罕见的盎格鲁撒克逊金币出土，估计价值可赎回国王的赎金

金属探测器发现了一枚在埃克伯特国王（802-839 年）统治时期铸造的盎格鲁-撒克逊金币。这枚稀有的 30 便士曼库斯，其纯度与天然未精炼的黄金一致，预计拍卖价格在 150,000 英镑至 200,000 英镑之间。专家认为，它很可能是为了仪式或高地位的支付而生产的，并且是英格兰当时已知的仅存的九枚金币之一。

Rare Anglo-Saxon Gold Coin Unearthed, Expected to Fetch a King's Ransom

罕见的盎格鲁撒克逊金币出土，有望换取国王的赎金

Archaeological history has been rewritten with the discovery of an extraordinary Anglo-Saxon gold coin that is poised to shatter auction records and captivate collectors worldwide. This exquisite artifact, dating back to the golden age of the West Saxon kingdom, stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and opulence of a bygone era.

随着一枚非凡的盎格鲁-撒克逊金币的发现，考古历史被改写，这枚金币有望打破拍卖记录并吸引全世界的收藏家。这件精美的手工艺品可以追溯到西撒克逊王国的黄金时代，是过去时代的工艺和富裕的证明。

Unveiled by a dedicated metal detectorist in West Dean, nestled on the border of Wiltshire and Hampshire in March 2020, this remarkable Gold Penny, or Mancus of 30 Pence, has sent shockwaves through the numismatic community. Its unparalleled significance stems from its scarcity, with this specimen standing as the sole known gold coin from the reign of King Ecgberht in private hands.

2020 年 3 月，这枚非凡的金便士（即 30 便士曼库斯）由位于威尔特郡和汉普郡边境的西迪恩市的一位专业金属探测器专家揭幕，在钱币界引起了轩然大波。其无与伦比的重要性源于其稀缺性，该样本是埃格伯特国王统治时期唯一已知的私人持有的金币。

Ecgberht, the formidable King of the West Saxons, ruled from 802 to 839, leaving an indelible mark on Anglo-Saxon history. During his reign, he cemented West Saxon dominance over rival kingdoms, paving the way for the eventual unification of England. This gold coin serves as a tangible testament to his power and prosperity.

埃格伯特是令人敬畏的西撒克逊国王，他在位 802 年至 839 年，在盎格鲁撒克逊历史上留下了不可磨灭的印记。在他的统治期间，他巩固了西撒克逊对敌对王国的统治地位，为英格兰的最终统一铺平了道路。这枚金币是他权力和繁荣的有形证明。

Weighing a mere 4.82g, the coin presents an intricate tapestry of artistry, featuring the inscription "Ecgbeorht Rex" (King Ecgberht) encircling a monogram of the word "Saxon." This exquisite design reflects the skilled craftsmanship of Anglo-Saxon artisans, who imbued their works with both symbolic and aesthetic value.

这枚硬币仅重 4.82 克，呈现出错综复杂的艺术气息，刻有“Ecgbeorht Rex”（埃克伯特国王）铭文，周围环绕着“撒克逊”一词的字母组合。这种精美的设计体现了盎格鲁撒克逊工匠的精湛工艺，他们的作品赋予了象征意义和审美价值。

Experts at Dix Noonan Webb, the esteemed auction house entrusted with the sale, have conducted meticulous analysis of the coin, revealing its exceptional composition. Crafted from "high-purity gold," with trace elements of silver and copper, it epitomizes the natural beauty and durability of the precious metal.

负责此次拍卖的著名拍卖行迪克斯·努南·韦伯 (Dix Noonan Webb) 的专家对这枚硬币进行了细致的分析，揭示了其独特的成分。它由“高纯度黄金”制成，含有微量银和铜元素，体现了贵金属的自然美感和耐用性。

Remarkably, the coin's surface bears no signs of damage from use as jewelry, suggesting it was most likely intended for ceremonial or high-status payments. This pristine condition further enhances its allure, making it a highly coveted acquisition for discerning collectors.

值得注意的是，这枚硬币的表面没有因用作珠宝而受到损坏的迹象，这表明它很可能是用于仪式或高地位的付款。这种原始的状态进一步增强了它的吸引力，使其成为挑剔的收藏家梦寐以求的藏品。

"It is an immense privilege to present this extraordinary coin," exclaimed Peter Preston-Morley, Head of the Coin Department at Dix Noonan Webb. "Its discovery has rewritten our understanding of Anglo-Saxon gold coinage, as such coins were previously thought to be extinct."

Dix Noonan Webb 硬币部门负责人 Peter Preston-Morley 感叹道：“能够推出这枚非凡的硬币是我的荣幸。” “它的发现改写了我们对盎格鲁撒克逊金币的理解，因为这种硬币以前被认为已经灭绝了。”

Mr. Preston-Morley elaborated on the significance of the mancus, a gold denomination that originated in Italy and gained currency in England prior to 800 AD. This extremely valuable coin would have commanded enormous purchasing power, with a single mancus equating to approximately 360 loaves of wheat bread.

Preston-Morley 先生详细阐述了曼库斯的重要性，曼库斯是一种黄金面额，起源于意大利，并于公元 800 年之前在英国流行。这种价值极高的硬币具有巨大的购买力，一枚曼库斯相当于大约 360 条小麦面包。

The precise occasion for the minting of this coin remains shrouded in mystery, as records from Ecgberht's reign are scarce. However, its existence points to a period of stability and prosperity, when the West Saxons asserted their dominance over neighboring kingdoms.

由于埃格伯特统治时期的记录很少，这枚硬币的确切铸造时间仍然笼罩在神秘之中。然而，它的存在预示着一段稳定和繁荣的时期，当时西撒克逊人声称对邻国拥有统治地位。

Scheduled for auction on September 8th, this Anglo-Saxon gold coin is estimated to fetch a staggering sum of £150,000 to £200,000, underscoring its unparalleled historical and numismatic value. Its discovery and impending sale have ignited a frenzy of excitement within the collecting community, as it offers a rare glimpse into the opulent world of Anglo-Saxon royalty.

这枚盎格鲁-撒克逊金币定于 9 月 8 日拍卖，估价高达 15 万至 20 万英镑，凸显其无与伦比的历史和钱币价值。它的发现和即将出售在收藏界引发了一阵兴奋，因为它让人们得以难得一睹盎格鲁撒克逊皇室的奢华世界。

This extraordinary artifact serves as a tangible reminder of a pivotal era in English history, when the seeds of a unified nation were sown. Its discovery not only enriches our understanding of the past but also provides a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of a bygone age. As it graces the auction block, the Anglo-Saxon Gold Penny stands poised to captivate collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts alike, etching its name in the annals of numismatic history.

这件非凡的文物切实地提醒人们，英国历史上的一个关键时代已经播下了统一国家的种子。它的发现不仅丰富了我们对过去的理解，而且让我们得以一睹过去时代的艺术和工艺。当盎格鲁-撒克逊金便士亮相拍卖场时，它将吸引收藏家、学者和爱好者，并将其名字铭刻在钱币史册上。