Coin (Obverse), penny, from reign of James III

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This is the obverse of a billon penny minted at Edinburgh between 1470 and 1485, during the reign of James III. The coin was worth one penny Scots.

The obverse bears a crowned bust. The Latin inscription translates as: 'James, by the Grace of God'.

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: 000-190-000-538-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C2674
• Date: 1470 - 1485
  Between 1470 and 1485
  
• Material: Billon; squarish flan, flan cracks at 3.0 and 9.5 (obverse); some flattening, moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Cross IACOBVS : DEI [:] GRA : REX : S; stops are double saltires; crowned bust facing / Rev. Cross VIL / LAE / DIn / BVR; floreate cross fourche
  Coin Type: Class B
  Coin, penny
  
• Dimensions: 14.50 x 16.00 mm D / Die Axis: 1.5
  
• What: Coin Type: Class B
  Coin, penny
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: James III
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: James III billon penny, Edinburgh, 1470 - 1485
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
• Translations:
• Related Records: