329 



precision as possible, the period at which these coins were 

 fabricated. 



"In 1365 the coinage of Scotland was equivalent, in 

 weight and fineness, to the current money of England, at which 

 time the weight of the English groat was seventy-two grains. 

 In 1367 the weight of the Scotch groat was reduced to about 

 sixty-one and a half grains, and no further change took place 

 from that time to 1385, when money was ordered to be made 

 of the same standard as in 1367. 



" The coin of Scotland and other countries was forbidden 

 in 1367 to be current in England, so much light money had 

 been brought into the kingdom ; and in 1373 it was ordained 

 that four pence Scotch should pass for no more than three 

 pence in England; and similar ordinances were made in 1381 

 and 1387. 



" From the evidence of these Acts, and the coins them- 

 selves, it appears that the weight of the money of Scotland had 

 been much reduced during the reign of Robert II. That 

 these coins were fabricated subsequent to the year 1371 there 

 can be no doubt, and if Mr. Lindsay's conjecture as to the 

 signification of the letter b, used as a privy mark, be admitted, 

 it is probable they were made towards the close of the reign 

 of Robert, who died in 1390 ; only three years before we 

 find mention of Bonachius (monetarium nostrum) who possibly 

 may have been employed some years previously in the royal 

 mint." 



List of Fourteen Scotch Coins (chiefly forgeries), which were discovered 

 in April, 1852, near Pettigoe, in the County of Fermanagh, on the 

 property of Mr. Barton. 



David II, 1329-1371. 



1. Groat. Edinburgh, weight 47 grains. Genuine. 



2. ,, ,, 57 „ ,, 



3. „ ,, 35 ,, False. 



d in the quarter of the reverse, corresponding with the letters 



VILL. 



