Edward the Confessor-era coin brooch discovered

A gilded silver coin brooch, representing the pinnacle of fashion during the reign of Edward the Confessor (1042-1066), has been unearthed by a metal detectorist. This find occurred in August 2020 near Sheering, Essex. The coin itself was minted in York between 1056 and 1059. Lori Rogerson, the County finds liaison officer, stated that these coin brooches or badges constituted the “most popular pieces of jewellery” throughout the Anglo-Saxon king’s rule and, due to its cross design, was likely worn as “an act of Christian devotion.” The altered silver penny is slated for a treasure inquest, and the Epping Forest Museum has expressed interest in acquiring it. Following Edward’s death without heirs, the throne became disputed and was ultimately claimed by William the Conqueror after his invasion. Ms. Rogerson remarked, “It is interesting that coins converted in such a specific way date to the reigns of Edward the Confessor and William the Conqueror, with a concentration in a period of 10 years.” She further explained that experts have identified the 18mm (0.7in)-round item as a coin badge rather than a brooch, as its purpose was not to fasten clothing but to serve as a purely decorative and devotional piece. She added, “They all have the cross design on the reverse but all the examples we know of have the reverse showing, so it was definitely worn an act of Christian devotion.” One side of the piece bears “EDPARD RX ANGL” while the other indicates it was minted in York by a man named Snebern. Given the peak popularity of coin badges during Edward’s reign, she speculated that it might have been transformed into a brooch directly at the mint, rather than being taken to a silversmith for modification. She also noted that brooches crafted from Edward’s coins minted in York represent more uncommon discoveries compared to those minted elsewhere. Ms. Rogerson commented, “These badges might have been more easy or affordable to obtain than a piece of jewellery – or may just have been a trend of the time that people saw and wanted to be a part of.”