Earliest Coin Minted in Scotland Saved for the Nation After 900 Years
A Remarkable Discovery
The earliest known coin minted in Scotland, nearly 900 years ago, has been secured for the nation following its discovery by a metal detectorist. This medieval silver coin, attributed to King David I, was unearthed in a wooded area near Penicuik, Midlothian, in 2023. Dating back to the second half of the 1130s, this remarkable find has been officially reported to Treasure Trove and allocated to National Museums Scotland (NMS) by the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel.
Significant Details of the Coin
– Valuation: The coin was appraised at £15,000, a reward subsequently paid to the finder by the King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer.
– Historical Context: King David I reigned from 1124 to 1153 and is renowned for introducing Scotland’s first coinage.
– Significance: While it was previously believed that all of David’s earliest coins were minted in Carlisle, this particular coin is groundbreaking as it represents the first example of such minting occurring outside of Carlisle—specifically in Edinburgh.
Insights from Experts
Alice Blackwell, senior curator of medieval archaeology and history at NMS, emphasizes the importance of this coin:
– New Information: This coin is really significant because it’s the first of that earliest type to actually have been minted outside of Carlisle. It showcases Scottish coinage being minted in a core part of the Scottish kingdom.
– Understanding Minting Practices: Historically, coins predating King David I could be Roman or Viking in origin. The discovery sheds light on Scotland’s minting processes during the medieval era, a period with scant documentation on coin production.
– Visual Features: The coin features a portrait of the monarch on one side and a distinctive cross-based design on the reverse, along with an inscription that verifies its minting location in Edinburgh.
Broader Implications
Dr. Blackwell notes that the rarity of these early Scottish coins makes this discovery all the more crucial:
– Research Potential: The coins themselves are the primary source for understanding minting practices. This is the first time we can observe early coin production in Edinburgh.
– Regional Minting: Following King David I’s reign, coins were minted in several other locations throughout Scotland, including Perth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Aberdeen, St Andrews, and Roxburgh. This practice laid the groundwork for the country’s economic development, which also included the establishment of royal burghs such as Perth, Dunfermline, and Stirling.
Conclusion
The acquisition of the earliest coin minted in Scotland is not merely an archaeological event; it represents a significant leap in understanding the country’s economic history. As more discoveries like this one come to light, experts can continue to deepen their knowledge of medieval Scotland’s coinage and its impactful role in shaping the nation. The hope remains that this historic coin will not only be preserved for research but eventually displayed for the public, allowing everyone to appreciate Scotland’s rich heritage.