Coin (obverse), groat, from reign of James III

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This is the obverse of a base silver groat minted at Edinburgh between 1470 and 1488, during the reign of James III. The coin was worth six pence Scots.

The obverse bears a crowned three-quarter facing bust in an eight-arc tressure. The likeness seems to be a real attempt at portraiture but is not accurate. 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: 000-100-060-628-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C10186
• Date: 1470 - 1488
  Between 1470 and 1488
  
• Material: Silver; slight flattening; fairly worn. Inscription: Obv. Cross IACOBVS:DEI:GRA:REX:SCOTORV; stops are double saltires; crowned bust three-quarters right in 8-arc tressure / Rev. Cross VIL / LA:ED / InBV / RGh.; stops are double and single saltire; florea
  Coin Type: Stewart II
  Coin, groat
  
• Dimensions: 25.50 x 24.00 mm D / Die Axis: 3.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Stewart II
  Coin, groat
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: James III
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: James III silver groat, Edinburgh, 1470 - 1488
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
• Translations:
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