Page:Midland naturalist (IA midlandnaturalis01lond).pdf/194
The castrametation before alluded to is supposed to be of Saxon origin, but, with a view of further proving the question, some members of the Tamworth Natural History, Geological, and Antiquarian Society sunk a shaft in a mound in the north-eastern angle, the result of their efforts being somewhat indecisive. In the same field, however, but a short distance off, one of the workmen engaged in excavating for the foundation of a wall in connection with the new schools, turned up with his pick the leaden casket containing the coins. I had timely information of the discovery, and was fortunately enabled to rescue this valuable "find" from dispersion,
The casket, of which a representation is given, (through the kindness of Mr. B. V. Head, of the British Museum,} was formed of a piece of beaten lead, turned over on three sides, something like a "turn-over tart,” and, on being opened, was found to contain 294 silver pennies of the reigns of William I. or William II, These were afterwards taken to London by the Vicar of Tamworth, the Rev. Brooke Lambert, and delivered up as "Treasure Trove." The authorities of the British Museum selected 103 for the National Collection, 41 were appropriated by the Royal Mint, and the remainder returned to Tamworth.
The coins were of four distinct types, Hawking 242, 244, 245, (three coins only,} and 246. No. 242 is the well known "paxs" type usually attributed to William the Conqueror—the obverse, head, full faced, bust extending to edge of the coin, right hand bearing a sceptre is crossed over the bust, so that the sceptre appears on the right of the coin the proper left of the figure, sceptre has a crass paté at the top, the shaft foliated, on the head a crown with labels or "ear drops," over the right shoulder three mullets, inscription Pillelm Rex. Reverse, cross potent, a small circle in each of the quadrants, one letter of the word P.A.X.S. in each circle; circumscribed is the moneyer's name and place of mintage.
The second type of coin, Hawkins 244, has the head in profile looking to the right, sword in right hand, mullets on each shoulder, bust extending to edge, inscription as before. Reverse, cross potent with fleur-de-lis in the quadrants, moneyer's name and place of mintage.
The third type, Hawkins 245, (three coins only,) I had not noticed before the collection left my hands.
The fourth type, Hawkins 246. Head full faced and crowned, labels at the ears, sword in right hand on proper right of figure, left side of coin, mullet on left shoulder, bust extending to edge, inscription as before. Reverse, cross potent in a compartment formed by four semi-circles having pellets at the intersections, moneyer’s name and place of mintage.
The greatest interest is attached to the moneyer's name and places of coinage. No less than 42 towns are represented in the Tamworth find. In explanation of this if may be as well to mention that the Saxon Kings granted the privilege of coining to their subjects, and this custom was continued through the Norman period. Canterbury had seven mints, London eight, Rochester three, Winchester six, Lewes, Hastings, Wareham, Exeter, Shaftesbury, and Hampton each two, and in every good town one coiner, the stamp being provided by the King. The