Coin (reverse), half-groat, from reign of James III

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This is the reverse of a silver half-groat of James III minted at Edinburgh between 1484 and 1489. The coin was worth seven pence Scots.

The reverse has a single long cross with a crown in the 1st and 3rd angles and three pellets in the 2nd and 4th. The Latin inscription translates as: 'God is my Defender and my Redeemer. Town of Edinburgh'.

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: 000-190-000-534-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C2604
• Date: 1484 - 1489
  Between 1484 and 1489
  
• Material: Silver; edge ragged to left of portrait; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Cross IACOBVS . DIE . GRACIA . REX; stops are annulets; crowned bust three-quarters left, within beaded inner circle / Rev. Cross DInS / PROT / ETORm / ETERA : Cross VIL / LAE / DIn
  Coin Type: Stewart VI
  Coin, half groat
  
• Dimensions: 19.50 x 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 3.5
  
• What: Coin Type: Stewart VI
  Coin, half groat
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: James III
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: James III silver half-groat, Edinburgh, 1484 - 1489
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
• Translations:
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