Description
The Scotland Alexander III Silver Penny is a medieval Scottish coin minted during the reign of Alexander III, who ruled from 1249 to 1286. These coins are significant both historically and numismatically, representing a period of relative peace and economic stability in Scotland before the Wars of Scottish Independence.
🔹 Overview of the Coin:
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Monarch: Alexander III of Scotland
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Reign: 1249–1286
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Metal: Silver
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Denomination: Penny
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Weight: ~1.3 to 1.4 grams
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Diameter: ~18–20 mm
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Standard: Sterling standard (92.5% silver)
🔹 Obverse (Front):
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Design: Bust of Alexander III facing left or right (varies by type)
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Legend: Typically reads some variant of “ALEXANDER REX” (Alexander the King)
🔹 Reverse (Back):
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Design: Long cross with pellets in each quarter
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Legend: Name of the moneyer and the mint (e.g., “RICARD ON EDEN” – Richard of Edinburgh)
🔹 Mints Used:
Common mints include:
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Edinburgh
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Perth
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Roxburgh
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Berwick-upon-Tweed
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Stirling
🔹 Historical Context:
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Alexander III’s reign was seen as a golden age of medieval Scotland.
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Coinage followed the English model (especially under Henry III and Edward I), with high-quality silver coins.
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After his death in 1286, a succession crisis eventually led to English intervention and the First War of Scottish Independence.
