328 
“ Mr. Lindsay observes, that there are ‘many mint and 
privy marks (probably the notable signs directed by the Act 
of 1365), particularly on the larger coms’ of David IL; and 
that the coins of Robert II. ‘resemble in type those of his 
predecessor, but exhibit fewer privy marks or ornaments, the 
only remarkable one being the letter B behind the king’s head 
on several of the groats’ (View of the Coinage of Scotland, 
p- 20 and 22). 
‘“‘ The signification of this letter B has given rise to much 
discussion, but Mr. Lindsay, with much probability, conjec- 
tures that it is the initial of Bonachius of Florence, who was 
moneyer of Robert III. in 1393. 
‘‘Five of those spurious coins exhibit the ‘ notable sign’ 
or privy mark, as it is usually called. ‘The groat of David, 
No. 3, has a small p along with the pellets, in the quarter of the 
reverse corresponding with the letters vitt. Two of Rubert’s 
groats, Nos. 4 and 5, have a cross behind the king’s crown. 
No. 6 has a large B in the same situation ; and No. 7 has the 
small B (the only mark noticed by Mr. Lindsay), which also 
occurs on the Perth half-groat, No. 13, which is a genuine 
coin, very nearly of the standard weight. 
‘«¢ The existence on the coins of Robert of two privy marks 
(the cross and large B), which have not been observed on his 
genuine groats, is remarkable. ‘That similar marks were used 
by the authorized moneyers, and that the originals will be dis- 
covered, may be assumed, for it is not to be supposed that 
forgers who so closely imitated the types and varieties of the 
regal coins would venture to adopt marks which were in- 
tended to distinguish the coinage of 1365 from all other 
money already struck, or, in the words of the Act: ‘ And 
ane notable sign sal be upon it, quhereby it may be evidently 
knawen fra all other money alreadie striken’ (Cardonnel, 
Numismata Scotiz, Appendix, No. V.) 
“It now only remains to attempt to fix, with as much 
