Add to albumThis is the obverse of a billon half-bawbee minted at Edinburgh between 1543 and 1554, during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots. The coin was worth three pence Scots.
The obverse bears a crowned thistle flanked by the letters 'M' and 'R' (for Regina [Queen]). The Latin inscription translates as: 'Mary, by the Grace of God, Queen of Scots'.
The name 'bawbee' is derived from 'Sillebawby' - Alexander Orrok of Sillebawby was Master of the Mint when these coins were struck.
Record details
To search on related items, click any underlined text below.
- Online ID: 000-100-060-854-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
National Museums Scotland
Project description View all records in project
- Ref: National Museums Scotland H.C10412
- Date: 1543 - 1554
1543-54
- Material: Billon; slightly uneven striking; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Cross MARIA . D [.] G [.] R . SCOTORVM; cross set very low; crowned thistle; M to left; R to right / Rev. Cinquefoil OPPIDVM [.] EDINBVRGI; saltire through crown; cinquefoil below
Coin Type: Stevenson Dc
Coin, half bawbee
- Dimensions: 17.00 x 17.50 mm D / Die Axis: 1.5
- What: Coin Type: Stevenson Dc
Coin, half bawbee
- Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
- Who: Mary, Queen of Scots
- Where: Scotland
Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
- Event:
- Description: Mary, Queen of Scots, billon half-bawbee, Edinburgh, 1543 - 1554
- References:
- 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995
- Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967
- Translations:
- Related Records: