 Coins were probably first minted in Kent in Æthelberht 's reign , though none bear his name . These early golden coins were probably the shillings ( scillingas in Old English ) that are mentioned in Æthelberht 's laws . The coins are also known to numismatists as " thrymsas " . Thrymsas are known from Eadbald 's reign ; but few are known that carry his name : one such was minted at London and inscribed " AVDVARLD " . It has been suggested that kings did not have a monopoly on the production of coinage at that time . 
