How's that for some change! Archaeologists discover 700-year-old coin in Lewes dig
A historic coin that dates back more than 700 years has been excavated at an archaeological dig.
Members of the Sussex Archaeological Society unearthed an Edward I silver farthing during the Battle of Lewes metal detecting survey on Sunday, May 19.
The oval-shaped silver farthing measures 12mm by 10mm and dates back to around 1300 to 1310.
Because the coin was issued during the transition between the last years of Edward I’s reign and the start of Edward II’s reign, researchers initially struggled to attribute it to the correct king.
But by using special identification techniques, like assessing what type of crown the king was wearing and the style of lettering on the coin’s inscriptions, experts believe the coin dates from the last seven years of Edward I’s reign, from 1300 to 1307. Read more.