A new permanent exhibiton at the Tower of London tells the tale of the tower's little-known role as the Royal Mint between 1279 and 1812. The exhibition focuses on five key episodes in the Mint's life, as explained by Curator Dr Megan Gooch, pictured.
1. Edward I and the arrival of the Mint at the Tower
Edward I moved the Mint to the tower in 1379 under his watchful gaze after the currency fell into disrepute and coin clipping - cutting pennies for the silver content - became rife. He set about finding scapegoats including his mint masters - and the entire Jewish population.
2. Elizabeth I and the painful reclamation of integrity
Henry VIII had debased his currency, taking silver out of the coins to fund his wars. The impact on the economy was devastating as all trust was lost in the currency. In the 1560s, Elizabeth took the painful step of recoining - bringing in all the debased money, melting it down and remaking it.
Pictured: Elizabeth I halfpound (reverse
3. Charles II and the restoration of monarchyThe introduction of milling - machine struck coinage - from the 1660s saw the arrival of the screw-press. At the same time, the restored monarchy in the shape of Charles II rejected the commonwealth, including coinage, some of which was made from the melted down Crown Jewels in 1649.
4. Isaac Newton and the counterfeit challenge
Isaac Newton was at the mint from 1696 until 1727. He was given this job as a sinecure but he took it seriously. His most famous accomplishment was to catch and punish notorious counterfeiter William Challoner. But he also brought a revelatory scientific approach to efficiency of production.
5. George III and the use of other countries' coinage
In the 18th century, a shortage of silver coins meant other countries' currencies were commandeered. To make coins appear legitimate, the mint stamped the head of George III into the coins. Meanwhile the arrival of steam mechanisation saw the mint move to nearby Tower Hill in 1810.
Coins And Kings: The Royal Mint at the Tower of London.
Images: © Royal Mint
