Coin (Reverse), penny, from reign of James II or James III

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This is the reverse of a copper coin minted between 1450 and 1480, during the reign of James II or James III. The coin may well have been valued at three pence Scots.

The reverse has a cross within a quatrefoil. There are pellets on the cusps and nothing in the spandrel. The Latin inscription 'Crux pellit omne crimen' translates as: 'The cross drives away all sin'.

The words in the inscription are taken from a 4th century hymn by Prudentius. The coins are known as the 'crux pellit' issue from the first two words of the inscription.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-653-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C4446
• Date: 1450 - 1480
  Between 1450 and 1480
  
• Material: Copper; diamond-shaped flan; moderate wear; slight flattening. Inscription: Obv. Cross IACOBVS : DEI : GRA : REX; stops are double saltires; orb tilted downwards + to right / Rev. Cross CRVX : PELLIT . OIE . CRIII; stops are double + single saltires - the
  Coin Type: Ib
  Coin, crux pellit issue
  
• Dimensions: 19.50 x 20.50 mm D
  
• What: Coin Type: Ib
  Coin, crux pellit issue
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: James II
  James III
  
• Where: Uncertain
  
• Event:
• Description: James I - II copper "crux pellit" issue, 1450 - 1480?
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
• Translations:
• Related Records: