Mediaeval Scottish Coinage

[Deeman]

Robert III 1390-1406

New denominations were added under Robert III with the issue of gold lions and demi-lions. The lion had a contemporary value of 5 shillings (Scots).
Between 1390-1403 issues were termed heavy coinage; from 1403-06, with a reduced weight, issues were termed light coinage.




Demi-lion with an obverse inscription ROBERTVS : DEI : GREX : SCOTO (Robert, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a lion rampant within a double fleur-de-lis shield-shaped tressure, within an inner beaded circle. On the reverse a saltire with the inscription XPC:R EGNAT XPC: VINCIT: (Christ reigns, Christ conquers) between the angles of the saltire around a beaded circle and fleur-de-lis in the left and right quadrants, trefoil in the top and bottom quadrants.




Lion with an obverse inscription ROBERTVS : DEI : GRACIA : REX : SCOTORVM (Robert, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crown above a lion rampant within a double fleur-de-lis shield-shaped tressure, within an inner beaded circle. On the reverse a depiction of St. Andrew (without nimbus) crucified on his saltire-shaped cross flanked by a fleur-de-lis on each side, with the inscription XPC : REGNAT : XPC : VINCIT : XPC : IMPERAT (Christ reigns, Christ conquers, Christ commands) between the angles of the design around a beaded circle.

[Deeman]

James I 1406-1437

James I's new groats, the so-called 'fleur-de-lis' type, weighed on average around 36 grains, substantially more than the last issues of Robert III, and were put into circulation at sixpence (Scots) instead of fourpence. No half-groats are known of this issue. His pennies, which are relatively rare, are of a more debased alloy than those of his father.




1424-37 silver groat (6d) with an obverse inscription, commencing with a cross and with fleur-de-lis shown +, IACOBVS + DEI + GRA + REX + SCOTOR (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crowned bust facing with a sceptre to the left, within a double fleur-de-lis tressure of eight arcs within beaded inner circle. On the reverse in the angles of a long cross pattée are the inscriptions, with fleur-de-lis shown +, DNS+Px TECTOR MS L IBATOR: (God is my Defender and my Redeemer) in outer circle, VILL A+ED+ INBV RGH (Town of Edinburgh) in inner circle, both circles beaded; with three pellets and fleur-de-lis in alternate quarters.




1424-37 silver groat (6d) with an obverse inscription, commencing with a cross and with fleur-de-lis shown +, IACOBVS + DEI + GRACIA + REX + SCO (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crowned bust facing with a sceptre to the left, within a double fleur-de-lis tressure of eight arcs within beaded inner circle. On the reverse in the angles of a long cross pattée are the inscriptions, with fleur-de-lis shown +, DNS+P TECTOR MS:L I+BATO (God is my Defender and my Redeemer) in outer circle, VILL A+DE+ LINL ITHGO (Town of Linlithgow) in inner circle, both circles beaded; with a trefoil of pellets with small central pellet and fleur-de-lis in alternate quarters, small cross fourth quarter.


New denominations were added under James I with the issue of gold demy and half-demys. Both coins carried the same obverse and reverse designs. A great deal of the gold in the coinage of Scotland at this period was mined locally principally from Crawford Moor, when nuggets from 2 gm to 30 oz were discovered.

The demy was worth 9 shillings (Scots), broadly equivalent to the English half-noble.

When he inherited the crown, James I was a prisoner in England. He did not return to Scotland until his release in 1424 and few, if any, of his coins are thought to have been issued before then.




1424-37 demy with an obverse inscription, commencing with a crown and with fleur-de-lis shown +, xIACOBVS+ DE+I GRACIA+ REX SCx (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a lion rampant within a double fleur-de-lozenge tressure, within an inner beaded circle. On the reverse, commencing with a cross and with fleur-de-lis shown +, is the inscription +SALVVm+ FAC POPVLVmx+ TVVm DnE (O Lord, save Thy people) around a beaded circle containing a central saltire with pellet below, fleur-de-lis either side, within a fleured double tressure of six arcs, quatrefoils with raised pellet centres in spandrels.

[Deeman]

James II 1437-1460

By the reign of James II, the Scottish pound was calculated to be worth a quarter of an English pound.

