Coin (obverse), 'penny', from reign of James III

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This is the obverse of a silver 'penny' minted at Edinburgh between 1482 and 1484, during the reign of James III. The coin was worth one penny Scots. Although called a penny, because of the rising price of silver the coin was worth three pence Scots.

The obverse bears a crowned bust. The Latin inscription translates as: 'James, by the Grace of God, King of Scots'.

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: 000-100-054-692-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C4241
• Date: 1482 - 1484
  Between 1482 and 1484
  
• Material: Silver; slight edge damage; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Cross IACOBVS : DE : GR [A :] REX . SC; stops are double saltires; crowned bust facing / Rev. Cross VIL / LA : E / DEIn / BOVR; stop is double saltire; single long cross; five-pointed mullets an
  Coin Type: Stewart IV
  Coin, penny
  
• Dimensions: 14.50 x 15.00 mm D / Die Axis: 6.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Stewart IV
  Coin, penny
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: James III
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: James III silver penny, Edinburgh, 1482 - 1484
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
• Translations:
• Related Records: