krasnaya_vityaz

This coin is a Ryal, better known as a "Sword Dollar", this was worth 30/- Scots when issued, and was a continuation of a denomination first issued during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots in 1565. This particular coin represents some of the first coinage issued during the reign of James VI, however inflation rendered it worth more than its monetary value and in 1578 it was called in, countermarked and given a new valuation of 36/9 or 36 shillings nine pence Scots.

This half merk represents an issue that was in the earlier debased billon issues that were issued during the 16th century. This coin was issued in 1572 and was worth 6 Shillings, 8 Pence Scots. It was the rough equivalent of 6 1/2 English Pence. The above pictured coin is a Merk, and represents the very last of unique Scottish denominated coins. The Merk was derived from a very old measure of money that was used for larger quantities of money from early Medieval times. This particular coin was valued at 13 Shillings 4 Pence in Scots. This coin was issued in .916 silver, which was nearly sterling standard. The front or obverse of the coin portrays the Lion Arms of Scotland, whilst the reverse has the Thistle motif which had become quite popular in the 16th century on Scottish coinage.

This coin is a twopence or turner that was minted ca. 1623 in Edinburgh. After many years of debased issues, from the start of the reign in 1567, by the dawn of the 17th century Scotland had largely done away with debased billon issues. This Quarter Merk was issued in 1603, the year of the death of Queen Elizabeth of England and the accession of James VI to the English throne as James I. This coin was issued in sterling silver and had a value of 3 Shillings 4 pence scots, or roughly the equivalent of three English pence.

The longest reigning Scottish monarch, and also the first monarch to reign in all of Britain, James VI acceded the throne of Scotland in 1567 after the abdication of his mother, Queen Mary. Much of his early reign was under regency. The coinage of James VI represents the most varied and substantial issues of any Scottish monarch, many new and innovative designs were introduced during this reign as well as many denominations. After the accession of James VI to the English throne as James I in 1603 the Scottish monetary system was fixed at 12:1 with the English system which was maintained until Scottish coinage was called in following the establishment of the United Kingdom in 1707. This reign is notable for the incredible number of denominations of coins, the late 16th and early 17th centuries must have been a numismatically confusing time for anybody engaging in commerce. http://www.geocities.com/scottishmoney/pre...es1597bodle.jpg This coin is a twopence or turner that was minted ca. 1597 in Edinburgh. The obverse portrays an image of James VI, the reverse three thistles and the legend "OPPIDVM EDINBURGI".

And for James VI, I will take a temporary break, this is long and involved

The coin pictured above is a plack, a billon coin worth 4 Scottish pence. It was issued in 1557, many of these coins were counterfeited, resulting in their being called in for examination in 1575. The forged coins were destroyed, and the coins found to be authentic were counterstamped with the star in heart mark and re-released into general circulation. A very small, 90% copper 10% silver, this coin is called a Lion or "Hardhead". At the time it was worth three halfpence Scottish, or the equivalent of a French Denier. This coin was issued during Mary's very short marriage to Francis, the Dauphin of France in the late 1550's, and has the FM logo that reflected the dual monarchy of France and Scotland from 1558-1560. However, despite the miniscule denomination of this coin, it was heavily counterfieted, and this example is a contemporary counterfiet because of the date, "58" instead of 1558. Unfortunately for collectors, very very few coins, notably some gold coins, and some silver Testoons, were ever issued with Mary's portrait on them. Most coins were issued with her monogram or that of her and her first husband, Francois of France.

