Coin (reverse), plack, from reign of James VI

This is the reverse of a billon plack found at Urquhart Castle in Inverness-shire. The coin was minted between 1583 and 1590, during the reign of James VI.

The reverse has a crowned thistle. The inscription reads 'OPPIDVM.EDINBVRGI'.

By the end of the 14th century, Urquhart Castle was designated a royal castle and throughout the following century, that royal authority was repeatedly challenged by the MacDonald Lords of the Isles. James IV eventually granted the lordship to John Grant of Freuchie in 1509 but the Castle continued to be raided by the MacDonalds. It suffered damage during the 17th century at the hands of Covenanters and Jacobites and was eventually partially blown up in 1691, whilst being evacuated by government troops. It fell into decay and retained its 17th century tower which still commands an extensive view of Loch Ness.

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