I think Michael may agree with me when i say half of the story of the coin is in the history behind the coin. Whether this is directly related to the coinage in a specific way (be it in the design, how it came about, or what it represented), or in a less direct way. The history of the period itself. An understanding of the context of the coin will enable a greater understanding and appreciation of the coin as a fragment of the past.


Here's two reference points for primary source material that might be of use;

The Ancient History Sourcebook


The Medieval History Sourcebook


Both invaluable reference sites for primary sources of the periods (there is also a modern history sourcebook) all brought together by the historian Paul Halsall.

I am now kicking myself very much because there was another site on the history of coinage, ancient to the 19th century that was full of more info that you could wish for. Coin types, relative values of coins to one another, European economy, where alloys were mined, debasement and it's problems. Italian banking systems in the medieval period and dealings with Byzantium. Tons of stuff. Fascinating stuff too! I did have it in my favourites but it's got wiped by accident... and i can't find the site anywhere searching google! Grrr...

Beginner's guide & general introduction to Medieval European coinage.

http://www.chicagocoinclub.org/projects/PiN/mec.html


(Which is seemingly very familiar, i'm sure i proofread a version of this, a longer version, which was pending publication in book form)

Here's a good one;

http://www.ex.ac.uk/~RDavies/arian/other.html


(A page of links to numismatic sites hosted by the University of Exeter in England)

I am not sure of primary source material but this site:

http://www.coins.nd.edu/ColCoin/index.html

is a great site on Colonial (US) Coinage. It is probably one of the most extensive numismatic information sites I can think of. Cetainly useful if one was looking to write on that subject.

Found it!

Chapters 6-8 being the ones, Ancient, Medieval and new World Silver.


Link


Hosted by the Geology Department at the University of California.

bump nice research an heres a site for world coins with pics an info (im sure most of u r familier with ) http://worldcoingallery.com/