Edward III's Gold Nobles

Gradually a range of denominations began to emerge, and by the mid fourteenth century there had been introduced a regular coinage of gold. The gold coins, such as nobles of Edward III, were very thin and better than 22 carats, which made them rather impractical as coins for everyday use - they would have worn quickly in circulation. But at 6s 8d, their high value in any case made them the preserve of wealthy people and meant they would be used infrequently. As is demonstrated by the Mint's own collection of nobles, many of which come from the East Raynham hoard found in 1910, these coins have often survived in very good condition.