Folding Balance Scale for Coins: 14th century

The Medieval English coinage was, literally, "worth its weight" in silver or gold, and a coin was not worth as much as its face value if worn or clipped. To ensure the full value of payment in money, the Medieval merchant or administrator carried around this little foldable coin balance. Scale pans hung from the loops, which folded out, and the balance was held by the fixed central rod; when not in use the two arms folded flat in line with the central rod. The balance was found in excavations at All Saints Church in Oxford.

© 1998 Oxfordshire Museum Service, Setúbal Museums and the Benaki Museum