MINT STATE “MIRABILIA FECIT” PENNY FROM THE STACK COLLECTION

S998 ,  Obv: (As North 496),  +V+CRTEN around a patriarchal cross with four pellets. Cross stops in legend. Rev: “+ MIRABILA FECIT” Within a beaded inner circle, a cross pattee with pellets in the first and third quarter between the arms of the cross. Single cross pattee at start of legend in legend.   The obverse legend is a corruption of CNVT REX spelt by illiterate moneyers. The letters C V N T  are arranged at the ends of each cross limb but are out of order. The extra R  and E are meant to spell REX. Put it all together and you have CVNT RE(X)   Very rare in this state of preservation. Near complete frosty lustre, nearly mint state. A similar coin (s996) sold in the  Numismatica Ars Classica auction of the fabulous Dr. Irving Schneider collection of early Saxon coins held on 25 May 2025 for CHF 3500 plus 22.5% buyers fee. or $5575. Very likely from the Cuerdale Hoard. Ex Lawrence Stack collection, sold Sotheby’s auction, 23 April 1999, lot 375.  CH UNC