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Coinage Used in Scotland Prior to Uniquely Scottish Coinage
Probably the earliest coins to circulate in Scotland were Roman coins that no doubt were obtained from trade with the westernmost outpost of the Roman empire, England. These coins, such as this Æ 3/4 of Constantine II (337-342) of Rome are occasionally found in the south of Scotland. The first Scottish coins are believed to be those issued by King David I(1124-1153), previous to this time very few coins ever found their way into Scotland, though some Roman era and Northumbrian sceats are very occasionally found. The first issue of coins was ca. 1136, and was likely connected to the Scottish capture of Carlisle and it's mines. Even after the introduction of a native coinage, barter continued to the basis for the economy for many years.
As the Roman Empire retreated from the British Isles in 410 AD, many new kingdoms sprouted up to the south of Scotland. One of these, Northumbria, soon expanded into the north as far as Strathclyde. Thus it controlled the southern parts of what is now Scotland, and the bronze Sceat coins of the Northumbrian Kings circulated freely in what is now Scotland. This coin was issued by the Archbishop of York, Wigmund, from about 837-854 AD. The moneyers name, Edilveard surrounds the cross on the reverse of the coin.
The above coin is a Sceat issued by King Aethelred II of Northumbria, ca 854-858 AD. On this coin, the monarchs name and title "Aethelred Rex" are on the obverse surrounding a small cross. On the reverse the moneyer's name Eanred surrounds a small circle with a dot in the centre.
The unifying of the southern British kingdoms by Alfred (871-899) brought about the birth of the English Kingdom. An invasion by the Normans led by William I "The Conqueror" in 1066 brought new rule to the English, and of course a new coinage, which very occasionally found it's way through trade to Scotland. This is an example of a "PAXS" penny which was issued later in his reign. This particular coin was minted in Canterbury, England, and has the legend "Winedi on Cntl" on the reverse, signifying that it was minted by Winedi in Canterbury. When coins were available in Scotland, English coins were the predominate coinage prior advent of a native Scottish coinage during the reign of David I (1124-1153) |
Page last updated on 5th August 2011 Года All pages and images copyright © David Parrish 1999 - 2011 Года
