A fascinating phase of English history from 5th to 11th century, between the departure of the Romans and the arrival of the Normans.

Coinage evolved from clipped late Roman silver coins of the early 5th century to imported Frankish gold tremisses in the 6th and 7th centuries, then locally minted gold scillingas in what is now Yorkshire and Kent. The gold content decreased overall during the 7th century until silver paeningas became the predominant coinage at the end of the 7th century and throughout the 8th century. In Northumbria, copper alloy stycas, often issued by bishops, were in use until late in the 9th century. 10th and 11th century silver portrait pennies are complemented by Viking issues in York and East Anglia, some including hammers and swords in their designs.

Early iconography (5th and 6th to early 7th centuries) is pagan, whereas later iconography is Christian.

The York-minted 1066 Harald II penny shown here is an artefact marking the end of both the Anglo-Saxon and Viking ages.