David II (1329-1371), First coinage, First issue, Halfpenny, mm. cross pattée, bust left with sceptre, david : dei : gra : rex, ornate as, rev. +re x : sc oto rvm, mullet of five points in second and third quarters, 0.50g/7h (Holmes/Stewartby Dd; SCBI –; B 1, fig. 248, same dies; S 5082). Full and round, good very fine and extremely rare thus £1,200-£1,500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Scottish Coins, the Property of a Gentleman.

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bt J. Philpotts June 2020

Just as in England, a dearth of silver being brought to the mint meant that no pennies were struck for two decades from c. 1330. They were replaced by a coinage consisting of Halfpence and Farthings which are rare and sought after today. Their dating is uncertain, perhaps corresponding to the English issues of the 1330s, more likely after David’s return to Scotland in the early 1340s.