Insights from Archaeologist John Luke Carson
John Luke Carson, an archaeologist at Durham University in the UK, has been investigating the 9th-century transition of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria to copper currency. According to Carson, this deliberate shift allowed the region to preserve access to gold and silver resources. His research, based on archaeological publications and records from England's Portable Antiquities Scheme, reveals that silver content in Northumbrian coins dropped below 10% during the reign of King Eanred, around 830–841 AD. Following this period, under King Æthelred II's second rule (844–849 AD), copper pennies became the dominant form of currency.
Trade and Economic Connections in Northumbria
Carson's findings also indicate that Northumbria maintained its external trade networks despite ongoing Viking raids. The presence of tin and zinc alloys in copper coins supports this conclusion. Archaeological discoveries include 27 silver and 11 gold artifacts from the 9th century, such as the Poppleton hoard near York, which contains eight silver belt tips and a disc-shaped brooch. Additionally, gold rings and sword fragments inlaid with silver have been uncovered.
While silver was the foundation of currency circulation across Western and Northern Europe from the late 7th century, Northumbria uniquely based much of its economy on copper coinage. Silver coins remained primarily in use in the southeast, whereas copper coins gained popularity in the northern and western parts of the kingdom. Notably, Viking attacks on Lindisfarne monastery in 793 and the capture of York in 867 underscore the turbulent context of this monetary evolution. These research results are published in the journal Antiquity.
John Luke Carson’s study highlights how financial reforms in Anglo-Saxon Northumbria unfolded amid external pressures, notably Viking incursions.
The adoption of copper currency reflects an economic adaptation to shifting circumstances while preserving vital trade relationships despite political and social turmoil.