Halfpenny of Robert II of Scotland

Ray Goff asked for a valuation on this hammered silver coin, which measures only 15mm in diameter but is shown greatly enlarged. Instead of being a recent find, Ray said it was found several years ago in Cambridgeshire.

Ray’s find is a halfpenny of Robert II of Scotland, whose dates are 1371 to 1390. On the obverse, facing left, is the head and shoulders of the king with a sceptre in front. The design of the reverse is similar to English halfpennies but it has mullets of five points in each angle instead of pellets. The mint is Edinburgh and halfpennies of this type are listed in Coins f Scotland, Ireland and the Islands as number 5152.

I’ve never heard of a halfpenny of Robert II being found in Scotland. This is strange as I have heard of several (two dozen or more) that have been unearthed in England. It is as if the issue was very large but most of these halfpennies were exported to England instead of circulating widely in Scotland.

Valuation

The legend is weak in places on the obverse but this side is otherwise in near VF condition. The reverse is not as good and is double struck. In its present state of preservation a likely pre-sale auction estimate would be £80-100.

Valuation Service

If you would like your coin identified or valued, please read about my valuation service and contact me