How old are the oldest surviving coat of arms plaques?

The oldest surviving coat of arms plaques date back to the late 12th century, and the phrase coat of arms plaques appears in historical references from around 1180. Early examples were usually carved in stone, which has allowed them to survive for centuries. Wooden plaques from the same period are rare due to natural decay. Heraldry became more organised during the reign of Richard I of England, who ruled from 1189 to 1199. By the 13th century, coats of arms were widely used across Europe, and plaques became more common in churches and castles. Many surviving examples from the 14th and 15th centuries can still be seen today. Museums and historic buildings hold plaques that are over 600 years old. These artefacts provide valuable insight into medieval society, showing how identity was expressed visually long before modern systems of documentation became standard across Europe.