Penny (Second Coinage : David II)
Issuer
King David II
(Dunfermline Abbey, Dunfermline, Scotland, 1324 - 1371)
Date1357-1367
Object NamePenny
Mediumsilver
ClassificationsCoins
Dimensions1.8 x 0.1mm, 1.5gm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1984 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS007888
About MeThis silver penny was one of the last to be struck at the same value as its English equivalent. Since Aberdeen was probably the only Scottish mint operating outside Edinburgh in David II's reign it saw considerable activity. Groats, half-groats and pennies were all struck.On the reverse of the penny the mint name, discontinued during Alexander III's reign, is now reinstated.
In 1367 a decision was taken to coin 352 Scottish pence to the pound of silver instead of 300. Gradually over the centuries the gap between Scottish and English values widended so that in the 17th century Scottish money had only one twelfth of the value of English coins of the same type.
Aberdeen mint's increased workload proved to be only temporary; the striking of coins of lighter weight which resulted from the 1367 decision to devalue the coinage was the responsibility of Edinburgh mint only.
![Groat (Second Coinage [Type A1] : David II)](/internal/media/dispatcher/26045/thumbnail)
