The Weight of Money: Before Banks, Coin Weights Kept Commerce Honest

Anglo-Saxon, Anglo-Viking, Late 9th century. PB 1 1/3 Eyrir Weight Circular lead weight, obverse inset as described in the British Numismatic Society paper, Anglo-Saxon and Viking Coin Weights by Gareth Williams. Image courtesy: WikiCommonsWhat Are Coin Weights?Coin weights are small, typically metal objects (although glass was also popular) used to verify the weight of coins, particularly those made of gold and silver. Before the standardized banking and more modern coinage reforms, the value o