Alexander III Of Scotland Voided Long Cross Penny 1250-1280

Description

Denomination: Silver penny

Period: Reign of Alexander III

Date: 1250-1280 first coinage, type VII

Origin: Berwick mint

Condition: VF, good portrait but a little weak to one edge and section loss, rare right facing bust

Obverse: Crowned bust looking right with thick jewelled crown, holding sceptre, + ALEXANDER REX

Reverse: Voided long cross with six-pointed stars in each quarter, [IOH]AN ON B[ER]

Size and Weight: 17mm, 1.32g

References: Sear (CofSI) 5047

Features and Provenance: Alexander was born in Roxburgh in 1241 and became king of Scotland in 1249. His greatest achievement, was gaining the Isle of Man and the Western Isles for a monetary payment after years of argument and negotiation, and even an attack from Norway. This was something his father never achieved. It was agreed that Norway retained Orkney and Shetland….for the time being.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible