The Prosperity of North-Western Europe in the Eighth and Ninth Centuries
D. M. Metcalf
t j-SHE statistics that have presented are rough and ready, but they sufficient to show the Anglo-Saxon coinage is be measured in fives 1 tens of millions, at a time when population was less than one million. The implications for economic history, although detail subject much uncertainty, broad terms clear: long before Conquest, monetary sector economy an extent ordinary historical sources fail reveal. This submission, essentially claim established case certain minimum figures, against which Mr Grierson directs his criticisms. He reaches conclusion certainly earlier periods, needs Danegeld were felt, particularly those times use coined money restricted quite small area country, volume less.' debate thus moved back time, focus on period 865. has recently published very same idea field Carolingian studies: Many coins mid-9th century... intended simply payments Vikings buried seeing any commercial all. seem circulated surprisingly little; their commerce fact marginal character.2 In each case, must been ?-in fact? These two statements reassertion point view he gave fuller expression ten years ago, Ford Lectures Oxford I957. ideas social organization, gift-exchange, barter expressed lecture Royal Historical Society I 959. not published, parts argument as paper Centro Italiano di Studi sull' Alto Medioevo Spoleto i960, text i96 I.3 It contains essential informed appreciation currency, marked by great good sense purpose. Then now, however, prepared say eighth ninth centuries hardly known, England, outside Kent Middlesex: Although struck many these survive only from large hoards, it known what passed hand currency. throughout country did become general tenth century. does hesitate,
The Economic History Review