Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013 http://archive.org/details/recordsofcoinage01coch I RECORDS OF THF. COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. RECORDS OF THE Coinage of Scotland FROM THE EARLIEST PERIOD TO THE UNION COLLECTED BY R. W. COCHRAN-PATRICK of Woodsi£>$: LL.B. CANTAB., B. A. EDIN., F. S. A. SCOT., MEMBER OF THE NUM. SOC. OF LOND., ETC. ETC. ETC. VOL. I. EDINBURGH: EDMONSTON AND DOUGLAS MDCCCLXXVL DEDICATED BY SPECIAL PERMISSION TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN PREFACE. The object of the present work is to bring together the documentary evidence relating to the Coinage of Scotland. Upwards of seven hundred and seventy records and papers are given, of which more than five hundred and fifty have never been printed before. They have been selected from the Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, the Records of the Privy Council, the Acts of the Lords of Council, the Exchequer Rolls, the Accounts of the Lord Treasurer, the Registers, Warrants, and Accounts of the Cunyie House preserved in the General Register House, Edinburgh, and the Miscellaneous MSS. and Papers bearing on the History of the Scottish Mint deposited in the Public Record Office, London, the Libraries of the British Museum, the Faculty of Advocates and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, the Collections of MSS. at Oxford, and several private libraries and charter rooms. The papers are printed without abridgment. When contractions are used the words have been given in full ; proper names have been printed with capitals, and punctuation has occasionally been added in some of the earlier records where the sense was obscure. With these exceptions the documents are printed exactly as they are found in the original MSS. The Acts of Parliament are taken from the Record Edition, and I am indebted (among many other acts of kindness in connection with this work) to the late Professor Cosmo Innes for giving me access to the Index and to the additional volumes of the Acts, which have not yet been published. The other documents, of which the originals exist in Scotland, either vi PEEFACE. in public or private collections of MSS., are printed from copies made with his usual care and accuracy by Mr Walter Macleod, and the proofs again collated with, and corrected from the originals. The papers, of which the MSS. are not in Scotland, are printed from copies supplied by the official custodiers of the documents, to whom I take this opportunity of returning my thanks for their great trouble and unvarying attention to the demands made on them for information. ^ While giving much curious information on questions affecting early trade and commerce, these records will be found to furnish data which will enable numismatists to make several important changes in the appropriations of the Scottish Coins. The entry in the Chronicle of Melrose (Introd. p. cvii.), shows conclusively that the change of type in the early Sterlings, from the short to the long double cross, had taken place and was a matter considered worthy of notice by the Monkish chronicler two years before the death of Alexander II. The appropriation of the St Andrew (PI. III. fig. 10) to James I. has already been doubted, for numismatic reasons, by two such excellent judges* as the Eev. Mr Pollexfen and Mr E. Burns, F.S.A. Scot, (to both of whom I have been much indebted during the progress of this work), and their doubt is fully confirmed by the records. It is probable that the small copper coins usually assigned to James IV. (PI. III. fig. 23) were first struck under the authority of the Act of 1466. The undated Coinages of Mary and James VI. are now arranged in their proper chronological sequence. The Coinage of 1581 (PI. VIII. figs. 10, 11, 12, 13), is shown to have no connection with the Thistle Dollar set (PI. VIII. figs. 7, 8). The Coins issued between 1605 and 1610 (PI. X. figs. 16, 17, 18, PI. XL figs. 1, 2, 3), are for the first time restored to the Scottish series. The Farthing Tokens (PI. XII. fig. 16) were issued in the reign of Charles I. The early issue of Half Merk, Forty and Twenty Penny Pieces (PI. XII. figs. 17, 18, 19), is distinguished from the later Coinage (PL XIII. figs. 12, 13, 14) of the same value. The Three Shilling and Two * Numis. Chron. N.S., vol. xv. p. 160. PEEFACE. vii Shilling Pieces (PI. XIII. figs. 15, 16) are now shown to be a separate coinage. The Turners (PI. XIII. fig. 17.) were minted in the reign of Charles I. The supposed Half Testoon of Mary (Lindsay, PI. VIII. fig. 180), the Jetton of 1553 with the monogram (Lindsay, PI. VIII. fig. 181), the Jetton with M (Lindsay, PI. VIII. fig. 182), and the supposed Bawbee of Mary (Cardonnel, Billon PI. I. fig. 19), were never intended for currency. The supposed Quarter Testoon of 1558-59 (Lindsay, PI. VIII. fig. 189) was not issued in standard Silver. It is now certain that the sixteenth of the Thistle Merk (Lindsay, p. 59, 1st Supp. p. 5), was never minted. Many of the rare gold pieces figured by Lindsay were pattern pieces, and were never in common circulation. Much new information regarding the standard legal weights and values of the various coins will be found in the Records. While every endeavour has been made to search all sources where it was likely