The 'fleur-de-lis' groats introduced by James I continued to be issued under the reign of James II until 1451.

New Scottish coinage was introduced in 1451 based on the French weight (avoirdupois) system. The new 'crown' groats had a value of eight pence (Scots), later raised to 12 pence (Scots). The Deputies of the Three Estates of the Scottish Parliament recommended that the new coins should be of good silver, of at least equal quality to that of England. The 'fleur-de-lis' groats, which hitherto had been running for sixpence, were, on the issue of the replacement 'crown' groats, reduced to fourpence (Scots) and then back to sixpence (Scots) when the 'crown' groat was raised to 12 pence (Scots).
This 'good silver' was supposed to be applied to pennies but they were no better than the billon issue of the preceding two reigns. Pennies issued at this time had a value of twopence (Scots), later threepence (Scots). No halfpennies were struck.




1451-60 debased silver penny with an obverse inscription, commencing with a crown, IACOBVS D GRA REX SCOTOR (James, King of Scots) around a crowned bust facing in a beaded inner circle and, on the reverse, commencing with a crown, VIL LA+E DB[...] UGH (Town of Edinburgh) in the angles of a long cross pattée around a beaded circle with trefoil of pellets in each quarter.




1451-60 silver groat (1/- Scots) with an obverse inscription, commencing with a crown, IACOBVS DEI GRACI REX SCOTORVM (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crowned bust facing within a double fleur-de-lis tressure of seven arcs not extending beyond the bust, saltire on each side of neck, within beaded inner circle. On the reverse, in the angles of a long cross pattée, inscriptions both starting with a crown, DNSxP: TECTOR MS LIBATOR MS (God is my Defender and my Redeemer) in outer circle, VILL :AE·DINB:VRG (Town of Edinburgh) in inner circle, both circles beaded; with a trefoil of pellets and crowns in alternate quarters.

[Deeman]

James II 1437-1460

James II continued the minting of gold demys until the new coinage of 1451 when the issue was replaced by re-introduced gold lion and demi-lions. The lion was valued at 10 shillings (Scots).




1437-51 demy with an obverse inscription, commencing with a crown, IACOBVS DEI GRACIA REXxx SC (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a lion rampant within a double fleur-de-lozenge tressure, within an inner beaded circle. On the reverse, commencing with a cross and annulets used for stops, is the inscription SALVVm FAC POPVLVm TVVm DnE (O Lord, save Thy people) around a beaded circle containing a central saltire with fleur-de-lis either side, within a fleured double tressure of six arcs, quatrefoils with central pellet in spandrels.




1451-60 demi-lion with an obverse inscription, commencing with a crown, IACOBVS D GRA REX SCOTOR (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a lion rampant within a double fleur-de-lis shield-shaped tressure, within an inner beaded circle. On the reverse a depiction of St. Andrew with nimbus and crown above, crucified on his saltire-shaped cross flanked by a crown each side, with the inscription XPC REGNAT XPC VINCIT (Christ reigns, Christ conquers) between the angles of the design around a beaded circle.




1451-60 lion with an obverse inscription, commencing with a crown, IACOBVS DEI GRAxx REXxx SCOTTORVm++, (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crown above a lion rampant within a double fleur-de-lis shield-shaped tressure with a fleur-de-lis either side, within an inner beaded circle. On the reverse a depiction of St. Andrew with nimbus and crown above, crucified on his saltire-shaped cross flanked by a crown above a fleur-de-lis on each side, with the inscription X PCxx REGn ATxx XP C VInCIT X P (Christ reigns, Christ conquers, Christ) between the angles of the design around a beaded circle. The inscription is seemingly incomplete for this denomination as the last C of Christ is not present nor the word 'imperat', which when seen on other coins of the medieval period complete the legend as "Christ commands."

[Deeman]

James III 1460-1488

Soon after the 1464 reduction in the weight of English silver coins (from 60 to 48 grains troy), there was a change in Scotland in 1467, but this was a more drastic weight reduction, the new light groats being struck at twelve to the ounce. Light groats of this character continued to be struck under James III until 1484.
In 1484 they made way for an issue of heavy groats, struck at ten to the ounce, virtually the current English standard. There was a return to the light groat standard in James IV's reign, probably in 1496.




1467-74 silver groat (1/- Scots) with an obverse inscription + IACOBVS: DEI: GRA: REX: SCOTORVM (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crowned bust facing within a double fleur-de-lis tressure of seven arcs not extending beyond the crown (should be nine arcs around bust for correct strike) within a beaded circle. On the reverse, in the angles of a long cross pattée, inscriptions + DNS:P / TECTORx / MS:Z:LI / BERATO (God is my Defender and my Redeemer) in outer circle, + VIL / LA:E / DINB / VRGH (Town of Edinburgh) in inner circle, both circles beaded; with a trefoil of pellets and pierced six-pointed mullet in alternate quarters.

The 'Z' in the outer reverse inscription is thought to intimate the new addition of the Orkneys and Shetlands to the Scotch dominions in 1469.




1475-81 silver half-groat (6d Scots) with an obverse inscription + lACOBVS: DEI: GRA: REX: SCOT (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a bust wearing a crown of three fleur-de-lis within a double fleur-de-lis tressure of eight arcs. On the reverse, in the angles of a long cross pattée, inscriptions DNSPR / TECTOR / MS:Z:LI / BERAT (God is my Defender and my Redeemer) in outer circle, VILL / ABEI/ RWIC / CHII (Town of Berwick) in inner circle, both circles beaded; with a trefoil of pellets and pierced six-pointed mullet in alternate quarters.




1475-81 silver groat (1/- Scots) with an obverse inscription + IACOBVS: DEI: GRA: REX: SCOTORVM (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crowned bust facing within a double fleur-de-lis tressure of seven arcs not extending beyond the bust within a beaded circle. On the reverse, in the angles of a long cross pattée, inscriptions + DNS:P / TECTOR / MS:Zx:L / IBERAT (God is my Defender and my Redeemer) in outer circle, + VIL / LA:E / DINB / VRGH (Town of Edinburgh) in inner circle, both circles beaded; with a trefoil of pellets and pierced six-pointed mullet in alternate quarters.




1482-83 silver groat (1/- Scots) with an obverse inscription + IACOBVS: DEI: GRA: REX: SCOTORM (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crowned bust facing within a double fleur-de-lis tressure of seven arcs not extending beyond the bust within a beaded circle. On the reverse, in the angles of a long cross pattée, inscriptions + DNS PT / ECTORM / S Z LIBEA /TVR MES (God is my Defender and my Redeemer) in outer circle, VILL / AEDE / NBEO / VRGE (Town of Edinburgh) in inner circle, both circles beaded; with a trefoil of pellets and pierced five-pointed mullet in alternate quarters.




1484-88 silver half-groat (7d Scots) with an obverse inscription IACOBVS◦ ◦DIE◦ GRACIA REX (James, by the grace of God) around a crowned bust angled left (crown formed of five fleur-de-lis) within beaded inner circle. On the reverse, in the angles of a long cross pattée, inscriptions + DNS / ◦PROT◦ / ECTOR / MEVS◦ (The Lord is my Protector) in outer circle, + VIL / ◦AED / ◦INB /◦VRI (Town of Edinburgh) in inner circle, both circles beaded; crown and three pellets with annulet in alternate quarters.




1484-88 silver groat (14d Scots) with an obverse inscription IACOBVS◦ ◦DIE◦ GRACIA REX ◦COTRY (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crowned bust angled left (crown formed of seven fleur-de-lis) within beaded inner circle. On the reverse, in the angles of a long cross pattée, inscriptions DInS / PROTE / ORMET◦ / ERATO◦ (God is my Defender and my Redeemer) in outer circle, + VIL / AED◦ / +DIn / BVRG (Town of Edinburgh) in inner circle, both circles beaded; crown and three pellets with annulet in alternate quarters.

[Deeman]

James III 1460-1488

The confusion of weight standards and relative values was given greater impetus in the reign of James III.

The groat was struck to a variety of standards depending on the prevailing value of silver, including a base silver issue (0.75 fine) valued at sixpence (Scots) between 1471-83. Base silver coins have a below standard silver content, but greater than 50% of base metal content.

