Debasement and the production of copper-alloy coins in ninth-century Northumbria

The production of copper-alloy coins in the kingdom of Northumbria during the ninth century AD represents a unique move away from silver coinage in early medieval western Europe. While differing explanations for this debasement have been proposed, few consider non-numismatic evidence. The compilation and analysis of available ninth-century gold and silver objects found in Northumbria, presented here, sheds new light on the change in coinage. Evidencing an apparently ready supply of silver and gold for coin production, the author argues that ninth-century Northumbria was an economically vibrant kingdom and that debasement was an active move with economic and social benefits.