that original documents relative to the Scottish Coinage might be found not only in Great Britain but in most of the public libraries and in several private collections in Northern Europe, it is possible that documents may yet be discovered which will throw light on some points that are still obscure. I shall always be glad to have any such brought under my notice. With regard to the Plates, it is necessary to state that they are only intended to illustrate the Coinages noticed in the " Records." I have en- deavoured, as far as possible, to figure Coins from public cabinets, where the originals can always be seen; and I take this opportunity of thanking the Trustees of the British Museum and the Council of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland for permission to use, for this purpose, the Coins in the National Collections, and also Messrs R. Carfrae, F.S.A. Scot.; J. Wingate, F.S.A. Scot.; Ford, and Gray, for kindly allowing me access to their cabinets for specimens which were not in the public museums. . I am also very particularly indebted to Mr Stuart Poole and the gentlemen connected with the Medal Department in the British Museum, for the great assistance I have received from them. In particular, my thanks are due to viii PEEFACE. Mr C. F. Keary for selecting the various specimens from the Museum collection and superintending the arrangement of the Plates. I have great pleasure in recording the fact, that during the course of a tolerably lengthened investigation, involving applications for permission to examine documents and papers in the private possession of many with whom I had no personal acquaintance, and on whom I had no possible claim beyond the fact that I was searching for matter connected with an historical object, I have not met with a single refusal ; but, on the contrary, every facility has been afforded to me, and often very great trouble has been taken in searching charter- rooms, though in many cases with very small result. For the libera] access which was given me by the Earl of Hopetoun and his guardians, to the extensive and extremely valuable series of papers connected with the Scottish Mint at Hopetoun House (the most important of which are given in the present work), I am deeply indebted. Lady Cumming-Gordon most kindly permitted me to print the exceedingly interesting papers preserved at Gordonstoun, which throw complete light on a point hitherto very obscure. In conclusion, I have to perform the pleasing duty of thanking those who assisted me in the execution of this work. My best acknowledgments are due to Mr Thomas Dickson, Curator of the Historical Department of H.M. General Register House, for the great help he has most ungrudgingly given me during the long time I have been engaged in collecting materials. His able advice and active assistance were ever ready when required, and his intimate kno\ Wise, p. 242. 2 Lindsay, pp. 213, 214. 3 wise, pp. 242-244. i Vol. i. p. 217. INTRODUCTION. vii sometimes as heavy as llj grains.^ The groats were first introduced by David II., and § 2. Works treating of the those struck by him and his successor were long afterwards known as the spurred groats Coinage of ° r & Scotland. from the mullet in the angles of the cross. Snelling doubts whether the coinage ordered by the Act of 1367 ever took place, as he had never met with groats so light as 61 grains. But many such are now known,^ and there is no reason to suppose that the provisions of the Act were not carried out. The different weights and values of the coins during this and the two succeeding reigns are very confusing, and it is by no means easy to make anything satisfactory out of them. Snelling's remarks on the coinages of this period are worthy of attention, though his appropriations are not always correct. He gives the groats with the crown to James I., as the coinage following the Act of 1424, though he thinks they were also struck by James II. and James III. The groats with the arched crown are appropriated to James III., on the ground that they agree in weight with the coinage ordered by the Act of 1483. After this period the appropriations are more easily determined by the numeral and the date. Snelling gives a very brief outline of the Acts relating to the coinage. Many of the coins given in his plates are very rare, but there is no reason to doubt their existence. The ryal of 1565,^ with Mary and Henry face to face, is now known to have been issued for ^ circulation, though immediately afterwards called in, The supposed bawbee of Mary* cannot be traced in any collection, and the piece was not the bawbee or " babie " at all, but probably a jetton. In his remarks on the coinage after the accession, Snelling is very accu- rate though brief, but he omits the references to the original Acts. Dates not mentioned by him occasionally occur, and he gives no account of the Edinburgh coinage of Anne, with E below the bust. His death prevented any notice of the gold and billon coins, though the plates were prepared, and are given without any account of the coins. In 1783, Mr James Cummyng, Keeper of the Lyon Eecords, published a disquisition on the proper arrangement of the silver coins belonging to the reigns of James I., James II., James III., and James IV.