Medieval Coins
Introduction
Saxon & Norman
Short Cross
Voided Long Cross
Long Cross
Nobles & Groats
Medieval Hoard
Taynton Metal Detecting Club
The Gannets
Introduction to Medieval Coins
Saxon Coins
Saxon Coins are very rare. The first native Saxon coin was gold and called a Thrymsa.
Thrymsas were minted from about 630 to 675, when they were replaced by a silver penny, known today as a Sceatta.
Medieval Coins
At the start of the medieval period the Normans adopted the existing Saxon mints with the penny remaining the only coin. The penny was made with a cross on its back to facilitate the coin being cut into halves or quarters to make half-pennies and farthings. Farthing means 'a fourth part' in old English.
Medieval Penny, Half-Penny and Farthing (Fourth-Penny). Found by club member Mark Powles.
Later in the period higher denomination coins arrived, including the groat and the noble.