Alfred The Great

Known for his military successes and far-sighted cultural reforms, Alfred the Great is one of the most influential monarchs in British history. Born c.848, when Britain was in the grip of Viking raids, Alfred the Great went on to become the only leader able to broker peace after years of turmoil. Intelligent, pious and fair, the king used this period of relative peace in Wessex to pave the way for many changes that shaped the nation and monarchy forever, including his grand vision of a united nation.

For 2021, The Royal Mint has struck a new UK coin to pay tribute to this visionary monarch who built the foundations for Britain’s future. The £5 coin is inspired by a priceless Anglo-Saxon relic, the Alfred Jewel, and features an inscription taken from the artefact, which translates as ‘ALFRED ORDERED ME TO BE MADE’. The reverse design was created by the sculptor John Bergdahl, who is also known for designing a number of coins for The Royal Mint celebrating and commemorating royal anniversaries and occasions.