Cut Halfpenny
IssuerIssued by
King David I
(Scotland, c.1084 - 1153)
Datec. 1150
Object NameHalfpenny
Mediumsilver
ClassificationsCoins
DimensionsMax: Diameter: 18 mm
Weight: Weight: 0.38 gm
Weight: Weight: 0.38 gm
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS030908
About MeIn the 12th century when the silver penny was the sole coin being minted in Scotland and England the only means of giving change was by cutting a penny in half using the cross on the reverse as a guide. If necessary the coin could be cut again at right angles to the first cut to produce farthings, i.e. 'fourthings'.Scottish cut halfpennies are particularly rare but this example was found in Aberdeen in 1974 during excavations inside St Nicholas Church in the city centre. It is probably from the reign of David I (1124-1153) and is thus among the very earliest of such coins in existence.
![Groat (Second Coinage [Type A1] : David II)](/internal/media/dispatcher/26045/thumbnail)
