Charm (obverse), sixpence from reign of George II

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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 obverse.

The obverse has a bust of George II and a Latin inscription which translates as 'George II, by the grace of God'.

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: 000-100-002-733-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NO 47
• Date: 18th or 19th century
  
• Material: Silver
  Charm / coin
  
• 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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