Coin (reverse), half-groat, from reign of James III

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This is the reverse of a silver half-groat minted at Berwick between 1467 and 1475, during the reign of James III. The coin was worth six pence Scots.

The reverse has a single long cross with six-pointed mullets in the 1st and 3rd angles and groups of three pellets in the 2nd and 4th. The Latin inscription translates as: 'God is my Defender and my Redeemer. Town of Berwick'.

James III's reign saw a number of major coinage innovations including two new gold coins - the rider and the unicorn; a large billon coin - the plack; and thistle-heads and a realistic portrait of the king appearing on coins for the first time.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-527-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C2494
• Date: 1467 - 1475
  Between 1467 and 1475
  
• Material: Silver; slightly uneven striking; generally moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. [Cross I] ACOBVS : 3 : D : GBA : BEX [: S] CO [TO]; stops are double crosses / double saltires; crowned and unclothed bust facing in 6 . 1-arc tressure with crosses flanking neck
  Coin Type: Stewart I
  Coin, half groat
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 x 18.50 mm D / Die Axis: 7.5
  
• What: Coin Type: Stewart I
  Coin, half groat
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Ferguson Collection
  James III
  Pollexfen Collection (Burns p 111)
  
• Where: England, Northumberland, Berwick-upon-Tweed
  
• Event:
• Description: James III silver half-groat, Berwick, 1467 - 1475
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
• Translations:
• Related Records: