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Scottish Coins ~ James II (1437-1460)James II ascended the throne and the tender age of six years old. He had been born on 16 October 1430, and actually was one of twins, however his brother, Alexander, died in childbirth. It has been suggested that there must have been complications with their births all the way around as James II bore a significant birth mark on his face, and this resulted in his being referred to as James, the fiery face. After a twelve year regency with much intrique, James II assumed majority in his role as monarch and nearly immediately ran afoul of the powerful Douglas family. During the Wars of the Roses in England James II supported the Lancastrian side of the conflict, the result in Scotland was a furtherance of the internal struggle with the Douglas family, which supported the Yorkists in England. The Douglases were subsequently defeated at the battle of St. Albans in 1455. Significantly, this reign saw the foundation of Glasgow University in 1451. James II died when a cannon he fired in honour of his wife's arrival at the Siege of Roxburgh exploded when it was fired. This reign has coinages which are divided into two categories, the first or heavy coinage issued prior to 1451, and the second or light coinage issued from 1451-1460. Denominations used during this reign:Heavy Coinage 1437-1451GoldDemy or 9/- or 108 PenceSilverGroat or 6dBillonPenny or 1d, extremely rare.Light Coinage 1451-1460GoldLion or 10/- or 120 PenceHalf lion or 5/- or 60 PenceSilverGroat or 12dHalf groat or 6dBillonPenny or 1d, very rare. |
Page last updated on 5th August 2011 Года All pages and images copyright © David Parrish 1999 - 2011 Года