Carolingian coin system
The Carolingian coin system (also known as the Carolingian coin order ) was the definition of the issue of coins by Emperor Charlemagne at the end of the 8th century . Charles' coinage system influenced coinage in Europe for several centuries. The coin reform carried out by Charlemagne around 793/794 was of decisive importance for medieval monetary systems in Germany. Because gold could almost only be obtained through long-distance trade and there were enough silver deposits north of the Alps in Europe , he introduced a pure silver currency . The basic weight of the coin became the pound from which 240 pfennigs were struck. The Carolingian pound weighed about 406½ grams .
The penny was the most important coin of the Middle Ages . The pound was a unit of weight and with this system also became a unit of currency. Like the shilling , the pound was not minted for a long time, but only used as an invoice coin . One shilling was worth exactly twelve pfennigs.
This system exists in several languages:
| German : | 240 pfennigs | = | 20 shillings | = | 1 pound |
| French : | 240 deniers | = | 20 sols (sous) | = | 1 livre |
| English : | 240 pence | = | 20 shillings | = | 1 pound |
| Latin : | 240 denarii * | = | 20 solidi | = | 1 Libra |
| Italian : | 240 denari * | = | 20 Soldi | = | 1 lira |
* Plural of denarius (denarius)
In the UK , this system lasted until the 1971 decimalization . After the abbreviations derived from Latin ( l ibra, s olidus, d enarius) it was also called the "£ sd system". To this day, the Carolingian coin system is officially the basis of the currency of the Order of Malta . However, since the order no longer has its own national territory, the currency no longer has any real meaning.
The pound as a silver weight was ousted by the mark from the 11th century .
See also
Individual evidence
- ↑ Helmut Kahnt, Bernd Knorr: Old dimensions, coins and weights. A lexicon. Bibliographisches Institut, Leipzig 1986, licensed edition Mannheim / Vienna / Zurich 1987, ISBN 3-411-02148-9 , p. 385.