The core of our collection is more than 2,000 Roman coins, mostly found in Britain, with another 1,000 coins from pre-Roman Greece. There are substantial collections of coins of the Early Medieval period, both British and Continental, with a particularly impressive collection of Northumbrian stycas. We also have a number of Medieval and Post-Medieval hammered coins. Coin-related collections include coin weights, communion tokens, lead tokens, Wall Pilgrimage badges, and medals. A recent acquisition is the 'Prince Henry' silver penny, now on display in the Great North Museum.
The history of the collection
The formation of a Coin Collection was called for in the first public letter proposing the formation of an antiquarian society in Newcastle in 1813. In keeping with other collections that originated in that era, the coin collection was founded on gifts from gentlemen’s cabinets, a so-called ‘boys’ collection’. As such, the collection has never had any constraints, geographically or chronologically, but represents a wide range of numismatic interests that reflect the traditions of the grand tour, antiquarianism, and British imperial service. The first 334 coins, tokens, and counters were donated in 1813, and donations and acquisitions have continued to the present. The 1996 Treasure Act and the advent of the Portable Antiquities Scheme with an officer based in Newcastle have created opportunities to enhance the collection from time to time.
The 'Prince Henry' penny
A recent acquisition is the 'Prince Henry' silver penny, now on display in the Great North Museum. The silver penny, which is about the size of a modern penny, is not only rare but is also in excellent condition. It was minted in Carlisle between 1136 and 1152 for Henry, crown prince of the Scottish throne and Earl of Northumberland and Huntingdon. At the time of minting, much of northern England was under Scottish dominion due to the conflict between Stephen and Matilda, the rival claimants to the English throne. This is the first coin of its type to be added to the Antiquaries collection, and a timely reminder that Northumberland was once part of Scotland.
It was found by Mr Brian Gray while searching with a metal detector in the Alnwick district of Northumberland. It was not declared Treasure as it is a single item.
The coin was purchased by the Society with the help of the V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Headley Museums Archaeological Acquisition Fund.
Publications
Many of the Society’s coins have been published in Archaeologia Aeliana and Proceedings in reference to their discovery and/or donation. Two series have also been collated in single publications:
- Andrew Meadows & Roderick Williams, 'The Collection of the Society of Antiquaries Newcastle upon Tyne', Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum volume XIII, British Academy (2005), available in the GNM library controlled access section, shelfmark BG 230; and
- Elizabeth J E Pirie, Catalogue of the Early Northumbrian Coins in the Museum of Antiquities, Newcastle upon Tyne, Department of Archaeology, Newcastle University (1982); available in the GNM library controlled access section, shelfmark BG 190
Research enquiries should be directed to the Keeper of Coins, Dr Rob Collins (robert.collins@newcastle.ac.uk).