^ This paper is mainly occupied with the question of the appropriation of the groats with the arched crown, which are there shown to belong to James IV. The first edition of Pinkerton's " Essay on Medals " appeared in 1784, followed by 1 Wingate's ""Illustrations of the Coinage of Scot- ■ ^ Snelling, plate iii. fig. 14. land" (1868), p. 32. * Snelling, bUlon plate, fig. 19. 2 Wingate, p. 37, plate viii. fig. 13; plate ix. figs. * Arch. Scot,, vol. i. p. 199. 3, 11; sup. plate iii. fig. 1. viii KECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 2. Works another in 1789, and a third, greatly enlarged and corrected, in two volumes, in 1808. It treating of the Coinage of contains^ a short account of the Scottish coinage, and the appendix gives references to a Sootliind. few of the Acts of Parliament, with an estimate of the prices and rarity of some of the coins. Pinkerton has mainly relied on Euddiman and Snelling for his information. He falls into the common error of appropriating to Alexander I. the sterlings which belong to Alexander II. He shows that at some periods the Scottish coinage was much superior to the English in workmanship and design. A slight account of the billon coinage is also given, but only from the reign of James III. The table of the comparative values of English and Scottish money^ requires some modification. His plates contain a few Scottish coins, the principal one being the rare gold noble of David II., from the collection of Dr Hunter, figured for the first time. Adam de Cardonnel published in 1786 his " Numismata Scotiae," or a series of the Scottish coinage from the reign of William the Lion to the Union. This work is taken in a great measure from Snelling. It contains fourteen plates of the silver, foui' of the gold, and two of the billon coinage. The preface contains some curious historical matter, and in the appendix are given some extracts from Acts of Parliament and other original documents. The early coinage of William the Lion was first noticed by Cardonnel, though one or two had been figured by Snelling^ but wrongly appropriated. He inserts Kuddiman's tables of the values of the gold and silver coinages, without correction. The weight, fineness, and value of the coinage of each reign are taken from Snelling's work without any additions or corrections. Snelling appropriated some of the crown groats to James I., but gave their weight distinct from the fleur-de-lis groat. Cardonnel, in copying from Snelling, places the remarks of the latter on the weights of the crown groats, under the earlier type, asserting that the fleur-de-lis groats weigh generally about 56 grains, while in point of fact they rarely exceed 38 grains.* Cardonnel's appropriations are generally correct. The coins of the Edinburgh and Perth mints, attributed to Eobert the Bruce, ought to be given to Eobert II. None of the gold Demys are given to James I., nor any of the Eiders to James III. The St Andrew with the legend 85LVVCD FS0 POPVLVGD TVVGO and without the numeral, is now usually considered to have been struck by James II., though it is very difficult to lay down 1 Piiikerton's Essay, vol. ii. p. 117. struck by EnglisLi Kings in France, pp. 40, * Pinkerton's Essay, vol. ii. p. 444. 41. 3 Scottish Coins, plate i. fig. 3. View of Coins * Cardonnel, p. 72. Snelling, pp. 8, 9. INTRODUCTION. ix exact rules for the appropriations of any of the St Andrews'. The first billon coinage § 2. Works treating of the is attributed to James II. instead of Eobert III., and there is no account of the coinages Coinage of Scotland. of Anne at Edinburgh, in 1707 and the succeeding years. A small pamphlet of 16 pp. was published at Edinburgh in 1817, entitled, " A Short Account of Scottish Money and Coins." This carries the money of Scotland no further back than the time of William the Lion. It contains some tables of the values and standard of the money taken from Euddiman. The denominations and weights of the various gold and silver coins are given very imperfectly, while the billon and copper coinage is dismissed in ten lines. The table of prices and the paragraph following it are extracted verbatim from Ruddiman's preface to Anderson's work. A list of arch- bishoprics and bishoprics in Scotland in 1560, with their revenues, is also given. In the Transactions of the Eoyal Society^ will be found a very valuable and interesting paper, by Dr Jamieson, on Scottish coins. He was the first to assign coins to David I., and his arguments have been fully confirmed by later discoveries. The sterlings he attributes to Alexander I. are now believed to belong to Alexander II. To Dr Jamieson also belongs the credit of showing that the coins inscribed with the word DeRLin, belong to the mint of Eoxburgh, and not to that of Stirling to which they had formerly been appropriated. He supposes that the name PGRIS "KB'KCO, which occurs on some of the sterlings, represents the name and surname of the moneyer. He points out that Snelling only gives the second coinage of William the Lion in his plates, which may be accounted for by the fact that the great bulk of the coins of the first coinage were discovered after his time. An energetic protest against the common assumption that the Scottish mint followed the example of the English in every im- provement, closes a very valuable and instructive paper. In 1837 WiUiam Till published an "Essay on the Roman Denarius and Silver Penny," which contains a slight account of the Scottish sterlings. He notes a penny of David I. similar in type to the coinage of Stephen, and two of the short cross type of Alexander II., with the head turned to the left, hitherto unnoticed. Ending's work on the " Annals of the Coinage of Great Britain," ^ contains many accurate notices of the Scottish coinages after the accession of James VI., and much valuable information, with excellent plates. Some communications by the late Mr Lindsay appeared in the " Gentleman's Maga- ' Trans. Roy. Soc, vol. ii. p. 304. 