How to Identify Medieval Coins (Without Losing Your Mind)

Ever held a really old coin in your hand and thought, “What on earth am I looking at?” That’s how it starts for most of us. If you’ve got something ancient and mysterious, it might be time to learn how to identify medieval coins — and trust me, it’s more fun than it sounds.

Maybe it’s a coin you found in a drawer or a flea market, or maybe someone passed it down to you without knowing what it was. Whatever the story, there’s something exciting about holding a small piece of the past. The trick is figuring out exactly what that piece is — and that’s where this guide comes in.

🧭 What Exactly Is a Medieval Coin?

When we talk about medieval coins, we mean coins struck roughly between the 5th and 15th centuries, covering the time from the fall of Rome to the start of the Renaissance. That’s a long stretch — and a lot of empires, kings, crusaders, and sultans came and went in between.

Some of the most common sources of medieval coins include:

• The Byzantine Empire

• Islamic Caliphates

• Anglo-Saxon and Norman England

• Carolingian and Frankish dynasties

• The Holy Roman Empire

• Independent Italian city-states

• Crusader States in the Holy Land

Every region had its own coins, styles, and sometimes even its own alphabet. That’s why identifying them can feel like detective work.

🔍 Step-by-Step: How to Identify Medieval Coins

1. Start with the Metal

Most medieval coins were made from:

• Silver — the standard for everyday coins like deniers, pennies, dirhams, etc.

• Gold — used for high-value coins like solidi, florins, and dinars.

• Copper or bronze — common for lower denominations.

💡 Tip: Never clean an old coin. Patina (that natural dark layer) is part of its history — and its value.

2. Check the Shape and Strike

Medieval coins were hammered, not milled, so don’t expect them to be perfect circles. In fact:

• Many are off-center

• Edges may be uneven or clipped

• The strike can be shallow or blurry

This isn’t a flaw — it’s a sign of authenticity.

3. Examine the Design

Look at both sides of the coin:

Obverse (Front):

• Often shows a ruler, Christ, or a saint

• May include a crown, armor, or halo

Reverse (Back):

• Might feature a cross, castle, eagle, or religious symbol

• Could also include a mint mark or monogram

Take notes or sketch it out. Every symbol is a clue.

4. Read the Legend (if you can)

Most coins have inscriptions around the edges. They’re usually in:

• Latin (Western Europe)

• Greek (Byzantine)

• Arabic (Islamic coins)

Expect abbreviations and odd spellings. Use a magnifying glass and jot down what you can make out. Even one name or title can point you in the right direction.

🧠 Example:
“DN CONSTANTINVS PF AVG” = Dominus Noster Constantinus Pius Felix Augustus
= Our Lord Constantine, Dutiful and Blessed Emperor.

5. Measure and Weigh the Coin

Use a digital scale and caliper:

• Diameter (in mm)

• Weight (in grams)

Different coin types had strict standards. If you know the weight and size, you can often match it to a specific issue using a coin catalog or database.

6. Try to Identify the Ruler or Authority

This is where it gets fun. Use names, designs, and any partial words to start narrowing it down.

Here are a few common rulers and their coin types:

• Charlemagne – silver deniers

• William the Conqueror – Anglo-Norman pennies

• Basil II – Byzantine histamena with Christ enthroned

• Saladin – Islamic dinars with beautiful Arabic inscriptions

Once you’ve got a lead, plug the details into a site like:

• Numista

• ACSearch

• CoinArchives

7. Look for the Mint

Some coins mention the city or region where they were struck.

Examples:

• “CIVITAS LONDON” = London

• “TOLETVM” = Toledo

• “COLONIA” = Cologne

Others use symbols (like a lion for Venice) or secret marks. Research mint marks and you’ll find they can be surprisingly revealing.

🧾 Common Types of Medieval Coins

Here are a few categories you’ll probably come across:

🧠 Stuck? Ask for Help

Coin identification isn’t always solo work. Try:

• Reddit: r/AncientCoins

• CoinTalk.com

• Facebook groups for medieval coin collectors

Be sure to post clear front-and-back photos, weight, diameter, and anything you can read.

✅ What Not to Do

• ❌ Don’t polish the coin

• ❌ Don’t trust eBay listings blindly

• ❌ Don’t assume value based on age alone

Value depends on rarity, condition, demand, and historical context — not just how old it is.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it. With a bit of patience and curiosity, you can start uncovering the hidden stories in these tiny metal relics. It’s not just about finding out who minted your coin — it’s about touching the lives of people who lived, traded, fought, and prayed a thousand years ago.

Once you learn how to identify medieval coins, you’ll never look at old metal the same way again. You’ll start seeing history not in books, but in your hands — one coin at a time.