959-1257
1257-1279
1279-1344
1344
1344-1464
1464-1470
1470-1489

959-1257

The basic coin throughout this period was the silver penny. There were also half pennies and farthings (fourthings or 1/4 penny). Sometimes these were specifically minted round coins, but often they were literally pennies cut in half or into four pieces.

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1257-1279

Henry III introduced a gold penny, which was twice the weight of a silver penny and valued at 20 silver pence. It was not popular and was only minted for a short time. In an Act of 1266, a new standard was set for the weight of pennies from which one pound of silver would yield 240 pennies. Although pennies would vary considerably in weight as time passed and no pound coin would be issued for a couple of centuries, this was the basis for the pound as a monetary unit.

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1279-1344

In 1279, Edward I embarked upon a major re-minting of the coinage. Half pennies and farthings became regularly minted alongside the penny and a new coin, the groat, was minted for the first time.

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1344

Edward III introduced new gold coins, the Florin or Double Leopard, valued at 72d (6s), the Half-Florin or Leopard, valued at 36d (3s) and the Quarter-Florin or helm, valued at 18d (1s 6d). However these coins were not popular and were replaced the same year.

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13 44-1464

The Florin was replaced by the Noble, valued at 6/8d, which was also the value of half a Mark and of one-third of a pound (neither of which were represented by English coins at this time). A Half Noble and Quarter Noble were also introduced and a Half-Groat was introduced around 1352.

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1464-1470

To increase the supply of bullion to the mint, in 1464 the penny was reduced to 12 grains in weight (it had been twice that in 959) and the Noble was revalued to 8/4d. In 1465 and new coin, the Ryal, or Rose Noble, worth 10s, was issued. As the old value of the Noble 6/8d, had become a standard for professional fees, a new coin of that value, the Angel, was also issued.

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1470-1489

Under Henry VI the Angel and the Half-Angel were the only gold coins issued.

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