Numismatics Blog
Unorthodox Solution in Troubled Times The 19th century was a time of significant change in Ireland, with political turmoil and social upheaval shaping the course of the nation’s history. The economic sphere was no exception. An unusual but noteworthy aspect of this era was the issuance of bank tokens by the Belfast Bank, an unorthodox…
The Birth of the Sovereign The story of the British Sovereign gold coin begins in 1489 during the reign of King Henry VII. Tasked with demonstrating the stability and wealth of the Tudor dynasty, the King’s goldsmiths were ordered to create a coin that was larger and more impressive than any other in circulation. This…
The Influence of the Industrial Revolution on Coin Production One of the most significant ways the Industrial Revolution impacted British coinage was by revolutionising the production process. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, coins were made by hand in a laborious and time-consuming process. This method of coin production was replaced by steam-powered coining presses that…
In the diverse landscape of British coinage history, the Three Halfpence coin holds a unique place. Not only for its uncommon denomination, but also because it was minted with a specific purpose – to facilitate trade in British colonies. This made it a vital, if somewhat overlooked, part of Britain’s historical and global narrative. The…
The Emergence of Siege Coins There are few instances in numismatic history as fascinating as the production of siege coins. These pieces of currency, born out of necessity during wartime sieges, bear testament to the resourcefulness and resilience of communities under duress. Among the most famous examples in the British Isles are the siege pieces…
The Genesis of the 1933 Penny Delving into the history of the 1933 Penny, one discovers a remarkable tale wrapped in an unassuming coin. In the early 1930s, amidst economic turmoil and global changes, a decision was made by the British Royal Mint not to produce any pennies for general circulation in 1933. This decision…
Unearthing the Hoxne Hoard: A Startling Discovery In November 1992, a metal detectorist named Eric Lawes stumbled upon an extraordinary find in the Suffolk countryside – the Hoxne Hoard. Initially searching for a friend’s lost hammer, Lawes unwittingly unearthed the largest hoard of late Roman gold and silver coins discovered in Britain. The significance of…
The Recoinage Act of 1816: An Overview Passed during the reign of King George III, the Recoinage Act of 1816 was an essential piece of legislation that dramatically altered the British monetary system. This Act ushered in significant changes in the weight, composition, and design of coins, effectively introducing a new ‘modern’ coinage that would…
From 1154 to 1485, England was ruled by the Plantagenet Dynasty, a line of monarchs with a profound impact on the nation’s history and, indeed, its coinage. Under the Plantagenets, English coins evolved significantly both in terms of design and denomination. This era saw the introduction of iconic coin types like the Gold Noble, Silver…
The Birth of the British Gold Standard The journey of the British gold standard begins in the 18th century. The term Gold Standard refers to a monetary system where a country’s currency or paper money has a value directly linked to gold. Britain officially adopted this standard in 1816 with the “recoinage” and the introduction…
The Need for Decimalisation in Britain Before 1971, the British currency system, with its shillings, pence, and pounds, was a unique and complex one. Each pound consisted of 20 shillings, with each shilling further divided into 12 pence. This old system, with its cumbersome fractions, was increasingly seen as outdated and impractical, especially in the…
In the annals of British history, the reign of William and Mary (1689-1694) is associated with a period of significant political upheaval and religious change. This period, often referred to as the “Glorious Revolution,” had a profound impact on the British monarchy, and these changes were reflected in the coins minted during this era. Coins…
The Birth of British Trade Dollars In the late 19th century, the British Empire was reaching the peak of its global influence. Trade routes spread across the world, with a significant focus on the East, including China and other parts of Asia. The need for a standardized, universally accepted form of currency was becoming increasingly…
The 17th century was a time of change in the British economic landscape. With an increasing population and the growth of trade, the small change necessary for daily transactions was in high demand. However, official minting could not keep up with the needs of the burgeoning economy, especially in rural areas. This situation gave rise…
Commemorative Coins under Elizabeth II With the reign of Elizabeth II, a whole new era of commemorative coins has unfolded. These unique coins serve not just as currency, but as vibrant symbols of Britain’s rich heritage, commemorating key events and figures that have shaped the nation’s history. From marking royal milestones to celebrating significant national…
The world of numismatics—the study or collection of coins—provides a unique view into the past. Each coin serves as a miniature piece of art, reflecting the era in which it was minted. As such, British coin designs offer an artistic journey through the nation’s history. From the Tudor era to the present, every British monarch…
Regarded as one of the world’s oldest currencies still in existence, the British Pound Sterling boasts a rich and fascinating history that spans over 12 centuries. Its journey from the early Anglo-Saxon silver pennies to the modern currency we recognise today offers a compelling story of innovation, adaptability, and global influence. This article delves into…
Introduction: The Emergence of Trade Tokens As the 18th century dawned upon Great Britain, an intriguing phenomenon emerged in its numismatic history. This was the era when British Trade Tokens, a form of non-governmental coinage, began to circulate. A fascinating chapter in the study of British coins, these tokens reflect the economic and social conditions…
Introduction: The Shift to Decimalisation The UK’s transition from the traditional pounds, shillings, and pence to a decimal system marked a significant milestone in the nation’s numismatic history. This change in 1971, often referred to as Decimal Day or ‘D-Day,’ simplified transactions and modernised the British monetary system. This article delves into the fascinating journey…
One of the most remarkable coins in British numismatic history, the Gold Noble, holds a unique place in the realm of medieval currency. First introduced in 1344 during the reign of King Edward III, the Gold Noble was not merely a medium of exchange but a strategic tool that asserted England’s sovereignty and naval strength….