Coin (obverse), halfpenny, from reign of David II

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This is the obverse of a silver halfpenny minted at Edinburgh between 1329 and 1333, possibly at Berwick, during the reign of David II. The coin was worth one halfpenny Scots. Unusually the king's name appears on both sides.

The obverse bears a crowned bust with a sceptre. The Latin inscription translates as: 'Money of King David'.

David II was the son of Robert I, 'The Bruce'. His reign saw two major coinage innovations: Scotland's first gold coin - the noble - and the introduction of silver groats and half-groats.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-052-001-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C1549
• Date: 1329 - 1333
  Between 1329 and 1333
  
• Material: Silver; slightly off-centre on reverse, uneven striking; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Cross MONETA : REGIS : D :; crowned head to left with sceptre / Rev. Cross AV / ID : S / COT / TOR; single long cross with a five-pointed mullet in 2nd and 4th quart
  Coin Type: 1st coinage, 1st issue
  Coin, halfpenny
  
• Dimensions: 14.50 mm D / Die Axis: 1.0
  
• What: Coin Type: 1st coinage, 1st issue
  Coin, halfpenny
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: David II
  Murdoch Collection
  
• Where: England, Northumberland, Berwick-upon-Tweed?
  
• Event:
• Description: David II silver halfpenny, Berwick?, 1329 - 1333?
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • RBKS MS list of Murdoch Sale, No 4 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
• Translations:
• Related Records: