Silver pennies

Definition

Silver pennies, known as 'pennies' in the context of Anglo-Saxon England, were a form of currency made primarily of silver and used widely for trade and commerce. They were essential in establishing economic stability and facilitating transactions among the emerging kingdoms during a time of political fragmentation and shifting power dynamics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Silver pennies became the standard currency in Anglo-Saxon England around the late 8th century and continued to be used until the Norman Conquest in 1066.
2. The production of silver pennies was regulated by kings who minted their own coins, ensuring that each penny represented a certain weight of silver.
3. These coins featured intricate designs and symbols that often included depictions of the king or religious figures, serving both as currency and a means of propaganda.
4. Silver pennies played a vital role in trade not just within England but also with neighboring regions, facilitating the economic interactions that contributed to the development of the seven kingdoms.
5. The use of silver pennies helped create a sense of economic unity among the diverse Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, despite their political rivalries and frequent conflicts.

Review Questions

• How did silver pennies influence trade among the various kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England?
  • Silver pennies significantly influenced trade by providing a standardized currency that facilitated transactions across different regions. This uniformity allowed merchants and traders to engage in commerce with confidence, knowing they could use a recognized form of payment. The circulation of silver pennies helped link the economies of various kingdoms, despite their often fractious relationships, by enabling easier exchange and fostering economic interdependence.
• Discuss how the regulation and minting of silver pennies by kings reflected their power and authority in Anglo-Saxon England.
  • The regulation and minting of silver pennies by kings demonstrated their economic control and sovereignty over their realms. By producing coins that bore their likeness or symbols of their rule, kings not only affirmed their authority but also established a means to influence public perception. The ability to mint coins was a privilege that signified power; thus, controlling currency allowed kings to assert dominance over trade and wealth distribution within their territories.
• Evaluate the impact of silver pennies on the social and economic cohesion of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms during periods of political instability.
  • Silver pennies contributed significantly to social and economic cohesion among Anglo-Saxon kingdoms during times of political instability by providing a common medium for trade. This shared currency helped maintain economic interactions even when political relations were strained or fragmented. The consistent use of silver pennies enabled local economies to thrive independently while still being part of a larger interconnected network, ultimately promoting a sense of unity despite ongoing rivalries and conflicts among the various kingdoms.

Related terms

Witenagemot: An assembly of the ruling elite in Anglo-Saxon England, which advised the king and played a crucial role in decision-making and governance.

Danelaw:

A historical name given to the part of England that was under the control of the Danish law during the Viking Age, influencing trade practices and currency use.

Thrymsas: A term used to describe specific types of Anglo-Saxon coins, often larger denominations than the standard penny, used for significant transactions.