Medieval coinage refers to the money used in Europe during the Middle Ages, roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century. Coins were typically made of precious metals like gold and silver, and their value was determined by the metal content. Different regions minted their own coins, leading to a variety of designs and denominations, such as pennies, shillings, and ducats. The introduction of coinage helped facilitate trade and commerce, as it provided a standardized medium of exchange. Kings and nobles often issued coins bearing their images or symbols to assert authority and promote their reign. Over time, the use of coins evolved, leading to the development of banking systems and paper money.