Reference code: GB-0033-DMC
Title: Durham Palatinate Mint Coin Collection
Dates of creation: 900-1547
Extent: 59 items
Held by: Durham University Library, Archives and Special Collections
Origination: coins produced by the mint of the bishop of Durham
Language:
Latin
Bishops of Durham during the medieval period were among those with the right to issue coins, primarily silver pennies, which were struck by hand by an officially appointed moneyer who was usually based on Palace Green, at Durham. The obverse bore
the head of the reigning monarch according to the standard coinage of the time while the reverse was usually modified to reflect the local source (with legends referring to Durham and sometimes references to the current bishop). The right to mint
coins was suppressed in 1536. Understanding of the sequence of medieval coin production has developed significantly in the last century, leading to revisions of the classification system. Martin Allen,
The Durham mint (London: Spink, 2003) provides a comprehensive account of the history of coins produced at Durham in this period.
35 coins presented by G. W. Kitchin, Dean of Durham, 1908. 1 coin presented by W. M. Dixon, 1908. 18 coins rom the collection of J. T. Pegge of Saddler Street, Durham, given by J. T. Fowler, 1914. Others unrecorded.
Tray 1Edward IV (1st reign, 1461-70) Edward IV (2nd reign, 1471-83)
Tray 2