½ Rider - James III (Issue of 1475-83, Type II) ND (1475-1483) front ½ Rider - James III (Issue of 1475-83, Type II) ND (1475-1483) back
½ Rider - James III (Issue of 1475-83, Type II) ND (1475-1483) photo
© The Heberden Coin Room, Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

½ Rider - James III Issue of 1475-83, Type II ND

 
Gold 2.54 g 18 mm
Description
Issuer
Scotland (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies)
King
James III (1460-1488)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1475-1483
Value
½ Rider (2.5)
Currency
Pound Scots (1136-1707)
Composition
Gold
Weight
2.54 g
Diameter
18 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-09
References
Numista
N#53499
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Equestrian depiction of James III wielding a sword facing left, fleur-de-lis under the king's sword arm.

Script: Latin (uncial)

Lettering: SALVVM : FAC : POPVLVM : TVVM : DOMINE

Lettering (regular font): SALVVM : FAC : POPVLVM : TVVM : DOMINE

Translation: O Lord, save Thy people

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the ½ Rider - James III (Issue of 1475-83, Type II) ND (1475-1483) coin from Scotland is that it features a unique design element - a small horseman, or "rider," on the reverse side of the coin. This design was added to the coin to indicate that it was issued during the reign of King James III, who was known for his love of horseback riding and hunting. The inclusion of the rider on the coin was a way to honor the king's passion and highlight his connection to the land and its people.