Bawbee (Mary Queen of Scots)
Issuer
Mary, Queen of Scots
(Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow, Scotland, 1542 - 1587)
Date1542 - 1558
Object NameBawbee
Mediumbillon
ClassificationsCoins
DimensionsMax.: Diameter: 23 mm, Thickness: 0.3 mm
Weight: Weight: 2.2 gm
Weight: Weight: 2.2 gm
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS007837
About MeThe humble bawbee, a billion (debased silver) coin of six pence value in Scots money was introduced in the first part of Mary Queen of Scots' reign before her first marriage.The bawbee is of interest mainly because of its peculiar name which is thought to be derived from the Laird of Silliebwbee, Alexander Orrock, who was master of the Scottish mint in Edinburgh. In modern times the name was applied in Scotland to the British halfpenny until decimalisation of the currency in 1971.
