For two millennia, coins have provided a near continuous record of every aspect of Great Britain’s culture. Kings and queens, shifting political systems, changes in art, fashion and wealth are all reflected in the designs of coins - often in meticulous detail. To historians, coins give contemporary and reliable representations, otherwise virtually unattainable, of persons, places, events and everyday objects. Furthermore, coins were produced at scale, and their durability means that they have survived their journey through time in such large numbers that it’s easy for anybody to study them - and build up a collection.

This book takes a dive into some of the many ways that coins have been used to convey information to the public. Warlords, Kings, Queens and Governments have all used coins as social media to spread political messages, broadcast their news and deliver propaganda. One hundred “Focus Coins” have been selected, each of which showcases a key aspect of Britain’s rich historical heritage. The designs of these special coins have been decoded to reveal the remarkable stories that they convey.

While some of the featured coins are rare and valuable, others can be picked up on eBay for just a few pounds. So, whether you are building a collection or just interested in history, why not acquire a few? Try holding an early Celtic coin in your hand and see if you can feel a connection with the people that used this money in their everyday lives, truly a piece of living history.