Coin (obverse), farthing, from reign of Alexander III

Add to album

This is the obverse of a silver farthing minted between 1280 and 1286, possibly at Berwick, during the reign of Alexander III. The coin was worth a quarter of a penny Scots.

The obverse bears a crowned head with a sceptre. The Latin inscription translates as: 'King Alexander'.

Alexander III's reign produced the most extensive of all medieval issues in Scotland. At the start of his reign, 16 mints were in operation around Scotland. His later coinage included round halfpennies and farthings for the first time.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-082-570-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.1995.2
• Date: 1280 - c. 1286
  Between 1280 and 1286
  
• Material: Silver; reverse very slightly off-centre; very slight wear. Inscription: Obv. Cross ALEXANDER REX; crowned bust to left with sceptre / Rev. SC / OT / OR / VM; single long cross; 6-pointed mullet in each angle
  Coin Type: 2nd coinage
  Coin, farthing
  
• Dimensions: 12.00 mm D / Die Axis: 11.0
  
• What: Coin Type: 2nd coinage
  Coin, farthing
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Alexander III
  
• Where: Berwick ?
  Scotland
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver farthing of Alexander III, ? Berwick, 1280 - c. 1286
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
• Translations:
• Related Records: