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.