Two new denominations, equivalent of the old half-groat, called a plack (from a Flemish word for a metal disc), with a value of fourpence (Scots) (⅓ English penny), and a half-plack of twopence (Scots), were struck in billon (a mixture of silver and copper), with only a 50% silver content. The penny was divided into a fine silver issue, with value of threepence (Scots) and a billon coin of one penny (Scots). The billon pennies of James III are smaller and lighter in weight than those of James I and II. They weigh about four to the plack.




1471-83 base silver groat (6d) with an obverse inscription IACOBVS DEI GRA REX SCOTORVM (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crowned half right facing bust in surcoat and armour within a double fleur-de-lis tressure of eight arcs in a beaded inner circle and, on the reverse, + VIL / LA:E / DINB / VRGH (Town of Edinburgh) in the angles of a long cross pattée with a thistle head at the end of each cross-bar around a beaded circle; thistle head and pierced six-pointed mullet in alternate quarters.

The coin features a bust that appears to be an early attempt at realistic portraiture and is believed to be the earliest instance of portrait coinage to appear in northern Europe. The addition of the thistle was the first time it featured on a coin as the Scottish national emblem.




1482-84 base silver penny (3d) with an obverse inscription IACOBVS : DE : GRA : REX : S (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crowned bust facing in a beaded inner circle and, on the reverse, + VIL / LA : E / DEIn / BOVR (Town of Edinburgh) in the angles of a long cross pattée with a trefoil of pellets and pierced five-pointed mullet in alternate quarters.




1467 billon penny (1d) with an obverse inscription + IACOBVS D GRA REX (James, by the grace of God) around a crowned bust facing in a beaded inner circle and, on the reverse, VIL / LAE / DIN / VRGH (Town of Edinburgh) in the angles of a long cross pattée with three pellets in each quarter.
The obverse legend on this coin varies considerably, and there are many reverse varieties.




1465-82 billon plack (4d Scots) with an obverse inscription IACOBVS : D : GRA : REX : SCOTORVm (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a beaded circle; crown above a lion rampant within surrounded by a double fleur-de-lis shield-shaped tressure with a cross pattée either side, within a tressure of three arcs with trefoils in the spandrels. On the reverse, a cross fleury, the centre of which is composed of an orle of four crescents, with a crown in each angle and a saltire in the centre. The reverse inscription, in the angles of the cross around a beaded circle, is + VIL: / A:DE: / EDIN: / :BVRG (Town of Edinburgh).

[Deeman]

James III 1460-1488

Copper money was first struck in Scotland under James III. He issued copper farthings and coins described as 'Crux Pellit' (3d Scots), collectively known as 'black money.'. The Crux Pellit issues were previously known first as Crossraguel and Bishop Kennedy pennies. They were actually 3d pennies forming part of the regal coinage struck at a semi-official workshop under the supervision of Cochrane, Earl of Mar, and were not the product of an ecclesiastical mint.
Copper farthings were first struck in 1466. The dates of the Crux Pellit pennies are unknown, but of a slightly later period. Black money was demonetised in July 1482, in the course of a revolt against James III.




Crux Pellit penny (3d Scots) with an obverse inscription IACOBVS: DEI: GRA: REX (James, by the grace of God) around an orb surmounted by a cross (globus cruciger) with central rosette, and, on the reverse, + CRVXx PELLITx OIEx CRIMx (abbreviated version of CRVX PELLIT OMNE CRIMEN, the Cross drives away all sin) around a cross within a double fleur-de-lis in quatrefoil with an annulet in the spandrels.


The first farthing issue bears a crown on the obverse and, on the reverse, a saltire flanked by two small saltires. The second issue has the letters IR crowned on the obverse, and on the reverse a crown superimposed on a saltire, with small saltires in the side and lower angles.
The third 'ecclesiastical' issue has the letters IR, crowned, on the obverse, but the reverse bears a cross with crowns and mullets in alternate angles.
The fourth and fifth 'ecclesiastical' issues bear the distinctive obverse design of a large trefoil with a mullet in the centre and a fleur-de-lis on each leaf, and on the reverse is a cross fleury with a five or six-pointed pierced mullet in the quarters. The two types are distinguished only by the form of the reverse legend: MONE PAVP or MO PAVPER respectively.




