Lion or Hardhead (Francis & Mary)
Issuer
Mary, Queen of Scots
(Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow, Scotland, 1542 - 1587)
Date1559
Object NameLion
Mediumbillon
ClassificationsCoins
DimensionsMax.: Diameter: 15 mm, Thickness: 0.2 mm
Weight: Weight: 1.6 gm
Weight: Weight: 1.6 gm
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS007848
About MeMuch of the interest of Mary Queen of Scots' coinage derives from the way in which it reflects some of the principal events of her reign. This is true even of the miniscule lion or hardhead struck in billion (very debased silver). Hardheads bearing the letter M on the obverse date from the first part of the reign (1542 - 58) while those with a FM mongram are from the period of Mary's marriage (1558 - 60) to the Francis, Dauphin of France.A huge hoard of hardheads was unearthed in 1847 at Shoe Lane, close to Marischal College in the centre of Aberdeen.
