Unraveling the Early Medieval Silver Mystery: Byzantine Influence and Frankish Shift in European Coinage

Researchers from the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, and Vrije Universities Amsterdam have uncovered the long-standing mystery surrounding the origins of silver used in early medieval European coinage. Through a comprehensive analysis of coins held by the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, they have shed light on the sources of silver that fueled Europe’s adoption of silver coins in the mid-7th century and its subsequent transition to silver from Charlemagne’s Francia.

Between 660 and 750 AD, Anglo-Saxon England experienced a significant increase in trade and the widespread use of silver coins, marking a departure from the previous reliance on gold. This surge in silver coinage, with approximately 7,000 recorded ‘pennies,’ has long puzzled experts regarding the source of the silver. The recent study published in the journal Antiquity has provided answers to this enigma.

Through meticulous analysis utilizing advanced techniques such as portable laser ablation and lead isotope analysis, researchers identified two major revelations:

1. Byzantine Silver Dominance: Coins minted between 660 and 750 AD, originating from England, Frisia, and Francia, displayed a distinct chemical and isotopic signature matching silver from the Byzantine Empire. This discovery confirms speculation from a decade ago and signifies the deep international trade connections of the time.

2. Shift to Frankish Silver: In the latter half of the period (750–820 AD), there was a notable shift in the source of silver, marked by the presence of low levels of gold characteristic of silver mined at Melle in western France. This shift coincided with Charlemagne’s ascension to power and his influence over coinage and silver supply.

The findings not only provide insights into the economic and political dynamics of early medieval Europe but also shed light on diplomatic relations between regions. The delicate balance of power and trade relations between Charlemagne’s Francia and Anglo-Saxon England becomes clearer, highlighting the interplay between rulers, merchants, and other stakeholders in shaping the economic landscape of the time.