The withdrawal of Roman forces from Britain in the 5th century A.D. and the gradual decline of central administration resulted in a rapid deterioration of the money supply. It was not until the late 6th century that small quantities of gold tremisses (one-third solidus) appeared in England. Native gold thrymsas were minted from about the 630s. By the middle of the 7th century the gold coinage was being increasingly debased with silver, and gold was superseded entirely by about 675. These silver coins are the first English pennies, though they are commonly known as sceattas.

A new coinage of pennies weighing about 20 grains was introduced into England in about 775. The silver penny remained the sole denomination of England coinage for almost five centuries, with the rare exception of occasional gold coins.

Our reproduction and replica Viking & Anglo-Saxon coins include Thrymses, Sceat and Pennies.