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1 Groat - James III Light Issue of c.1467
| Issuer | Kingdom of Scotland |
|---|---|
| Year | 1467 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin (uncial) |
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| Reverse description | Long voided cross pattée dividing the field into four quarters, each quarter containing a beaded inner circle within which appear three pellets arranged in a triangular formation. The quadrants between the arms of the cross are decorated with fleurs-de-lis and star ornaments typical of Scottish late medieval groat design. A beaded border frames the entire design, with the circumferential Latin legend DNS P:TECTOR MS : & : LBATOR : VILLA : BERWICHI identifying Berwick as the mint and invoking divine protection. |
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| Additional information |
The "Light Issue" designation reflects a deliberate debasement decision by James III's administration around 1467, reducing the groat's weight from the earlier heavy standard to cut costs against a backdrop of chronic fiscal pressure and currency manipulation that plagued the Scottish crown throughout the fifteenth century. Scotland repeatedly adjusted coin weights in response to the flight of heavier coins across the border into England, where they could be exploited for their bullion value.
Spink 5266 is among the scarcer Edinburgh products of James III's reign, and examples in any collectible grade surface infrequently at auction.