Medieval coins are, as the name might suggest, coins minted during the period known as the middle ages. When did this period started and how long it lasted is an area of contention. Most historians seem to agree that the medieval period started with the fall of the Western Roman Empire, but there’s heated debate on when exactly did it end. Was it when Christopher Columbus reached the shores of the American continent in 1492 A.D.? Or did it end when the Renaissance started? Or maybe it began when the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium) collapsed?
We will let you take your pick. We like to think that all of these factors have contributed to the sea change that occurred during this transitionary period. But since we are talking about coins, perhaps the most important transition (or at least the first step towards a very important transition) around this time to us, came about in 1561 A.D. As this is the date when the first milled coins were minted for the first time.
The Medieval coins presented below are divided into Medieval British Coins spanning between the time period of 476 A.D. (fall of the Western Roman Empire) and 1561 A.D., when the first Milled coin was made by a European Kingdom (England).
Edward I, also known as Edward Longshanks reigned from 1272 to 1307. Historians have conflicting opinions on his reign, many credit the Monarch for restoring royal authority after the reign of Henry III, establishing Parliament as a permanent institution, and reforming the law through statutes. Others condemn his brutal actions towards the Welsh and the Scots. In the reign of Edward I, the Silver Penny was the largest denomination made for circulation. And regardless of where you stand on Edward I's reign, we think that adding a Silver Penny coined by one of England's most well-known monarchs to your collection will certainly enrich it. Here we offer an Edward I Silver Penny from the London Mint in Very Good condition with a certificate of authenticity!
In the reign of King Edward I, the largest coin struck for regular usage was the Silver Penny. It was of such high-quality silver that many were exported, melted down, and then lower-grade counterfeits or Sterlings were issued. This was of course illegal and the penalty was death. You have a facing portrait of the King on one side and a cross on the other side. This cross made it easy to make change cut it in half and it became a Halfpenny, cut it into quarters and it becomes a Farthing. Edward was both good and bad, a very tall man he was known as Long Shanks. He established Parliament as a permanent institution, but he also treated the Scottish people brutally, persecuted Jewish people and took all their money and property. The Silver Pennies on offer were put together by a dealer over many years; they have been carefully selected and are now over 700 years old. They are supplied in Fine which is better than they usually come. This Silver Penny was the largest coin struck for regular usage and it would purchase quite a bit at the time. A fantastic group and one that you should seriously consider.
Edward II also called Edward of Caernarfon, was King of England from 1307 until he was deposed in January 1327. Following the death of his father Edward “Longshanks”, Edward succeeded to the throne in 1307. The “Long Cross Penny” was the largest coin of the period and those of Edward II closely resemble those of his father. He adopted the same bust and legend. It takes a trained eye to spot differences in the lettering and the King's crown to spot a genuine Edward II. The pennies on offer here come in “Fine”. They are from London or Canterbury Mints, depending on availability. You have the crowned bust of the King on one side, under the name of Edward I. On the reverse you have CIVI TAS LONDON or CIVI TAS CANTOR, meaning “City of London (or Canterbury)”. This is the first time we have accumulated enough Edward II Pennies to offer you in almost three years, so get one while you can.
One of the earliest and least expensive English coins you can get is a Silver Penny of King Henry III. He reigned from 1216-1272 so that makes it between 700 and 800 years ago. The Silver Penny was the only denomination issued during his rule. You have a stylized portrait of the monarch on one side and a long cross on the other side. This long cross was so that you would have guidelines if you wanted to cut the coin in half, thus making two Halfpennies, or in Quarters thus making four Farthings. The Silver in the coin was good, that many were illegally exported and melted down. The excess money was the profit, but it was illegal to export these coins. We can offer them in Fine and we think that they are excellent value considering their age and history.
