hall plans to share the proceeds with the landowner and take his family to Disney World, Florida, with the reward from the sale.
According to the historical record, London fell to the Wessex King Ecgberht (pictured) as a result of the outcome of the Battle of Ellendun in 825 AD. However, Mr Hall’s coin proves that Mercia still retained London in 826 AD
Coin expert Nigel Mills praised Hall’s determination, noting that without it, the coin’s true history may have remained buried forever. The sale price reflects the coin’s rarity and unique contribution to British coin history.