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Scottish Coins ~ Robert II (1371-1390)Despite David II's two marriages, neither of his wives ever gave birth to an heir. However at his death the line of primogeniture had been more clearly defined and a clear candidate was available, Robert Stewart, whom was David's older nephew. Robert Stewart was the son of Marjorie Bruce (daughter of Robert I) and Walter, the sixth High Steward of Scotland. At his birth he was recognised as the probable direct heir of Robert I, however the birth of Robert I's son, David in 1324 changed this. Robert II was the first of an over three hundred year line of Stewart monarchs and Robert II's resume at his accession was more promising than other kings when they inherited the throne. He had in fact, ruled Scotland during David's exile in France in the 1330's- until 1341 and then again after David II's captivity in England from 1346 - 1357. During these times there were some in Scotland whom regarded him as more fit for the kingship than his uncle. The result of this was much discord betwixt uncle and nephew. In his personal life, Robert II married twice, the first time apparently to a cousin of his, this marriage ended with her death. His second marriage was regarded as more legitimate in the eyes of his contemporaries, as this was to Euphemia, the daughter of the Earl of Ross. The result of these two marriages were fourteen children, so the lines of succession were tested as many believed the first marriage was not valid because of their familial relationship. This reign saw something of a dark era in Scottish history, the after effects of the Black Death were beginning to be seriously affecting the population, church, and the economy of Scotland. Revenues from taxation shrunk, and subsequently the government became much less effective than in years past. In approximately 1384 Robert II began to yield some of the responsibilities of governing Scotland to his son, John, whom would later become Robert III on his accession to the throne. The 1380's brought skirmishes with the contestants for the English throne, including a raid by Richard III in 1385. Numismatically this reign differed only very slightly from that of David II. All of the coins from this reign are quite similar, in fact, they differ only slightly with the placement of Robert II's name instead of David II. The portraiture remained quite similar with only insignificant changes. Only silver groats, halfgroats, pennies, and halfpennies were coined. The only appreciable difference for collectors is the somewhat greater variety of mints available. Coins were minted in Edinburgh, Perth and Dundee. The Edinburgh coins are reasonably common, especially in lower grades, and are within a reasonable price range for collectors. The coinages of the Perth and Dundee mints are somewhat scarcer, however they are still collectably priced. The groats are probably the most common coin of this reign, the halfpenny probably the scarcest. There are rare and significantly valuable varieties of the penny extent. Denominations used during this reign(all in silver):Groat or 4dHalfgroat or 2dPenny or 1dHalfpenny or 1/2d |
Page last updated on 5th August 2011 Года All pages and images copyright © David Parrish 1999 - 2011 Года