Noble
The Noble is one of the most important English gold coins of the Middle Ages and occupies a prominent position in numismatic circles. First introduced under King Edward III around 1344, the Noble marks an important step in the history of English coinage, particularly with regard to international trade and the stabilisation of the royal financial system. The name ‘Noble’ is derived from the Latin ‘nobilis’, meaning “noble” or ‘distinguished’ – a fitting title for a coin that impressed not only with its weight and fineness, but also with its artistically sophisticated appearance.
The gold coin weighed approximately 7.8 grams and was made of almost pure gold with a fineness of around 23 carats. The original face value was 6 shillings and 8 pence, which was equivalent to one third of a pound sterling. The obverse of the noble usually showed the English king in armour standing on a ship, a representation that symbolised both England’s
maritime strength and royal authority. The reverse was designed with a crossed shield or a floral cross, emphasising the connection to Christian motifs and political legitimacy.
The noble quickly gained widespread acceptance in international trade, not least because of its stable gold content and careful minting. The noble played a central role in trade relations with the Netherlands, the Hanseatic cities and Flanders in particular. The coin even became a model for other coins minted on the European continent, such as the French écu d’or and the Dutch guilder. This illustrates the great economic and political importance that the noble gained beyond England’s borders.
Over time, the noble was modified several times. Under Edward IV, the so-called ‘angel’ was introduced, a successor coin that was directly descended from the noble. Nevertheless, the original noble remained a sought-after means of payment and a symbol of English stability and power until the late Tudor period. For numismatists, the noble is now a sought-after collector’s item, not only because of its historical value, but also because of its artistic design and high gold content.
In a numismatic context, the noble is therefore exemplary of the heyday of English coinage in the Middle Ages. It embodies an era of economic expansion, political self-expression and technical sophistication in coinage. Collectors and historians alike value the noble as a testament to British monetary history and as a work of art in miniature.