In the British Museum, there is a very special coin. The gold coin of Coenwulf, king of Mercia (796-821), is unique, and one of only eight gold British coins known from the period AD 700-1250. Coenwulf was king of Mercia, East Anglia and Kent, making him ruler of most of England. The coin refers to London as a vicus, or trading centre. The British Museum bought the coin for a large amount of money and it is on display in room 41 alongside the Sutton Hoo treasure.
Year 4 developed their clay joining skills through recreating the gold coin. They manipulated clay and joined it with a slip to create a proud outline of the letters and portrait of Coenwulf. They used clay tools and other moulding techniques such as rolling and working on a slab. When dry, the clay was painted gold like the real coin.
Year 4 are going to the British Museum after the half term holiday and are excited to see the real coin in person.
