 In 2014 metal @-@ detectorist Darrin Simpson of Eastbourne found a coin minted during the reign of Æthelbert , in a Sussex field . It is believed that the coin may have led to Æthelbert 's beheading by Offa , as it had been struck as a sign of independence . Describing the coin , Christopher Webb , head of coins at auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb , said , " This new discovery is an important and unexpected addition to the numismatic history of 8th Century England . " It sold at auction on June 11 for £ 78 @,@ 000 ( estimate £ 15 @,@ 000 to £ 20 @,@ 000 ) . 
