The Ancient Origins of British Coins
Coins have been an integral part of British history for centuries, dating back to Roman times. The Romans introduced the concept of using coins as a form of currency when they invaded Britain in 43 AD. They brought with them the denarius, a silver coin that became the standard unit of currency in Roman Britain.
After the Romans left in the 5th century, the use of coins declined until the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons. The Anglo-Saxons introduced their own coins, known as sceattas, which were typically made of silver and featured intricate designs.
The Medieval Period and the Introduction of Gold Coins
In the medieval period, the use of coins became more widespread. King Offa of Mercia introduced the first English gold coin, known as the gold dinar, in the 8th century. These coins were often used for international trade and were highly valued.
In the 14th century, King Edward III introduced the noble, a gold coin that featured a portrait of the king on one side and a ship on the other. The noble was one of the first English coins to be widely circulated and was used for large financial transactions.
The Modern Era of British Coins
In the 17th century, the Royal Mint was established and became the sole provider of coins in England. The mint introduced the guinea, a gold coin that was used as the standard unit of currency until the early 19th century.
In the 20th century, the design of British coins began to change more frequently. The iconic image of Queen Elizabeth II has appeared on British coins since her coronation in 1953. The introduction of the decimal system in 1971 brought about a new series of coins, including the 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, and £1 coins that are still in circulation today.