Any person interested in Scottish and British history surely cannot help but be intriqued with the reign of Mary Queen of Scots. Like her English counterparts, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, she is the subject of much debate. In many ways she was a contrast to her English cousin, whilst Elizabeth stood above the fray and was not easily influenced by others, Mary seemingly went with the wind. Ultimately it would lead to her losing her crown, her country and eventually her life. This incredibly tragic reign began when Mary was only one week old, an inauspicious start to nearly a quarter century of what would deteriorate into factional unrest, treachery, murder, and the abdication of Mary in 1567. The early part of her reign was spent in regency under James Hamilton and from 1554-1558 under her mother, Mary of Guise. In 1558 Queen Mary wedded the Dauphin of France, Francois. In 1560 Francois II of France died, leaving 18 year old Mary as a widow. Her subsequent marriage to Henry Darnley in 1565 would end with his suspicious murder in 1567. Queen Mary married James Hepburn, earl of Bothwell in May of 1567, however she was forced to abdicate from the throne on 24 July, after many of her lords withdrew support for her. Her son, James VI, the son of Henry Darnley was recognised as her heir. Despite rallying some support for her cause in 1568, her forces were overwhelmed by supporters of her son, and she thence fled into exile under the protection of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth in England. Several intriques with the objective of putting her on the English throne were suppressed, resulting in her imprisonment for nearly twenty years, until her final alleged conspiracy in 1586 which resulted in her execution the following year. One of the first coins issued in the reign of Queen Mary, this coin is a Bawbee or Scottish Sixpence coin. It was a mainstay of small change during that time, and was perhaps the most common coin encountered in daily transactions. The Bawbee had been considerably debased in previous reigns and by the time this was issued, the silver content was down to .250 fine. This coin continues the earlier James V era usage of the thistle on the obverse of the piece, with the legend in Latin "Maria D G Regina Scotorum" or Mary by the grace of God, Queen of the Scots. The reverse of this coin portrays the Cross of St Andrew within a crown and flanked by cinquefoils. The legend "Oppidum Edinburgi" or Town of Edinburgh encompasses the perimeter of the coin.

James V would have the distinction of being the first of three Scottish monarchs in succession who would inherit the throne during the time they were still infants. His father, James IV was killed at the Battle of Flodden, after coming to the aid of the Scottish allies, the French, who were at war with the English. The earliest part of his reign was a regency under his mother, Margaret Tudor, but as she was the sister of Henry VIII of England, she not popular. James attained majority at the age of 16, and soon entered into a five year peace treaty with Henry VIII. James V married Madeleine, the daughter of the King of France in 1537, but she died seven months after coming to Scotland. Thereafter he married Mary of Guise in June of 1538, they had two sons who died in infancy in 1541, and whose deaths were followed by their Grandmother, Margaret Tudor. With her death, conflict with Henry VIII became inevitable, and the Scots were defeated at the Battle of Solway Moss in 1542. James V had then entered into a period of depression that would only end with his death at the comparatively young age of 30. He left the throne to Mary, aged only seven days. The coin pictured above is a billion bawbee or Scottish sixpence, of .250 fineness which was minted from 1538-1542 and would soon become one of the most common coins in circulation in Scotland during that time. The face of the coin has a thistle, and the reverse a St. Andrews Cross within a crown and flanked by two fleur de lis.

For the next coin in my collection, I skip a few reigns and go to James III (1460-1488) This is a copper penny, by now the penny had devalued to the point at which it was no longer issued in silver or even billon. These pieces are often referred to as Crosraguel Pennies, after the abbey where a hoard of them were found. These coins have been the subject of much conjecture as to their issue, some sources state that they were issued by Bishop Kennedy in St. Andrews, others cite the Scottish crown as the issuer of these coins. Until the find of this hoard these pieces were quite rare, and whilst still scarce, the location of this hoard brought many examples to the market. This piece has an orb on one side with the legend "Iacobus Dei Gra Rex - James by the grace of God King, and on the reverse it has a cross with the legend Crux Pellit Oie Crim, the cross drives away all sin. Whilst these pieces were notably unpopular because of the lack of silver, they apparently did see considerable circulation as they are very scarcely encountered in higher grades of preservation. It is again conjectured that these pieces were called in and removed from circulation, which led to few finds later on until the hoard find in 1919.

Despite David II’s two marriages, neither of his wives ever gave birth to an heir. However at his death the line of primogeniture had been more clearly defined and a clear candidate was available, Robert Stewart, whom was David’s older nephew. Robert Stewart was the son of Marjorie Bruce (daughter of Robert I) and Walter, the sixth High Steward of Scotland. At his birth he was recognised as the probable direct heir of Robert I, however the birth of Robert I’s son, David in 1324 changed this. Robert II was the first of an over three hundred year line of Stewart monarchs and Robert II’s resume at his accession was more promising than other kings when they inherited the throne. He had in fact, ruled Scotland during David’s exile in France in the 1330’s- until 1341 and then again after David II’s captivity in England from 1346 – 1357. During these times there were some in Scotland whom regarded him as more fit for the kingship than his uncle. The result of this was much discord betwixt uncle and nephew. In his personal life, Robert II married twice, the first time apparently to a cousin of his, this marriage ended with her death. His second marriage was regarded as more legitimate in the eyes of his contemporaries, as this was to Euphemia, the daughter of the Earl of Ross. The result of these two marriages were fourteen children, so the lines of succession were tested as many believed the first marriage was not valid because of their familial relationship. This reign saw something of a dark era in Scottish history, the after effects of the Black Death were beginning to be seriously affecting the population, church, and the economy of Scotland. Revenues from taxation shrunk, and subsequently the government became much less effective than in years past. In approximately 1384 Robert II began to yield some of the responsibilities of governing Scotland to his son, John, whom would later become Robert III on his accession to the throne. The 1380’s brought skirmishes with the contestants for the English throne, including a raid by Richard III in 1385. Numismatically this reign differed only very slightly from that of David II. All of the coins from this reign are quite similar, in fact, they differ only slightly with the placement of Robert II’s name instead of David II. The portraiture remained quite similar with only insignificant changes. Only silver groats, halfgroats, pennies, and halfpennies were coined. The only appreciable difference for collectors is the somewhat greater variety of mints available. Coins were minted in Edinburgh, Perth and Dundee. The Edinburgh coins are reasonably common, especially in lower grades, and are within a reasonable price range for collectors. The coinages of the Perth and Dundee mints are somewhat scarcer, however they are still collectably priced. The groats are probably the most common coin of this reign, the halfpenny probably the scarcest. There are rare and significantly valuable varieties of the penny extent. Denominations used during this reign(all in silver): Groat or 4d Halfgroat or 2d Penny or 1d Halfpenny or 1/2d.

This piece is a groat or 4d coin. This coin is from the first heavy issue of Groats and was presumably minted in the late 1350's. This piece was minted in Edinburgh, as most coins were by now. A curious feature makes this piece very rare, in the 1968 reprint of the Robertson catalog it was noted as a unique example, now there are believed to be 5-6 of this 7 arcs of the tressure around David II's head variety known. This piece is thusly my rarest example of a Scottish coin. Later in the reign of David II the inevitable greed perhaps caused by debts caused the reduction in the value of the coinage, a problem that plaqued Scotland far worse than England. New coinage was of course issued in a lighter standard, believed to have been noted by the star on the Kings's sceptre on the obverse of this piece. This particular piece was a very fortunate purchase, it may well be the best known example of this particular star on sceptre piece known. The reign of David II is one of my favourite of Scottish monarchs, whilst fewer coins were issued overall in comparison to Alexander III and in fewer mints, the new denominations add interests to this reign.

The release of David II and this promise are surmised to have been the impetus behind the release of a newer coinage, with larger denominations. Presumably much of this coinage was sent to England early on in payment of the debt to Edward III. This Edinburgh penny is of a newer and better executed design. As noted, for the first time larger multiple denominations of pence were first minted with this new coinage, this is a half groat or 2d from this reign. It is rather fiendishly more scarce than either the penny or groat, having not been a popular denomination for some reason.

Unfortunately Lady Luck have not been generous in affording me the opportunity to avail a purchase of a Robert I coin, so I must skip forward to his son, David II(1329-1371) Whilst during the reign of Alexander III huge numbers, comparitively speaking, of pennies were minted, and provided the largest number of coins available to later collectors, the next early monarch under whom many coins were minted was David II. The large number of coins was not all that made this reign remarkable, it was also remarkable for the introduction of newer denominations, notably the half groat, the groat, and a rare gold Noble. The first coins bearing David II regnal name were minted ca. 1332 and were rather crude in approach to execution of design and minting technique. Thereafter no further coins were probably minted for approximately another 25 years. David II was captured at the battle of Nevilles Cross in 1342 and spent the rest of his youth in captivity albeit a rather luxuriant captivity in the court of Edward III of England. He was released in 1357 having spent nearly 13 years in England. Of course he was not released without promise on his part, a large sum was promised to Edward III in return for his release.