2 London, 3d ed., 1840. h X EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 'i. Works zine/' about 1843, relating to the Scottish coinage. These were followed in 1845 by the treating of the Coinage of publication of his " View of the Coinage of Scotland," a work which, with some imper- Scotland. fections, deservedly holds a very high place as an authority on the Scottish series. Two supplements have been issued since the original work appeared, one in 1859, the other in 1868. Mr Lindsay's work is illustrated by many plates, which present very accurately the various types, without however any attempt to give an idea of the different styles of workmanship so characteristic of the Scottish mint. The chief merit of the work lies in the excellent descriptive catalogue of the various sorts, varieties, and legends of the different coins ; though many varieties have occurred since this most useful catalogue was compiled. Lindsay's appropriation of the long double cross sterlings to Alexander III. cannot be maintained. He was led to adopt it against his own better judgment by a mistaken idea of the nature of the historical evidence on this point. His attributions to the kings of Scotland earlier than David I. are not altogether satisfactory, and require confirmation. Though in constant correspondence with Professor Innes and Mr Ferguson, who furnished him with much important and valuable information about the Eecords of the Mint, he constantly falls into errors, which seem more the result of carelessness than anything else. Wrong dates are given to Parliamentary proceedings (see pp. 19, 31) ; wrong names are given to authorities (p. 224) ; Eobert II. is made to reign in 1364 (p. 22); James II. is said to have been murdered in February 1438 (p. 26), and many other mistakes of like nature. But his work is nevertheless indispensable to every student of Scottish numismatics. Mr Y. Akerman's useful little " Introduction to the Study of Coins," published in 1848, contains a slight notice^ of the Scottish series, chiefly derived from Lindsay, but making some alterations, such as giving unicorns to J ames 11.,^ for which no authority is quoted. In 1868 Mr Wingate published a very excellent series of plates of Scottish coins, drawn by himself from specimens existing in his own fine collection.^ These plates are remarkable for their fidelity to the most minute variety of type, and are by far the best which have appeared since the publication of Anderson's work in 1793. Mr Wingate adopted the historical part of the work from Lindsay, not having the time necessary fully to ' Page 149. ^ p^ge 151. selected specimens from the Lindsay, Foster, Bergne, 3 Mr Wingate's collection was dispersed at and other cabinets, and was the best and most per- tSotheby's in December 1875. It was composed of lect collection of the Scottish series ever made. INTEODUCTIOK xi investigate the points which the author of the " View of the Coinage of Scotland " left § 2. Works treating of the doubtful. Coinage of Scotland. Besides these larger works, there are many notices of Scottish coins in the " Transac- tions " and " Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland." It is unnecessary to particularise them, as they will be easily found by referring to the indices of the various volumes. In the " Numismatic Chronicle " several articles and notices will also be found. Among these may specially be noticed an article, by the Eev. D. H. Haigh, on the " Early Scottish Pennies," ^ giving his views on the appropriation of the sterlings of Alexander, which were afterwards adopted by Lindsay in his work on the Scottish coinage. There is also an excellent article, by the Eev. J, Pollexfen, on the silver coins of David I. ,2 discovered in Bute. He adds Haddington to the list of Scottish mints. The same author has also contributed another able paper ^ on the later Scottish coinages after the accession of James VI., and the views there suggested are fully confirmed by the records now printed for the first time. In some numismatic works published abroad, descriptions of Scottish coins occur. Among these are " WeUenheim's Catalogue," * where thirty Scottish coins are mentioned ranging from 1124-1714. In Madai's "Thaler Cabinet"^ some coins of Mary and James VI. are noticed ; and in the " Eeichelsche Munzsammlung in St Petersburg " (1 843), above a hundred Scottish coins are described, some of them very rare. The following foreign books may also be consulted : — " Verzeichniss auf nachgeschriebene sehr rare Diinische, &c., Miinzen" (Copenhagen, 1716); " Geschichte der Engl. Medaillen" (Hannov Mag., 1787); " Greschichte des Miinzwesens in England, Schottland, und Irland " (Hannov Mag. 1787) ; " Loisirs sur divers sujets d' Administration," &c. (Amster. 