Fluctuations of Power: How Minting in Tenth-Century England Reflected Shifts in Royal Authority

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article explores the potential that a correlation of the removal of the mint locations from the epigraphy along with the changes in royal title and shifting power dynamics in the north may have some relation to one another. A steady progression towards centralisation in minting practice took place between the late ninth-century and 930, and Edgar’s reform of the early 970s solidified the central authority of the crown for the remainder of the Pre-Norman Conquest period. However, political upheaval as well as persistent threats and losses led to a contraction of minting in the north. And the reversal of some of the policies established by Edward the Elder and Æthelstan in the first third of the tenth century saw widespread regionalisation in the coinage of the south. This loss of momentum is well illustrated by the shifts in minting during the period.