In your opinion, what hammered British coins should be considered must haves? I will start the list. It is meant to be a starting place, so please add to the list if you can and provide your reasons. If you have any of these please post them. An Early Sceat Viking issue Kings of Wessex- Alfred the Great Kings of Mercia- Offa Anglo Saxon kings- Cnut, Harold I, Harold II, Edward the Confessor, Aethelred II, Aethelstan Norman Kings- William I, Stephen, Henry I Angevins- Henry II, John, Richard I Plantagenet-Edward I, Henry III, Edward III Lancaster-Henry V, Henry VI York- Edward IV, Richard III Tudor-Henry VII, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Mary Stuart- James I Scottish- Mary queen of Scots, Robert the Bruce Irish-Groat of Henry VIII, penny of John A coin of the commonwealth
I would add Æthelred II to anglo-saxons. He begins paying Danegeld to the vikings, and it is his actions that lead to a norman connection to England. I’d have similar reasoning for Henry I. Henry III would be important changing the coins to long cross pennies which pave the wat to the new pennies of Edward I.
Great idea for a thread @Orfew I would include Offa of Mercia as he introduced continental pennies to England for all intents and purposes. Æthelstan should also be included as he is considered the first king of England, ruling over the land that comprises modern England. Edward III should also be included. He introduced the first successful gold coinage as well as circulating groats and half groats. He is also responsible for starting the 100 years war, which would greatly shape the history of England for centuries to come.
Mary I, as the first Queen of England to successfully rule in her own right, with her large presence in the historical imagination, and her notorious religious policies, seems undoubtedly important enough to include.
Here are a few of mine from the list. Cnut Stephen Henry II Edward I Edward III Henry V Henry VIII Elizabeth
Very nice coins @Orfew I especially like the Cnut. I have yet to add one to my collection. I would also add a con from the Commonwealth (effectively Cromwell) to the list. England's experiment with republican government was very important and would forever alter the relationship between King and Parliament. Edward I John Henry V
If you are considering figures of great accommplishment, then Offa of Mercia, Alfred the Great, Aethelstan the Glorious, William I, Henry II, Richard I the Lionheart, Edward I Longshanks, Henry V, and Elizabeth are obvious targets. If you are considering figures that are legendary for maybe the wrong reasons, then Aethelred II the Unready, Edward the Confessor, Stephen of Blois (and maybe Matilda), John Lackland, Richard III, Bloody Mary I, and Charles I Stuart. If you consider periods, then consider examples of Wessex, pre-conquest England, Norman conquest, Anarchy, Angevins, Plantagenets, Lancastrians, Yorkists, Tudors, Stuarts, and Commonwealth. If you wants classic portraits, consider Offa's heavy portrait coinage, Alfred the Great's Londonia or cross with losenges, Aethelred II's rooster-combe long cross, Harold II Godwinson's PAX, Henry VIII's testoon, Edward VI's fine style shilling, Elizabeth I crown or halfcrown. Personally, I too would want them all.
I think Charles II would be interesting just to see the contrast between his hammered and milled coins. I have none of either.
I agree with @Aethelred that Henry VI and especially Edward IV should be added, also Henry VII as the original Tudor. All three are important, though Henry VI's wife Margaret is probably the one who matters during that reign! I would also suggest adding a couple things from Anglo Saxon England prior to Offa and Alfred. Perhaps an early thrymsa, plus a sceat each from the south (Kent?) and the north (Northumbria). Otherwise you're missing out a couple of centuries. Here's a sceat of (probably) Wihtred in Kent (c. 690-725). Ideally you'd want something a bit earlier. Great list, I will certainly make use of the final version that emerges!
Oh, and how about a Viking issue? Here's a Sihtric III Olafsson (Silkbeard) (995-1036), Dublin issue:
Several types added. Thanks to everyone for the input. I think that if somehow had one of each of these coins that they would have a very good collection of British coins.
