Gold Lion (Heavy Coinage, First Issue : Robert III)
Issuer
King Robert III
(Scotland, c.1337 - 1406)
Date1390 - c. 1403
Object NameLion
Mediumgold
ClassificationsCoins
Dimensions27 x 0.4mm, 3.9gm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1988.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS015998
About MeAlthough David II had struck a limited number of gold coins, it was not until Robert III's reign that gold regularly circulated in Scotland. The lion or fifteen-shilling piece takes its name from the lion rampant depicted on the obverse of the coin. It is a French inspired design.The act of the Scottish Parliament which authorised the new gold coins stated that they were to be made 'de bono auro', i.e. from fine but not pure gold which would have been too soft a metal for a circulating coinage.
On its reverse Robert III's gold lion bears a Latin inscription which translates as 'Christ reigns, Christ conquers, Christ commands'. Like the obverse design this is also derived from the contemporary French coinage but the depiction of the crucified St Andrew gives the reverse of the lion a definite Scottish theme.
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