31.1.2012 Coins from the period of William the Conqueror
Categories: Minting - Numismatics , Calendar , Nálezy nejenom s detektorem ve Velké Británii a Irsku
The unique silver coin was found nine years ago by a prospector using a metal detector. The cent was minted during the reign of William the Conqueror, when coinage was developing. Seventy mints were in operation.
A unique medieval coin from the reign of William the Conqueror was found in a field near Gloucester nine years ago. It was discovered by metal detectorist Maureen Jones just north of the city. Antiquities experts said the find "filled" a gap in the dates when it was common knowledge that a mint operated in Gloucester.
The coin dates from between 1077 and 1080. It is engraved with the name of the place where it was struck. Until now, there has been no evidence of coin production at Gloucester between 1077 and 1080. "The discovery of this silver coin proves that the mint was in operation throughout the reign of William I," said a statement at the time from experts at the relevant antiquities authority.
William was the illegitimate son of Robert, Duke of Normandy. At the age of seven, he succeeded his father. He was lucky to survive his childhood when three of his guardians were killed. However, once he reached adulthood, he asserted himself with the necessary ferocity. William showed diplomatic skill when he succeeded in obtaining the Pope's blessing for his invasion of England, and a hardness that marked the beginning of his rule of the country. Coin production flourished during his reign, and he had as many as seventy mints.
"I went with two other friends to look in the field where I found the coin. I recognized it as silver, but not the ruler. It's a great find," rejoiced the happy searcher.
According to antiquities expert Kurt Adams, the coin is indeed rare. It's a cent. The owner of the coin probably lost it 900 years ago," Adams said.
We also wrote about the coin here: Archaeological News
The coin was in excellent condition. It weighs 1.31 grams, which meets the required weight for a silver center, as stated in the relevant law. The standard is 1.3 to 1.6 grams. Anyone who cheated in the production of the coins was committing a crime. He was liable to be mutilated or even to death. The manufacturer guaranteed the quality and even had his name stamped on each coin. A cent found by a prospector is no exception.
Sources: R. G. Grant, Battles: 5000 Years of Warfare, www.bbc.com, www.thehistoryblog.com
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