Edward the Martyr coin value guide
Edward the Martyr · 975–978 · Penny
Denominations
Penny
Reign
975–978
What a coin is worth depends on its exact type, mint, grade and provenance — the type tables and value factors below explain what drives each one.
About these coins
Edward the Martyr reigned for barely three years (975–978) before his murder at Corfe, and his coinage is correspondingly brief. He struck a single type — the Reform Small Cross penny inherited from Edgar — at mints across England. Because the reign was so short, surviving pennies are genuinely rare and among the most prized of the late Anglo-Saxon kings.
With only one type and a tiny window of production, demand consistently outstrips supply. Even modest examples are scarce, and well-struck or finely-provenanced coins reach far higher at auction. Grade, mint and pedigree make a large difference at this level.
Value by type
The only denomination, continuing Edgar's reform design — a diademed bust with the mint and moneyer. Typically 1.2–1.4g of silver.
| Type | Rarity |
|---|---|
Reform Small Cross (sole type) 975–978 Edgar's reform portrait penny continued; the only type of the reign. | Rare |
What drives the value
Short reign & rarity
Edward struck for under three years, so every example is scarce; the market floor sits far higher than for the common late Saxon kings.
Mint & moneyer
Coins of scarcer mints and recorded moneyers attract strong competition among specialist collectors of the period.
Grade & surfaces
At this level, condition is decisive. A sharp, well-centred coin with original surfaces can sell for several times a worn or damaged example.
Provenance
An illustrious pedigree to a named historic collection adds significant value and confidence at these prices.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an Edward the Martyr penny worth?
The short reign makes every example scarce, so the market floor sits well above the common late Saxon kings, with grade, mint and provenance driving the figure higher. Use the valuation tool for an estimate based on realised prices for comparable coins.
Why are Edward the Martyr pennies so rare?
Edward reigned only from 975 to 978 before being murdered at Corfe, so very few coins were struck compared with the longer reigns either side of him.
How many types did Edward the Martyr strike?
Just one — the Reform Small Cross penny inherited from Edgar's coinage reform.
What affects the value of an Edward the Martyr penny most?
Grade is decisive at this rarity level, followed by the mint and the strength of the provenance. Even within a single type, those factors can move the price substantially.