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Scottish Coins ~ John (1292-1296)
As noted in the page for Queen Margaret, at her death the political scene in Scotland became increasingly unsettled. There no longer was any direct heir available, and in the absence of a direct heir over a dozen claimants came forward. The Scottish nobles decided to defer to King Edward I of England in the decision of whom the best candidate for the throne would be. After nearly two years of testimony and investigation, Edward's Court found in favour of John Balliol. John Balliol was a distant cousin of Alexander II, and was arguably the closest candidate for the succession. Unfortunately in finding for John Balliol, Edward I also found a candidate with whom he could rule as an overlord. As this fact was beginning to unfold, John Balliol faced increasing agitation within his new Kingdom from other contestants for the throne whom were passed up in the selection. Most notable were John Comyn, and Robert Bruce. Edward I made increasingly difficult demands on John Balliol and Scotland, these culminated in 1295 when Edward inquired of Scotland's participation in his campaign in France. Instead of acceding to yet another difficult demand, John cast his lot with Edward I's foe, Phillip of France and sent his army against that of Edward at Selkirk in 1296. Shortly thereafter John surrendered and subsequently went into imprisonment in London. Meanwhile during this same campaign, Edward's forces seized the Stone of Scone and shipped it to London's Westminster Abbey. Essentially Edward attempted to incorporate Scotland into his realm. John Balliol was released from his captivity at the Tower of London in 1299 and was permitted to return to his lands in France where he died in 1313. The effect of Edward's having moved his forces into Scotland to initiate an occupation then incorporation resulted in the uprising that would see Scotland in rebellion against Edward's forces, largely under the leadership of William Wallace and Andrew Murray. Wallace initially acted on behalf of John Balliol, but John Balliol's removal from the political scene in Scotland left Wallace as Guardian of the Realm during the time until the battle of Falkirk in July 1298. This period of time in Scottish history is very loosely and not quite historically accurately portrayed in the Hollywood movie Braveheart. Despite the short tenure of this reign, there are two types of coinage released. The first issue was released shortly after John's accession to the throne in 1292-1293. This coinage was a continuation of the designs used during the reign of Alexander III. The dies for these coins seem to have been executed hastily as they were somewhat cruder in style than the later issues of Alexander III's. The only denominations coined were pennies and halfpennies, the pennies are quite scarce, but obtainable. The halfpennies are considerably rarer, including two types which are unique. They were probably minted at Berwick, though no mint name is noted on the coins, and at St Andrews, which was noted on the coins. The above coin was from the rough surface issue first issued ca. 1292-1293 and has the mint name CIVITAS SANDRE. Towards the later half of this reign a newer coinage which was of better design and style was issued. This coinage largely followed the pattern of the earlier coinage in denominations only being penny and halfpenny and the mints. This coinage is slightly scarcer in pennies, and considerably more so in halfpennies. |
Page last updated on 5th August 2011 Года All pages and images copyright © David Parrish 1999 - 2011 Года
