Scotland’s Own Coinage
Jesper Ericsson introduces a new exhibition at The Hunterian in Glasgow
Jesper Ericsson
David I penny;
Mary Queen of Scots 30-Shilling piece;
David II noble
Issuing coinage is an important symbol of a nation’s independence, status and power. Scotland struck its own coins for almost six centuries before the Act of Union with England created a British coinage in 1707. Scotland’s Own Coinage explores this unique story, with remarkable examples of coins which have never been on public display before.
The Romans spread their coinage across the Empire from North Africa to the Antonine Wall. Soldiers used these coins, but Scots themselves bartered in everyday life. Archaeological evidence indicates that Anglo-Saxon, Viking and English coins also circulated before the establishment of a Scottish coinage in the 12th century.