½ Bawbee - Mary I (1st Period) ND (1543-1554) front ½ Bawbee - Mary I (1st Period) ND (1543-1554) back
½ Bawbee - Mary I (1st Period) ND (1543-1554) photo
© Dix Noonan Webb

½ Bawbee - Mary I 1st Period ND

 
Billon (.250 silver) 0.96 g 17 mm
Description
Issuer
Scotland (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies)
Queen
Mary I (1542-1567)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1543-1554
Value
½ Bawbee (1⁄80)
Currency
Pound Scots (1136-1707)
Composition
Billon (.250 silver)
Weight
0.96 g
Diameter
17 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-08
References
Numista
N#301306
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Crown impaled upon a saltire. Cinquefoil below the saltire.

Script: Latin

Lettering: OPPIDVM · EDINBVRGI

Translation: Town of Edinburgh

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the ½ Bawbee coin from Scotland is that it was issued during the reign of Mary I, also known as Mary, Queen of Scots, who ruled Scotland from 1543 to 1554. This coin was part of a new currency system introduced during her reign, which aimed to replace the old system of pounds, shillings, and pence with a new system based on the bawbee, which was equal to sixpence. The coin was made of billon, a mixture of silver and copper, and weighed 0.96 grams. Despite its small size, the ½ Bawbee coin played an important role in the economy of Scotland during Mary's reign.