hammered coin

[simonthesearcher]

not sure what it is yet but i like it.

[Ed in KC]

I don't know much at all about old coins, but one thing I've noticed on the pics here is that many of the coins seem to be worn smooth. Were they kept in circulation that long, or is that part of the aging proccess?

[Voriax]

Maybe a long cross penny, say Edward II? Kinda hard to decide..so worn.

As for the worn out look...I recall reading from somewhere that moneychangers used to have a sort of 'spiked' tablet on their desk. When the money changed hands they rubbed the coin against the spikes thus removing a little bit of metal. And at the end of the day they collected the metal dust..usually silver. Though they usually rubbed only one side of the coin. Whether this is true or not...dunno...I read/heard it from somewhere ages ago.

Voriax

[simonthesearcher]

There is truth to that Voriax,they also used to clip tiny pieces off the coin and when they had enough,sell it back to the makers.Thats why the coin weight came into operation.

[achaios]

It looks like an Edward to me, but I don't know which one. It might be possible with the right books to narrow it down. As for the mint, if the coin had been worn on the other side, I might be able to see. I see part of the word CIVITAS, but since that's pretty much on all of them, it doesn't help.

Still, it's a nice find with some history to it.

-- Tom

P.S. I have a few hammered coins in my collection, but most of them are Northumbrian stycas. I also have some good reference books, but not here at work.

[Don]

Very nice find Simon, whatever it is!!!

[SteveMN]

Neat looking coin simon! I hope you get an ID on it.

[simonthesearcher]

Its an Edward III 1335-1363

[mxtswinger]

Woo Hoo! I like it too. CONGRATS!

[xlt nh]

Wow Simon....Great score! Congrats!

Hank

[Robin D]

Nice coin, Simon.