Medieval European coinage was standardized by Charlemagne around 800 AD when he conquered most of Europe. The standard Denier (Penny in English, Pfennig in German, Denaro in Italian) was a silver coin about the size of a US penny. Historians have suggested that its value at the time was about that of a meal or a pitcher of ale. For the next 4-500 years, most coinage in Europe followed this standard pattern. Most Medieval coins incorporate a cross somewhere into the design. German and other eastern regions often incorporate an eagle into the design while English coins generally carry a crude portrait of the King, which is a distinction that remains to this day (now Queen Elizabeth). French coins will often show a monogram, castle, or cathedral. Medieval history is fascinating as it is quite chaotic. From the disintegration of Charlemagne's empire in the mid to late 10th century, the region of what is now modern-day France emerges as an incredibly complex web of feudal states, ruled by Counts and Dukes who owed nominal allegiance to the King who in reality was often less powerful than his subjects. This is the feudal era where political intrigue and complex inter-familial relationships lead ultimately to the mess called the Hundred Years War (1337-1451). The coinage of this time is very complex as well. Every Count or Duke had his own mint, as it was a very profitable enterprise. The variety of these coins, while adhering to the basic Denier style, is staggering. There are literally thousands of varieties.

This coin is a billon ("BILL-un" - highly debased silver - basically just tin or other random metals which may or may not contain any silver at all) Denier from Brittany, a Dukedom in the northwestern region of France. It was minted by Duke Conan III "The Fat", who ruled from 1112-1148. The obverse (front) top picture shows the monogram ( I V S ) surrounded by the legend + CONANUS. The monogram is a stylistic remnant from earlier coinage - it has no particular significance. The reverse (back) bottom picture shows a cross surrounded by the legend + REDONUS. This coin really highlights the crude engraving techniques used by the medieval minters. The "S" on both sides is essentially placed sideways to make it fit and is constructed by using two "C"s. The reverse shows evidence of a double-struck die and is easiest to spot in the decorative border of the inner circle. When the minter struck this coin, his hammer probably bounced. The lower die shifted and on the second strike, a slightly offset doubled design was the result.

This is a silver Denier Tournois of Louis IX of France (Saint Louis). He ruled from 1226-1270. The obverse (front - generally accepted as the side which denotes the person or authority that issued the coin) shows a cross with the legend + LUDOVICUS REX (King Louis). The reverse shows a crude castle or cathedral with the legend + TURONUS CIVI (City of Tours). The legends on the coins generally begin with a smaller cross, here shown at the 12:00 position. This Tournois style (signified by the crude castle or cathedral on the reverse) is very common. This coin may also be from the reign of Louis VIII, his father, who ruled for a short time from 1223-1226. Louis IX did not alter the coinage upon assuming the throne at the age of 12.

This is a billon Crusader denier of Isabelle de Villehardouin who ruled as Princess of Achaea from 1297 - 1301. (Achaea was in what is now Greece and was "on the way" to the Holy Land) The obverse states + YSABELLA P*ACH (Isabella, Princess of Achaea) surrounding a short cross. The reverse shows the "Castle Tournois" surrounded by *DE CLARENCIA (of Glarentza). This is one of the few medieval coins minted under female authority. This is in G toVG (Good to Very Good) condition.

Here is a silver denier of Philip IV "The Fair", King of France who ruled from 1285-1314. The obverse shows a short cross (rather faint) with the legend +PHILIPPVS REX (King Philip). The reverse states +TURONUS CIVIS (City of Tours) with yet another "Castle Tournois" design. This coin and the one above show the relative care exercised by the two mints. The royal coin, while worn, shows particular attention to detail that is lacking in the Crusader coin, especially in the circular borders and the lettering. This coin is in VG to F (Very Good to Fine) condition.