From the earliest of times, coins have been used by states or monarchs to communicate with people; Coins of England is therefore not only a reference book for collectors, but a fascinating snapshot of British history, illuminating its economics, technology, art, politics and religion.

For the past few editions, the Standard Catalogue of British Coins has separated out the decimal issues under Elizabeth II from the pre-decimal coinages, with all decimal coinage since 1968 listed in a separate volume. The two volumes are available as independent publications for the first time in 2020.

This volume of pre-decimal issues features every major coin type from the Celtic period up until 1968, arranged in chronological order and divided into metals under each reign, then into coinages, denominations, and varieties.