'Ecclesiastical' farthing with an obverse design of a large trefoil with a mullet in the centre and a fleur-de-lis on each leaf, and on the reverse, the inscription MO PAVPER (Money of the Poor) around a cross fleury with five-pointed mullet in the quarter within a beaded circle.

[Deeman]

James III 1460-1488

During the reign of James III, the gold rider (23/- Scots), half-rider (11/6d Scots), quarter-rider (5/9d Scots) and unicorn (18/- Scots) were introduced.
There are two types of riders, one with the king riding to the spectator's left on the reverse and on the second with the king riding to the spectator's right on the obverse. The half and quarter riders only exist with the king riding to the spectator's left.




1475-83 quarter-rider with an obverse inscription IACOBV / SDEIGR / AREX: S / COTORV (James, by the Grace of God, King of Scotland) in the angles of a long cross pattée surmounted by a crowned royal shield; single tressure fleury around shield within a beaded circle. On the reverse, with the inscription + SALWm FAC POPVLVm TWm DomIn (O Lord, save Thy people) around an equestrian depiction of James III in armour, wielding a sword in his left hand, fleur-de-lis below sword arm, riding to the spectator's left within a beaded circle.




1475-83 half-rider with an obverse inscription IACOBVS / DEI:GRA / REX: SC / OTORVm (James, by the Grace of God, King of Scotland) in the angles of a long cross pattée surmounted by a crowned royal shield; single tressure fleury around shield within a beaded circle. On the reverse, with the inscription + SALWm: FAC: POPVLVm TWm DOmInE (O Lord, save Thy people) around an equestrian depiction of James III in armour, wielding a sword in his left hand, fleur-de-lis below sword arm, riding to the spectator's left within a beaded circle.




1475-83 rider with an obverse inscription IACOBVS / DEI GRA / REX SCO / TTORVm (James, by the Grace of God, King of Scotland) in the angles of a long cross pattée surmounted by a crowned royal shield; single tressure fleury around shield within a beaded circle. On the reverse, with the inscription + SALWm: FAC: POPVLVm: TWm: DOmInE (O Lord, save Thy people) around an equestrian depiction of James III in armour, wielding a sword in his left hand, riding to the spectator's left within a beaded circle.




1475-83 rider with an obverse inscription IACOBVS : DEI : GRA : RE X SCOTOR (James, by the Grace of God, King of Scotland) around an equestrian depiction of James III in armour, wielding a sword in his right hand, riding to the spectator's right within a beaded circle; the sword, helmet plume, horse's front and rear legs break beaded circle. On the reverse, the inscription + SALWm / FACPOP / VLVmT / VVmDnE (O Lord, save Thy people) in the angles of a long cross pattée surmounted by a crowned royal shield; single tressure fleury around shield within a beaded circle.


The gold Unicorn was introduced during the latter part of his reign, although the king's titles and name are absent from the coins of this issue, their place held by a repeated Latin legend, EXURGAT DEUS ET DISSIPENTUR INIMICI EIUS, translating to mean "Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered" (Psalm 68:1). They were all struck at the Edinburgh mint.




1484-88 unicorn with an obverse inscription, starting with a cross fleury mintmark, is EXVRGΛT: DE: EnT DISIPENT InmICI: E around a unicorn standing to the spectator's left within a beaded circle, gorged (collared) with a coronet with a chain affixed ending at an annulet beneath the unicorn's rear hooves; supporting the royal shield showing a lion rampant upon it. On the reverse, the inscription, starting with a fleur-de-lis mintmark, is EXVRGΛT: DS: ET: DISIPET: IIImIE: ES around a large twelve-pointed radiant sun over cross fleury with centre pellet within a beaded circle.

[Deeman]

James IV 1488-1513

James IV's coins were mainly continuations of the types issued during the previous reign. Those stylistic changes that did occur were largely backward-looking. No attempt was made to follow James III's example of using a realistic portrait. Initially, groats were struck to the heavy standard at ten to the ounce, changing to the light groat standard at twelve to the ounce in 1496. There are two bust varieties of the heavy groat; one clothed and the other nude.




1489-96 silver groat (14d Scots) with an obverse inscription + IACOBVS: DEI: GRA: REX: SCOTO (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crowned clothed bust facing within a double tressure of twelve arcs not extending beyond the bust with six-pointed mullets at alternate cusps, within a beaded circle. On the reverse, in the angles of a long cross pattée, inscriptions + DNS:P / TECT:m / EVS: ET / LEBA m (God is my Defender and my Redeemer) in outer circle, + VIL / LAE / Din / BRG (Town of Edinburgh) in inner circle, both circles beaded; with a trefoil of pellets in opposite quarters, and a crown and fleur-de-lis in the other two quarters.




1496-1513 silver half-groat (6d Scots) with an obverse inscription IACOBVS DEI GRA REX SCOTTOR (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crowned nude bust within a double fleur-de-lis tressure of seven arcs. On the reverse, in the angles of a long cross pattée, inscriptions SALVV: / FAC PO / PVLVV./.TV DNE (O Lord, save Thy people) in outer circle, VILL / A EI / INB / VRGE (Town of Edinburgh) in inner circle, both circles beaded; with a trefoil of pellets and pierced five-pointed mullet in alternate quarters.




1496-1513 silver groat (12d Scots) with an obverse inscription IACOBVS DEI GRA REX SCOTTORV QRA (James the Fourth, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crowned nude bust within a double fleur-de-lis tressure of seven arcs. On the reverse, in the angles of a long cross pattée, inscriptions SALVVm / FAC PP / LVm T / VV DnE (O Lord, save Thy people) in outer circle, VILL / A EDI / n·BV·/ RGI (Town of Edinburgh) in inner circle, both circles beaded; with a trefoil of pellets and pierced five-pointed mullet in alternate quarters.




1496-1513 silver groat (12d Scots) with an obverse inscription IACOBVS DEI GRA REX SCOTTORVM IIII (James the Fourth, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crowned nude bust, neck flanked by a five-pointed star, within a double fleur-de-lis tressure of nine arcs. On the reverse, in the angles of a long cross pattée, inscriptions SALVVm / FAC PPL / VVm TV / Vm DnE (O Lord, save Thy people) in outer circle, VILL / A EDE / nBEO / VRGE (Town of Edinburgh) in inner circle, both circles beaded; with a trefoil of pellets and pierced five-pointed mullet in alternate quarters.




1496-1513 silver groat (12d Scots) with an obverse inscription IACOBVS DEI GRA REX SCOTTORV QRA (James the Fourth, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crowned nude bust, neck flanked by a five-pointed mullet, within a double fleur-de-lis tressure of seven arcs. On the reverse, in the angles of a long cross pattée, inscriptions SALVV / FAC PP / LVVm T / VV DnE (O Lord, save Thy people) in outer circle, VILL / A EDI / n·BV·/ VRGI (Town of Edinburgh) in inner circle, both circles beaded; with a trefoil of pellets and pierced five-pointed mullet in alternate quarters.


The first known maundy coins were specially struck groats (12d Scots) by James IV that were issued in the maundy service of 1512 held in Scotland. There are only two specimens known; one is held in the British Museum and the other in the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland.





1512 silver Maundy groat (1/- Scots) with an obverse inscription IACOBVS: 4: DEI: GRA: REX: SCOTTORV (James IV, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crowned bearded bust facing within a fleur-de-lis tressure of nine arcs not extending beyond the bust within a beaded circle. On the reverse, in the angles of a long cross pattée, inscriptions EXVRG / AT:DEV / SzDISI / PENT:! ('Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered) in outer circle, VILL / A:ED / INBV / RG:Iz: (Town of Edinburgh) in inner circle, both circles beaded; with a trefoil of pellets and pierced five-pointed mullet in alternate quarters.

