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The coins would later be revealed to feature the heads of both Alfred the Great, who ruled Wessex, and Ceolwulf II of Mercia, the ancient kingdom covering the area where the coins were found.

Alfred the Great, ruler of Wessex, was leading the Anglo-Saxon resistance against Viking invaders in the struggle that would eventually lead to the creation of a unified Kingdom of England.

Based in south Wales, the Royal Mint has depicted Britain’s royal family on coins for over 1,100 years, documenting each monarch since Alfred the Great.

"While they may have become Christian, they still have to be reconquered by Edward the Elder, son of Alfred the Great," said Mr Marsden.

That constancy should earn Elizabeth a royal epithet like those of her predecessors such as William the Conqueror, Edward the Confessor and Alfred the Great, said royal historian Hugo Vickers.