Balance and scales (detail)

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This is a detail of a balance and scales used to weigh coins at the Old Scottish Mint in South Gray's Close in Edinburgh. It is made of brass and wood and dates from the 17th century.

This instrument is cleverly designed to fold into a wooden container. The scale is just large enough to take a coin.

In the late 16th century, coins started to be struck in Edinburgh's Cowgate and a complex of mint buildings grew up at the foot of South Gray's Close. The Scottish mint remained there until the last Scottish coins were struck in 1709.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-917-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.VH 16
• Date: 17th century
  
• Material: Balance / scales
  
• Dimensions: 65 mm H x 270 mm L (Open); 140 mm L
  
• What: Balance / scales
  
• Subject: Weights and measures (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scottish Mint
  
• Event:
• Description: Balance and scales used in the Old Scottish Mint
  
• References:
• Translations:
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