Kings of Wessex, Alfred The Great Silver Penny Cross Lozenge type 871-899AD

Kings of Wessex, Alfred The Great Silver Penny Cross Lozenge type 871-899AD

This is a rare silver penny struck during the reign of Alfred the Great in the kingdom of Wessex. It belongs of his second coinage struck south of the river Thames in 875-880 A.D. by a moneyer named Byrnwald.
The obverse shows a diademed bust right, ELFRED REX (Alfred king) around while the reverse shows a long cross with Lozenge in centre, the moneyers name Byrnwald around.
Alfred spent much of his reign fighting the Vikings and was forced to buy peace for his people in Wessex using silver pennies like this one. This was short lived and he withdrew to the Isle of Athelney in 878A.D. From here he commanded his army in the battle of Edington. Alfred divided the kingdom with Guthrum the Dane and ruled all of England south and west of Watling street for a further 20 years until his death in 899A.D. Alfred is remembered for his success as a military leader, learning and as founder of the English fleet.