Code: 12973
A collection of three Medieval copper-alloy English sterling head allied jettons dating c. AD1280-1340.
The basic design of the jetton is based on the sterling pennies introduced by Edward I in 1279 though bear decorative borders rather than the legends typically seen on coins of the period.
A perforation is present at the centre of the reverse cross. Mitchiner (p.95-6) describes the appearance of piercings on sterling bust jettons as a 'peculiarly English tradition' which predominates c.AD 1280 - 1400. The piercings vary in size and did not always pass completely through the flan. The practice is believed to have been adopted under Edward I to prevent silvering in an attempt to pass the jettons off as currency. See SUSS-E8C449 for a discussion of type.
These jettons were used in accounting to add and subtract value/payments (See Jettons or Reckoning Counters by P&H Mernick)
This group of jettons were probably lost on a fair site, they were recovered from ploughed fields by a metal detectorist and are unresearced!
DENOMINATION: Jettons (3)
CULTURE: Medieval
DATE: c. 14th century AD
MATERIAL: Copper-alloy
SIZE: 19mm diameter
WEIGHT: 2.24 grams
PROVENANCE: Formerly from a private collection in Durham, United Kingdom
