Alexander III penny

Glyn Peak said he hadn’t been getting out much lately due to Covid 19. It’s rough not being able to get out and about but, let’s face it, keeping safe is the main thing during these trying times. Glyn did at least manage to have one outing and the coin pictured here was his best find.

I’ve featured a few coins of Alexander III of Scotland on the website and here’s another one. It is an example of Alexander’s voided long cross and stars type, which commenced in 1250 and ended circa 1280. The reverse copied the design that first appeared on English pennies in 1247. However, the representation of the king’s head on the obverse was more realistic on Scottish coins than on those that circulated in England.

On the obverse of Glyn’s penny is an uncrowned head facing right with a sceptre in front, so the coin is an example of class II. The catalogue price is similar to some latter pennies but class II is actually quite rare. On the reverse the legend reads IO NO NA BE. Therefore, Ion is the moneyer and Aberdeen is the mint.

Valuation

The reign, class, mint and moneyer combination is rare. The most important factor, though, in relation to its value, is the condition of this coin. It is well struck and would grade good VF for the issue. Additionally, it is attractive with good eye appeal and would be of great interest to collectors of Scottish hammered silver coins.

All in all, this is one of the best pennies of its type I have seen as a detecting find. If properly catalogued by a good auctioneer it should fetch at least £400 and with competition between prospective buyers it might sell for a good deal more.

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