Coin (obverse), Groat, from reign of James III

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This is the obverse of a silver groat from the reign of James III, worth 14 pence Scots. The groat dates from around 1485.

The obverse has a three-quarter view of James' head, upon which is an arched crown. The Latin inscription reads: 'James, By the Grace of God, King of Scots'.

As this groat is the first Scottish coin to bear a true portrait of a monarch, James III is the first Scottish king whose features are reliably known to us.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-054-695-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C4244
• Date: 1484 - 1489
  Around 1485
  
• Material: Silver; reverse slightly off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Cross IACOBVS : DEI : GRACIA : REX : SCOTORV'; stops are double five-pointed stars; crowned bust three-quarters left, within beaded inner circle / Rev. Cross DnSPR / OTCTOR / mETLIR / E
  Coin Type: Stewart VI a
  Coin, groat
  
• Dimensions: 25.50 mm D / Die Axis: 2.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Stewart VI a
  Coin, groat
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: James III
  Pollexfen Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: James III silver groat, Edinburgh, 1484 - 1489
  
• References:
  • Marshall, Rosalind K. (ed). Dynasty: The Royal House of Stewart. Edinburgh: NGS & NMS, 1990 
  • Stewart, I.H. The Scottish Coinage. 2nd edition. London: Spink & Son,1967 
• Translations:
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