Key

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This iron key is from the Old Scottish Mint in South Gray's Close in Edinburgh. It dates from the 17th century.

The elaborate pattern of the wards on the key indicate a complex lock, befitting a building where security was a high priority.

In the late 16th century, coins started to be struck in Edinburgh's Cowgate and a complex of mint buildings grew up at the foot of South Gray's Close. The Scottish mint remained there until the last Scottish coins were struck in 1709.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-492-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MJ 49
• Date: 17th century
  
• Material:
• Dimensions: 117 mm L x 56 mm W x 9 mm D
  
• What:
• Subject: Locks, keys, etc. (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh (South Gray's Close, Old Scotti
  
• Event:
• Description: Key of the Old Scottish Mint, South Gray's Close, Edinburgh
  
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