As noted above, the city of Berwick was pivotal in the struggle betwixt Scotland and England during the 12th through the 14th centuries. Whence the Scottish Kingdom was temporarily subdued under English domination, Berwick was of course back in English control, and Edward I pennies were minted in Berwick. Probably because of the distance from London, unique and somewhat cruder dies were likely manufactured locally for Berwick's penny output Coins tended to be abit cruder, and were not struck up as well due to primitive conditions which existed at Berwick. This coin was likely struck between ca. 1302-1307. Whilst strictly speaking this was an English coin, and violates my Scottish only rule for this thread, it is included for completeness in telling the history of Scottish coinage. It should be noted that the majority of coins circulating in Scotland were curiously not of Scottish design, but rather English. Until the reign of David II and the resulting devaluations, Scottish and English coins traded at par with one another.

My next earliest piece is from the reign of Alexander III(1249-1286) He was a significant monarch in Scottish history, mainly for his defeat of the Vikings in a battle in 1263 which added the Western Isles to the Scottish Kingdom. He also reigned during a time of increased trade with England and Europe. The demise of his reign resulted in chaos, his only heir being his grandaughter in Norway, whom died on her way to Scotland whence she was 6 years old. This piece was one of the early coins struck during this reign and significantly it was struck in the city of Berwick, which during that time was proximate to silver mines. Of course English know Berwick now as an English city, but early in the last millenium it actually changed hands several times, the last time being in the early 14th century, from thence Berwick has been an English possession. During the reign of Edward I locally created dies were created for Berwick minted English pennies, this having been necessitated by the distance from any other mint cities in England. Then early in the reign of Robert I of Scotland Berwick again changed hands and briefly minted coins which are the sole issue for Robert Bruce of Scotland.

One of the more cocked up dates I have heard of was a Scottish ryal from 1567 which on the coin was dated 15567. Now that was a forward thinking Scotsman.

One of the interesting phenomenons of the recent Chinese forgeries of so many coins is the erroneously out of range dates, for instance dating a British Trade Dollar 1967 etc. Kind of curious how they can get the legends correct etc, but then foul up on the date. I wonder if this coin was artificially worn to give it the "used appearance" or if it actually circulated for awhile?

Oh that was quite alright, I enjoyed viewing it all thanks.

I look forward to seeing the future titles that are in the works.

Who says there is just one, there are three others, we are just coming from a wee farther aways than Chris had planned on. He offered, we bit

No apologies necessary, your kind offer is duly accepted still I will get on the horn with BA shortly.

My word, you are a true gentleman. We will be flying in from North America Actually I wish I could come, but I have business out on the West Coast of the USA unfortunately. I will be in Oxford and London, but not until early 2006.

Thanks for sharing your Namur penny, I am glad to finally see an image of what I am talking about. I have seen them at shows recently, but they are a bit like phantoms, they are just here and there and not everywhere.

Will you kindly cover my expenses as offered? I have two young and quite inquisitive collectors, they are specialising in pre-dec and Eastern Europe. We would very much enjoy the show and would kindly repay with kind within our environ

Northumbrian Sceats surely must have been minted in substantial numbers, especially those from the 9th century. 15 years ago you could get them fairly easily, now they are right pricey, particularly in choice condition. I have read that some conservative estimates of the numbers of pennies minted during the reign of Edw I were 50.000.000 pennies. That is really a huge number, considering that England was considerably more sparsely populated then and had lost many to the Black Death in the 1350's and 1360's. Unfortunately with the exception of tax slips there is not alot of record of transactions during that time that suggest real purchasing values for pennies beyond an assumption that a penny was the average wage for a worker, which I believe in my opin is rather presumptive.