[Deeman]

James IV 1488-1513



Billon penny (1d Scots) with an obverse inscription IACOBVS DEI GRA REX SCOTTO (James, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a crowned bust facing in a beaded inner circle and, on the reverse, VIL / LA:ED / InBV / RGH (Town of Edinburgh) in the angles of a long cross pattée with a crown and fleur-de-lis in alternate quarters.




Billon penny with a rounder bust struck on a smaller but thicker flan.




Billon plack (4d Scots) with an obverse inscription · IACOBVS 4 DEI GRA REX SCOTORVM (James the Fourth, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a beaded circle; crown above a lion rampant within surrounded by a double fleur-de-lis shield-shaped tressure with a crown either side, within a tressure of five arcs with trefoils in the spandrels. On the reverse, a cross fleury, the centre of which is composed of an orle of four crescents, with a crown in each angle and a saltire in the centre. The reverse inscription, in the angles of the cross around a beaded circle, is VILL / A DE / EDIN / BVRG (Town of Edinburgh).

[Deeman]

James IV 1488-1513

During the reign of James IV, the gold unicorn (18/- Scots to 1508, 22/- Scots by 1512) continued.




1496-1513 half-unicorn with an obverse inscription, starting with a fleur-de-lis mintmark, is IΛCOBVS DEI GRΛCIΛ REX SCO (James, by the Grace of God, King of Scotland) around a unicorn standing to the spectator's left within a beaded circle, gorged (collared) with a coronet with a chain affixed ending at an annulet beneath the unicorn's rear hooves; supporting the royal shield showing a lion rampant upon it. On the reverse, the inscription, starting with a fleur-de-lis mintmark, is EXVRGΛT DS ET DISIPT InImIE (Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered) around a large twelve-pointed radiant sun over cross fleury with centre pellet within a beaded circle.




1496-1513 unicorn with an obverse inscription, starting with a fleur-de-lis mintmark, is IΛCOBVS DEI GRΛCIΛ REX SCOTR (James, by the Grace of God, King of Scotland) around a unicorn standing to the spectator's left within a beaded circle, gorged (collared) with a coronet with a chain affixed ending at an annulet beneath the unicorn's rear hooves; supporting the royal shield showing a lion rampant upon it. On the reverse, the inscription, starting with a fleur-de-lis mintmark, is EXVRGΛT DE ET DISIPEnT nImICI: E (Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered) around a large twelve-pointed radiant sun over cross fleury with centre pellet within a beaded circle.




Unicorn reverse with cinquefoil countermark (for revaluation), crown mintmark and different font. Issued by James V.




1513 pattern piedfort angel that was to be worth £1/15/- (420d) Scots (30 x 14d silver groats). The only specimen is in the British Museum. The obverse inscription is IACOBUS 4 DEI GRA REX SCOTORVM (James IV, by the grace of God, King of Scots) around a depiction of Archangel Michael killing the Devil in the symbolic form of a dragon in a beaded circle broken by Michael's head. The reverse inscription is SALVATOR IN HOC SIGNO VICISTI (Saviour in this sign hast thou conquered) around a depiction of a three-masted ship surmounted by a voided royal shield with single tressure fleury and I + 4above, all within a beaded circle. One theory is that the ship represents the Great Michael, the largest ship then existing, and the pride of the Scottish Navy.

[Deeman]

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[Figleaf]

Another tour de force. Thank you Deeman!

You have had me staring at and studying Scottish coins as never before. As an outsider, I see not just a struggle between French and English weights, but also French and English designs.

In coin designs, France, but also Flanders are clear winners in Scotland. This is all the more remarkable as the denominations are evidently based on the English system. However, the unicorn design is a Scottish original, looking very stylish, almost Victorian medieval and certainly ahead of its time. The natural portraits of James III are instant favourites. Here's the renaissance before the Italians invented it.

Underneath the kings, representing the whole nation are the clans and the powerful nobles leading them. You won't find them on the coins, those Douglasses, Albany Stewarts and others not above imprisoning, betrayal and murder. In that sense, perhaps only in Poland the king was even more subjected to his own magnates and Poland would be gobbled up by its more powerful neighbours also.

Peter

[Tirant]

What an awesome thread you did!! It will take me a lot of time to read it all, but nevermind: i'll be pleased to read it. Thanks a lot for your work!