Early Currency

In the earlier Anglo-Saxon period (6th and 7th centuries), the coinage began with:

• Gold Thrymsas (or scillingas—shillings in law codes), modelled on Continental coins (tremisses). These were high-value and mostly used for gift-giving, trade, and payment among elites.

• Silver Sceattas (meaning 'wealth' or 'treasure'), small, thick silver coins that replaced the increasingly debased gold issues around the late 7th century.

• Sceattas: Pronounce "sceatta" as "SHAT-tuh" and add an "s" sound at the end to get "SHAT-tas".

• Scillingas: This is pronounced "SHIL-ling-gas," similar to how you would say the modern English words "shilling" and "gas".