1775). § 3. Having thus briefly noticed the principal printed authorities on this subject, it is § 3. Original Records of the now time to turn to the hitherto unpublished sources of information. And before proceed- Coinage of Scotland. ing to the official records and other documents more immediately connected witli the affairs of the mint, there are two very interesting MSS. which merit attention. The first is in the British Museum collection,^ and consists of a great number of drawings and descriptions of coins of various countries. Three leaves (fol. 14, 15) are devoted to the Scottish series. The MS. has apparently been written about the end of the sixteenth century. The first coin figured is a groat of Alexander III., which is unknown 1 Vol. iv. p. 67. 3 S., vol. viii. p. 237. ' Vol. ii. t. 1, p. 130. « Cotton. MSS. Tib. d. ii. - Vol. V. p. 57. Vol. i. p. 59. xii RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. Srotlaiid. § :i Original to numismatists, and is unsatisfactory ; thougli there has ever been a tradition that Hcciiids (if tlie , _ . . . ^ T ('(.iiiagf oi Alexander III. issued coins larger than the sterbng.^ Various coins ot James IV., James v., Mary, and James VI. are mentioned, and their standard of purity indicated. The appropriations are not always correct.^ The other MS. is also of great interest and importance. It was discovered in the charter room of the Earl of Hopetoun, a descendant of one of the generals of the old Scottish mint, and is evidently the work of some one not only practically acquainted with the operations of the Cunyie house, but who had access to some of the official records belonging to it, which are now lost. It is chiefly valuable because it throws considerable light on the coinages of the reign of Mary ; in which, owing to a blank of several years in the Register of the Privy Council, great uncertainty has hitherto existed.^ Some other MSS. about Scottish coins are mentioned which cannot now be discovered. Cardonnel speaks* of a dissertation in manuscript in the possession of the late Mr Hamilton of Glasgow. In 1846 a work by Dr Jamieson in MS. (possibly only the original of his paper) was sold at Till's sale. Two others are referred to by Lindsay.^ A description of some Scottish coins is in the British Museum, Add. MSS, 19,974, f. 239. Of the official records relating to the coinages, the earliest that are extant, are found in the Rolls of Accounts rendered in Exchequer. These commence in 1326, and are continued, not however without blanks, till 1748. Some of these are given in the selection from the Chamberlain Rolls, printed in three volumes, and presented to the Bannatyne Club by their president, Mr Thompson. Several of the most important of the moneyer's accounts are not in these volumes, having been discovered since then, and are now printed for the iirst time. Though these are the earliest extant accounts of the coinages, there is a notice ® of several bags of documents relating to the earlier moneyers taken to England by Edward I., which cannot now be discovered. The Exchequer Rolls afford very important informa- tion as to the coinages of the reigns of James I., James II., and James III.'^ The Accounts of the Lord Treasurer commence in 1473 and continue to 1635. Some, especially of the earlier ones, contain incidentally various particulars about the money, and fix the dates of several coinages.® There is an unfortunate blank in the record between 1474 and 1488. 1 Macpherson's " Annals of Commerce," vol. i. p. » " View of the Coinage of Scotland," p. 253, 2d 432. sup. p. 6. 2 Vol. ii. Appendix No. I. 6 ^ct. Pari. Scot., vol. i. p. 8. 3 Vol. i. p. 94, L. r Vol. i. pp. 17, 22, 43. * Numis. Scot, Preface, p. 8. 8 Vol. i. pp. 51, 57, ,80, 243. INTRODUCTION. xiii The Registers of the Great Seal and of the Privy Seal contain some of the appoint- § 3. Original Records of tlie ments of the officials of the mint.^ Coinage of Scotland. In the reigns of James V. and Mary several notices of matters relating to the coinage are to be found in the unprinted Acts of the Lords of Council.^ But by far the most important documentary evidence relating to the coinage is the Record of the Privy Council. It commences in 1545, and continues to the Union. The Lords of the Privy Council were usually empowered by Parliament to fix the type, legends, and value of the various mintages, and the record of their acts is often the only place where this information can now be found. It is somewhat singular, that though Lindsay quotes this record once or twice,^ he never had it thoroughly searched. Had this been done, it would have enabled him to have appropriated correctly the Thistle Dollars of 1578-80, to have prevented the confusion with the coinage of 1581, to have added the coinage of 1605-9 to the Scottish series, and to have arranged the coinages of Charles I. in their proper sequence. Of the later Mint "Warrants and Registers a few have been preserved, but unfortunately the series is very far from being complete. It consists of various accounts of the mint rendered by the masters. The earliest as yet discovered is one by Thomas Achesoun, commencing in April 1582 and ending in August 1606.