Penny of Alexander II in the name of William the Lion

The images of this Scottish hammered silver penny were sent in with a request for a full ID but the finder wished to remain anonymous. The coin was unearthed on the 12th of December and the request for information came in the day after.

During the early years of the reign of Alexander II (1214 to 1249) coins continued to be struck bearing the name of William the Lion, who died in 1214. The coin pictured here was struck circa 1230 and has on the obverse a right-facing head of the king with a sceptre in front and a legend reading +WILLELMVS REX. On the reverse the legend reads +PERIS ADAM ON RO. Therefore, the mint is Roxburgh, at which Peris and Adam were joint moneyers.

Pennies like this one are part of the final posthumous issue in the name of William the Lion. From circa 1235 onwards coins were struck in the name of Alexander II. The dies for the circa 1230 issue were more carefully cut than the late dies of William the Lion and the early ones of Alexander II.

This is a rare penny but its state of preservation makes it very rare indeed. The obverse has been struck slightly off centre but the coin is otherwise in close to VF condition, which is well above average for the type. Additionally, it has good eye appeal, which is an important aspect for collectors. The only minus point is the slight staining to the edge.

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