 However, the lunettes type had become very debased by the early 870s when production was probably at its highest, and another reform was initiated in the mid 870s by Alfred ('the Great') of Wessex.This introduced the heavier, finer "cross-and-lozenge" type after a number of very rare and interesting experimental issues were struck in the years around the reform.At London, which lay within the Mercian kingdom, Alfred was initially recognised as king of Mercia as well as Wessex after the deposition of Burgred in 873/4, and was even called REX ANG("lorum") on one of two known examples of the "two emperors" portrait penny type.