* The weight of silver and gold passing the irons in each coinage is recorded, and aU the expenses connected with the Mint given in full. The next " Compt of the coyne hous " was rendered by George Poullis, and extends from May 1613 to July 1627. The last one, by John Falconer, extends from June 1639 to April 1641. It will thus be seen that there are many blanks in this series. A different sort of mint record is known as the "Warden's Register or Book, and shows the amount coined and the sort of coin made each day. The earliest discovered commences in April 1556, and continues down to September 1558. The entries in these are of comparatively little interest, being merely journals of the daily work. They extend^ with a few blanks, from 1591 to 1634 ; from 1664 to 1674; and again, from 1691 to 1698. It is quite possible that others may yet be discovered to complete the series. The originals of those noticed above are in many different hands, but careful and exact MS. copies of all have been made and deposited in the General Register House, Edinburgh, for reference. 1 Vol. i. 11. 53. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iv. f. 73; ' " View of the Coinage of Scotland," pp. 244- vol. X. p. 138 b, &c. 245. 2 Vol. i. pp. 60-86. Some of them are given Ly * MSS. Gen. Reg. Ho. Edin. Lindsay, p. 229. xiv EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAKD. § 3. Original The remarkable series of mint papers in tlie collection of MSS. belonging to the Records of the ^ , . , . Coinage of Earl of Hopetoun contains many curious memoranda relating to the coinages, and also to Scotland. the practical working of the mint. They are all given in full in the present work, though in many cases they are evidently the rough drafts, or notes, of papers afterwards drawn up with greater care, but not now, unfortunately, extant. The sources from M'^hich the other minor miscellaneous records are derived are indicated in the margin, and do not require more particular notice.^ g 4. The Early § 4. In passing uow to the various subjects of interest relating to the coinage, one of Moneyers. the most important is the position of the moneyer. The exact duties and responsibilities of the early monctarii have long been disputed. Some^ conjecture them to have been the farmers of the mint ; others, merely the workmen employed to strike the money. ^ Ending considers that those whose names appear on the coins were responsible for the weight and purity of the metal. Euddiman * believes that they accompanied the king from place to place, striking money where necessary, and putting the temporary place of sojourn on the coin as the place of mintage. It is impossible, in the absence of historical evidence, to assert anything positively with regard to the early Scottish moneyers before the reign of David II. But there is a considerable probability in the conjecture that they were appointed by the king ; that they 1 The following references to the mint are in the Records of the Exchequer of Scotland, but they all relate to the period after the Union. Register of Commissions, No. 1. P. 28. Letter to the Lord High Treasurer of Great Britain, respecting warrant for allowance to the officers of the mint for recoinage of money in Scotland at the Union. Feb. 26, 17H. P. 29. Warrant for payment of £-2692, 15s. 3|d., due to the provost and moneyers of the mint in London, as allowance above referred to. 21 March (Signed) Oxford. P. 31. Gift mider the great seal, to John Mont- gomery of Giffen, of the office of warden of the mint at Edinburgh, in room of George AUerdes, Esq., di'ceased. 22 June 1710. P. 53. Royal approbation under the privy seal of the accounts of the late George Allerdes, warden of tlie mint, and of the expenses of the recoinage at the Union. 5 JanuniT 1713. Minute Book, No. 4. P. 246. Account of Lord Belhaven, general of the mint at Edinburgh from 1733 to 1735, approved, except as to ^60 for the " sixpenny tax," and ^25 claimed by him for soliciting a copper coinage, both of which their Lordship's disaUow of. 2 March 1741. Minute Book, No. 6. P. 274. Lord Belhaven refusing to pass his accounts of officers' salaries (mint) through Ex- chequer, on the ground that such expenses are paid from the treasury in England : Agreed: 17th Nov- ember 1761. ^ Simon's " Irish Coins," p. 5. ^ Ruding's " Annals of the Coinage," vol. i. pp. 48, 49 (London, 1840), and authorities there quoted. * Anderson's " Dip. et Numis. Scotise Thes.," p. 69 (Edin. 1739). See also the opinion of Mr North quoted by Ruding, vol. i. p. 49, INTEODUCTION. XV accompanied the court from place to place ; that they were responsible for the weight and § i. The Early iloneyers. purity of the coin ; and that they were remunerated by fixed fees. It is apparent from the variety of names that appear on coins of the same reign, that at or about the same period a considerable number of moneyers were at work. And it will be noticed that the same name occurs in connection with different mints. Thus on the long double cross coins of Alexander, the moneyer, WKLTeR, appears at Glasgow, Aberdeen, Montrose, Berwick, and Dunbar; and WILKGO, at Berwick, Lanark, Aberdeen, Dunbar (or Dundee), and Edinburgh. It is impossible to say whether there was a different WJ^LTGR and WIL3:gd at each of these towns, or whether the same individual struck money at different places. But