Siege Coins

About Siege Coins

Coins minted during sieges when normal coin supplies ran out. siege money was made from silver plate, jewelry, and whatever metal was available. Notable siege coins include the Newark siege pennies of the English Civil War and the siege coins of Leyden during the Dutch Revolt. Siege coins are irregular in shape and weight but rich in historical significance. They represent the desperation of besieged communities and the resilience of monetary systems under extreme stress.