Anglo-Saxon coin saved for nation (UK)

A unique Anglo-Saxon gold coin, found by an amateur treasure hunter in 2001, was saved for the nation on Wednesday after the British Museum paid a record 357,852 pounds to the American owner.

It is the highest amount ever paid for a British coin.

The acquisition of the 1,200-year-old coin, minted in the reign of Coenwulf who ruled Mercia from 796 to 821, turns a neat profit for American collector Allan Davisson who bought it at auction in October 2004 for a then record 230,000 pounds.