Crux Pellit coin

During the later medieval period in England all the coins were made of gold or silver. In Scotland the situation was different for some copper coins went into general circulation, albeit only occasionally.

Pictured here is a Scottish copper coin, which came in from Michael Gallon. It is what is now known as a Crux Pellit coin, which at one time was attributed to James Kennedy – Bishop of St. Andrews from 1440 to 1465. However, exactly who was responsible for their issue is as yet uncertain.

These coins were struck during the reign of James III (1460-88) and a number of varieties are known. The specimen illustrated here is likely to be type IIa. In Coins of Scotland, Ireland and the Islands it is listed as number 5309.

It might seem strange but over the years I have heard of three Crux Pellit coins being found in Yorkshire. Quite how three Scottish copper coins struck during the 15th century ended up so far south is impossible to determine.

Valuation

On the obverse the legend is mostly flat but the reverse is much better and all the main detail can be seen. The state of preservation does leave something to be desired but this is quite a rare coin and even in its present condition it shouldn’t be worth any less than £50.

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