Ballaslig Hoard Edward I Coin
Date made: 1272=1307
Description: This silver coin (obverse and reverse shown) is one of the most common types of coin found from the Medieval period. It was minted during the reign of Edward I (1272 – 1307 AD). Edward was known for his castle-building programme in Wales and his removal of the Stone of Destiny from Scotland to London.
However, the importance of the coin to the Isle of Man lies in it being one of over 300 coins found at Ballaslig, near Douglas. Before the days of banks, people often hid their savings in the ground during times of trouble. Sometimes the owners were never able to return to collect their hoards of money and they have remained buried until recent times. The field from which this hoard came is now known as The Silver Field.
The late 1200s was a particularly unsettled time in the Isle of Man, with the Anglo-Scottish wars raging in Britain. It is perhaps unsurprising that the hoard was buried for safe-keeping.
Part of same hoard as 1978-0231; 0232; 0233; 1982-0193; 2015-0029
Measurements: 1.36g
Materials: silver
Object name: coin
Collection: Archaeology Collection
ID number: 1978-0234/116