Coin Talk Playlist

Numismatics 101 (Campbell Orchard)

In this session, Campbell will unravel the basics of numismatics in an easily digestible format, providing listeners with a foundational toolkit to navigate a spectrum of numismatic material and confidently explore advanced topics.

This talk is intended for the beginner with little to no knowledge about numismatics. In the talk, Campbell will discuss the basics of numismatics, providing a brief overview of what numismatics entails, important terminologies, helpful resources, and some tips and tricks.

The Invention of Greek Coinage (Prof. Suzanne Frey-Kupper)

This talk builds upon the foundations laid in Numismatics 101 and is intended for the beginner with little to no knowledge about numismatics. In this talk, Professor Suzanne Frey-Kupper discusses the invention of Greek coinage, providing a beginner friendly introduction to the material, its context, and use.

Coins and their Use in Medieval England (Dr Richard Kelleher)

In this talk Dr Richard Kelleher, Senior Curator of Medieval and Modern Money at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, will provide an illustrated overview of coinage in medieval England from the Norman Conquest to the end of the Plantagenet dynasty in 1485. The talk will provide guidance in how to identify medieval coins, the basics of production and circulation, highlight the importance of single finds and hoards, and introduce how medieval coins are used as a tool for research.

Introduction to Viking Coins (Dr Megan Gooch)

In this talk Dr Megan Gooch will provide an illustrated overview of coinage in Viking coinage in England. The talk will provide guidance in how to identify Viking coins, the basics of production and circulation, highlight the importance of single finds and hoards, and introduce how Viking coins are used as a tool for research.

Roman Tokens (Dr Clare Rowan)

Tokens are under-utilised artefacts from the ancient world, but as everyday objects they were key in mediating human interactions.

In this talk Dr Clare Rowan will provide an illustrated overview of Roman tokens in Rome and Ostia. The talk will provide guidance in how to identify Roman tokens, the basics of production and circulation, highlight their importance in what they can reveal about the numerous identities that existed in different communities, and introduce how they can be utilised as a tool for research.

Making Money in the Early Middle Ages (Prof. Rory Naismith)

Coined money, and its volume, is often used as a measure for economic development. In this talk, Professor Rory Naismith examines how to interpret a period when the quantity and diversity of money contracted significantly, in Western Europe between the fifth and eleventh centuries. At this time, the varied and voluminous money of the Roman period gave way to predominantly gold and then silver currency, both of which are much rarer among modern finds. It will be argued that examining a time of scarcity highlights the versatility of coined money, with reference to its social and symbolic meanings as well as its on-going economic role.

Medieval Coins of Scotland: David I to Robert II (1136-1390) (Carl Savage)

In 1136 David I of Scotland took control of Carlisle and the surrounding lands and began to mint the first Scottish coinage. This first talk will focus on an introduction of the Scottish coinages from David I to Robert II (1136-1390).

The non-state coinages of Minturnae and Pompeii (Dr Clive Stannard)

This special lecture by Clive Stannard was in celebration of his being awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters (HonDLitt) by the University of Warwick on the 24th of January 2025.

Republican Rome never imposed its coinage on allies and colonies, but economic forces shaped unique local currencies. In this session of Coin Talk, we explore how Pompeii and Minturnae—two major maritime traders—developed their own bronze coinage to meet market demands during the Second Punic War and beyond. Discover the role of the Italo-Baetican trading group, their connection to Spain’s silver mines, and how Pompeii’s economic shifts influenced its revolt in the Social War.

An introduction to Studying and Identifying Ancient Greek Coins (Gregory Thompson)

This talk delves into the unique features of Greek coinage, such as the absence of dates, distinctive portrait styles, and artistic development from the Archaic to Hellenistic periods. Tailored for non-specialists, it also offers practical guidance on using key research tools for coin identification and study.

An Introduction to Roman Coins (Dr Andrew Brown)

This talk provides an overview of the development of Roman coins, from their early origins to the diverse types used across the empire. Dr. Brown will discuss key denominations, their historical significance, and how they evolved over time. He will also highlight essential resources and books for anyone interested in identifying and studying these coins.

Coin Hoards in Britain (Dr Eleanor Ghey)

In this talk Dr. Eleanor Ghey from the British Museum delves into the fascinating topic of coin hoards in Britain—why they were buried, what they reveal about history, and their significance in archaeology. With key case studies and research insights, this session is ideal for anyone interested in numismatics and the hidden treasures of the past.

Late Roman Coinage in Britain (Dr Sam Moorhead)

This talk will outline Roman coins found in Britain from the Reforms of Diocletian (c. AD 294/6) until the early 5th century. It will cover the major denominations struck in gold, silver and bronze. There will be a coverage of the numerous mints and mintmarks used on coins, advising on the mints best represented in British assemblages. There will also be an outline of the most common reverse types found in Britain, providing a framework for studying coins of the period. Finally, there will be discussion of the various contemporary copies which are commonly found in Britain. Key publications will be highlighted during the talk.

British Military Campaign Medals and their Ribbons (Belinda Day - National Army Museum)

Join Belinda Day, Senior Curator at the National Army Museum, for a fascinating look into the evolution of British campaign medals and ribbons. Campaign medals in Britain were officially introduced in the 19th Century, although there were some earlier examples. Despite their relatively short history this type of medal has evolved considerably over time in terms of how it has been awarded and designed. This talk will use specific examples to cover some of the key events in the history of campaign medals and ribbons relating to their design and the many factors which have influenced the decisions behind their issue.