Record

Charm (reverse), sixpence from reign of George II

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from Banffshire

Postcard of Charm (reverse), sixpence from reign of George II.
000-190-002-288-C
© National Museums Scotland

Charm (reverse), sixpence from reign of George II

This silver sixpence from the reign of George II (1727-60) was placed in the pail when milking as a charm against witchcraft. It comes from Banffshire. This photograph shows the reverse.

The reverse has a cross of four crowned shields of arms with a garter star in the centre.

If cows ceased to give milk, this might be attributed to witchcraft or the 'evil eye'. The charm might be used to prevent the milk being 'taken away' by witchcraft. Potency or virtue was ascribed to silver.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-190-002-288-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NO 47
Date: 18th or 19th century
Material: Silver
Dimensions: 20 mm D
What: Charm / coin
Subject: Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification)
Who:
Where: Scotland, Banffshire
Event:
Description: Silver sixpence of George II put into the pail as a charm when milking to preserve the milk from witchcraft, from Banffshire
References:
  • Black, G.F. 'Scottish charms and amulets', Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 27 (1892-3), p 518 (including list of sources) 
Translations:
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