if the number of different moneyers recorded at the various towns is considered in connection with this, it will appear more probable that they moved from place to place (possibly with the king) coining money where required, than that large numbers of them were permanently established at towns of comparatively small importance. Thus, between 1165 and 1214, the names of KB'KX PeRIS, FOLPOLD, pVe WSLTGR, RKVL, PGRIS ADKCQ, WSLTGR SDKGD, WILSGD, and others, occur on coins minted at Eoxburgh. The same names, about the same period, are found on coins of Berwick, Edinburgh, and Perth. It is more likely that the same individuals worked occasionally in each of these towns, than that each town had a staff of coiners with similar names. It was the practice in France in early times for the moneyers to accompany the king.^ Cardonnel ^ points out the great probability that the moneyers of William the Lion were sent over from that country to coin the money for his ransom, and M. de Longp(^rier has strengthened this conjecture by pointing out the Norman-French origin of many of the moneyers. These foreigners would be likely to follow in this country a custom familiar to them in their own.^ There is no reason, as far as is known at present, to doubt the assertion of Euddiman,* that from the earliest period the king of the Scots exercised the exclusive right of coining, and it may be added, that the Crown alone appointed the moneyers, regtdated the currency, and received the profits. The moneyers would thus be appointed by royal authority, and be ^ Evelyn on Medals (London, 1697), p. 226. monoyers portoieiit avec eux des coins tout prepares, 2 " Nuniismata Scotise" (Edin. 1786), p. 39. on ausquels il ne falloit qn'ajoilter la Legends; la ' " Cette monoye (dans le Palais ou le Roy faisoit tete et le revers y fetant deja gravez." — Traits des sa principale residence) suivoit le Roy dans tons ses Moneyes (Paris, 1692), p. 334. voyages; et lorsqu'il residoit en qulque lieu, ou on * " Diplomatum et Numis. Thesaums," p. 69. avoit la commodite de fabriquer les especes, elles An apparent exception to this in the case of the See n'avoient plus pour Legende Moneta Palatina, mais of St Andrews will he noticed hereafter, le nom du Palais ou Maison oil le Roy 6toit : et les xvi RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 4. The Early (lirectlj responsible to tlie Crown. They would probably be remunerated by fees in pro- '"^^^ portion to tbe amount coined, and tbey would account for the profits of the coinage to the Treasurer ; all in accordance with what we know with certainty was the case at a somewhat later period. These suppositions are strengthened by the fact that in the list of documents relating to the kingdom of Scotland carried off by Edward I., the following entries occur : ^ — " Item in alio sacculo c.iiij^ & v rotuli et memoranda . . . de compotis mone- tarium . . . " Item in decimo sacculo xxj rotuli tangentes compota monetarium et cambitorium et alia monetam tangencia." After the great coinage in the commencement of the reign of Alexander III., the practice of putting the name of the moneyer in full on the reverse of the coins, which had hitherto been almost universally the custom, was discontinued. In the time of John Baliol, the name of the mint only occurs, without that of the coiner, and this points probably to the period when the moneyers became permanently established in the principal towns under a settled constitution. What that constitution was at this period, it is impossible to say precisely, from the total absence of any documentary evidence relating to the mint during the unsettled times of Baliol and Bruce. But in the reign of David II. important changes took place, which can be traced from the records with greater precision. S 5. The Early § 5, Euding ^ says that the English mint did not receive its fuU constitution of superior ( 'onstitution of the Mint. officers till the eighteenth year of Edward II. There is reason to believe that during his captivity in England, David II. paid some attention to mint affairs, and it is certain that immediately after his return to Scotland he, on the 1st of July 1358,^ granted letters patent to Adam Tor, warden of the Cunyiehouse of Edinburgh, James Miilekyn, master moneyer, and the other workmen there, giving them certain privileges and immunities. It cannot be certainly affirmed that this was the first appearance of these officials in the Scottish mint, for there is a strong presumption that similar offices existed some time previously, but this is the earliest charter of constitution known, or ever alluded to in the mint documents of later times.