Coin (obverse), noble, from reign of David II

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This is the obverse of a gold noble minted at Edinburgh between 1357 and 1367, during the reign of David II. The noble, worth six shillings and eight pence Scots, was the first gold coin ever minted.

The obverse bears a king standing holding a sword and shield, on a ship which is ornamented with five lions. The Latin inscription translates as: 'David, by the Grace of God, Kings of Scots'.

The introduction of the noble was not a success and gold coins did not appear again until the reign of Robert III.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-067-313-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C16881
• Date: 1357 - 1367
  Between 1357 and 1367
  
• Material: Gold; small chip at 7.5 (obverse); slight double-striking on obverse; slight wear. Inscription: Obv. Cross DAVID : DEI : GRA : REX : SCOTORVm; double saltire stops; king standing facing in ship, holding sword and shield; ship ornamented with five lions /
  Coin Type: 2nd coinage
  Coin, noble
  
• Dimensions: 33.50 x 33.00 mm D / Die Axis: 9.5
  
• What: Coin Type: 2nd coinage
  Coin, noble
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Coats Collection
  David II
  
• Where: Scotland
  Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: Gold noble of David II, minted at Edinburgh, 1357 - 1367
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
• Translations:
• Related Records: