Coin (obverse), quarter-bawbee, from reign of James V

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This is the obverse of a billon quarter-bawbee minted at Edinburgh between 1539 and 1542, during the reign of James V. The coin was worth one and a half pence Scots. It is the only example of this coin known to exist.

The obverse design is unclear but may comprise three thistle-heads arranged radially. The Latin inscription translates as: 'James, by the Grace of God, King of Scots'.

The name 'bawbee' is derived from 'Sillebawby' - Alexander Orrok of Sillebawby was Master of the Mint when these coins were struck.

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• Online ID: 000-100-060-550-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C10108
• Date: 1539 - 1542
  Between 1539 and 1542
  
• Material: Billon; some flattening, especially on obverse; fairly worn. Inscription: Obv. Crown [I] ACOBVS.D.G.R.SCOTORV; pellet above final V; ? 3 thistle-heads arranged radially / Rev. Lis OPPID [V] M.EDINBVRGI; saltire through crown
  Coin Type: Stevenson JQ
  Coin, quarter-bawbee
  
• Dimensions: 16.00 x 15.00 mm D / Die Axis: 7.5
  
• What: Coin Type: Stevenson JQ
  Coin, quarter-bawbee
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Bearman Collection
  Berry Collection
  James V
  Lockett Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: James V billon quarter-bawbee, Edinburgh, 1539 - 1542
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
• Translations:
• Related Records: