History of the English penny (c. 600 – 1066)

The English penny, during the period from approximately 600 AD to 1066 AD, represents the foundational coinage of what would become England. Its development reflects the evolving economic and political landscape of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

The earliest English pennies, known as sceattas, appeared around 600 AD. These were small, thin silver coins of varying designs and weight, produced by numerous moneyers across different regions. Sceattas were influenced by Frisian and Merovingian coinage and served as the primary medium of exchange. Their debasement and eventual disappearance mark a transition point in English monetary history.

The more standardized silver penny, often referred to as a "sterling" penny, emerged during the reign of King Offa of Mercia (757-796). Offa's penny was heavier and of a more consistent silver content than the preceding sceattas. This new penny reflected Offa's desire to establish a more stable and reliable currency within his kingdom, and his reform is considered a crucial development in English monetary history. The weight of Offa's penny was around 1.4 grams of silver.

Following Offa's reign, the penny became the dominant coin throughout England. Alfred the Great (871-899) further reformed the coinage, emphasizing its importance in establishing royal authority and facilitating trade. Alfred's pennies were characterized by specific designs and inscriptions, often including his portrait and title.

During the 10th and 11th centuries, the English penny underwent a period of increased standardization and centralization under the reigns of Æthelstan (924-939) and later Anglo-Saxon kings. The number of mints producing pennies was reduced, and the designs became more uniform. This period saw the establishment of a national coinage system, controlled by the king, which greatly enhanced trade and economic stability. The practice of periodically recalling and re-minting the coinage also emerged, allowing the king to profit from the recoinage and maintain the quality of the currency.

By the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066, the English penny was a well-established and respected currency, playing a vital role in the English economy. The basic design and weight standard established during the Anglo-Saxon period would continue to influence English coinage for centuries to come. The penny remained the principal denomination, representing a significant continuity between the Anglo-Saxon and Norman periods.