The Metal in Britain's Coins

The origin of the metals in Britain’s coins is seldom discussed by numismatists -- except superficially.  Yet The Metal in Britain's Coins shows what a fascinatting topic this can be. The book's starting point is to decode the provenance marks on coins and understand the motives behind their use and the messages they convey.  Mostly the message was about power and money.

Britain is a proud seafaring nation and its wealth often arrived on board ships.  Global traders such as the East India Company, the Royal African Company and the South Sea Company brought bullion from all corners of the world. Still more treasure was seized during wartime by brave sea captains -- navy and privateers. The book delves into the history of this wealth and examines how coins minted from this treasure were used for propaganda or prestige in a pre-social media era.

Compared to trading or piracy, mining is a difficult route to riches, but for the last millennium, bold and sometimes foolhardy entrepreneurs risked everything to extract metals for Britain's coins.  Logos and privy marks allow us to connect with the mines and the characterful people involved.

This book contains stories spanning two millennia -- from Celtic staters to 21st Century silver minted from a 4,700m deep shipwreck.  It will delight anybody with a love of either numismatics economic history.

Binding: Hardcover
Edition: 1st
Publication Date: August 19, 2020
Size: 9.75 x 7.75 inches
Pages: 248