* 1 Act. Pari. Scot., vol. i. p. 8. * The exact date of this letter is given in an 2 " Annals of the Coinage," vol. i. p. 16. unfinished memorial amongst the MSS. in the 3 In another record the 5th of February is the possession of the Society of Antiquaries of Scot- date given, perhaps a confirmation of this gift. — land. Vol. ii. p. 136. % INTEODUCTION. xvii We may therefore now proceed to consider the early constitution of the Scottish mint § 5. Tiie Early Constitution of as it appears towards the close of the fourteenth century. the Mint. The officials were^ the warden (custos monete), and the master moneyer (magister monetarium), assisted by printers and strikers (operarii). That the warden was superior in position to the master moneyer is apparent from a precept of the king ^ in 1367, directed " custodi monete nostre et monetario nostro," and from an unfinished MS. memorial in the library of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, which (quoting apparently from an original now lost), says, " The said James (Mulekyn) and all the other officers under him shall stand at the decision of the said Adam (Tor) in all pleas and complaints which concern them except only the pleas of freeholding and our crown." ^ The respective duties of the warden and master are laid down with great distinctness in the Act of Parliament of 1393.* The warden was to receive all the bullion brought to the master moneyer to be minted, and to enter the weight in a register kept for the x^i^i'pose. Every evening after the work was over he was to receive from the moneyers their coining implements, and keep them in secure custody till the following day. The master moneyer also appointed the operarii. He had to deliver to the warden every evening the money struck during the day. This was to be collected till the end of the week, and kept in a chest. At the end of the week certain pieces of the money were to be taken and retained for the trial of the pix, which was ordered to take place within forty days of the mintage. The warden was responsible for the money both as to weight and standard. The dies were sunk by the moneyer,^ who apparently also furnished the designs for the coins. In 1434, a special " sculptor ferrorum " is mentioned in the Exchequer EoUs,^ who was remunerated by a fee proportioned to the amount of bullion issued. Though the warden was responsible for the weight of money coined, the Act of Parliament of 1451 specially rendered the master moneyer responsible for all the gold and silver money until the warden had taken an assay of it. The same Act provided,^ that the old irons of the coinage, together with the " letteris of graving," should be destroyed in the presence of the king and ^ Vol. i. p. 3, VII. Remains clu bas Empire nommoient Proairatores et 2 Vol. i. p. 1, IV. Magistros Monetani7n:'—"Ti\ des Mon.," p. 330. ^ In the early Frencb mint tlie " monelarixis " * Vol. i. j). 12, i. The duties of the wardens in was apparently the principal officer. " Pour faire the early French mint were very similar to those of observer les reglements de la fabrication et obliger the early Scottish mint. — " Tr. des Monoyes," p. les ouvriers k travailler dans I'ordre; il y avoit dans 387. chaqiie Monoye un officier nomm^ Monetarius dont * Vol. i. p. 5, x. 11 semble que la fonction convenoit avec celle des " Vol. i. p. 17, iv. Juges-Gardes, et ceUe des Maitres des Monoyes; et ' Vol. i. p. 20, 11. (c. 14). en meme temps avec celle des Officiers que les * C. 13. xviii EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 5. Tiie Early his council ; and new ones were ordered to be prepared " within the cunye-place." The Constitution of the Mint. master was to have power to punish the workmen if necessary. It was also specially provided that no goldsmiths were to be employed in the mint if others could be got. A distinction is drawn in this Act between the " king's cunyeouris " and others who apparently had struck money without royal authority. The latter were called " false cun- yeouris," and the money issued by them was forbidden to have course. An Act of Parliament in 1449^ prohibited any one from striking money without the royal authority under the great seal. The first fully recorded trial of the pix was in 1438.^ The warden of the mint appeared before the Lords Auditors, and the pix being produced by him, duly closed, was opened in their presence, and the various trial pieces having been gone over and found to correspond with the registers, were assayed, and being declared correct, the warden and master were freed from all further responsibility. This trial was appointed to take place yearly at the Exchequer.^ It was afterwards taken every December before the Privy Council.* Two pieces were taken from every " Journey," and after an assay, the remainder and the report were put in the pix. Some confusion having arisen from the appointment of two masters of the money in 1487,^ it was ordered by Parliament that in future only one should act who should be responsible for the coinage. In other respects no change was made, except that a " wislar " or exchanger is mentioned, an office which seems formerly to have been held by the warden. The appointment of all these officials, and the entire regulation of the coinage as to weight, fineness, and value, rested with the king and his three estates in Parliament assembled. An Act was passed in 1478,^ which expressly provided that the king, with advice of the Lords of Council, should make regulations for the coinage, and the other Acts already noticed sufficiently show that at this period the appointments were made by the king in the same manner.'' At the beginning of the sixteenth century the constitution of the mint was considerably modified. In 1527, the appointment of a " wardane principale " occurs,^ and shortly afterwards two " keepers of the irons " were appointed. Towards the close of Mary's reign the official staff of the mint comprised a general of the cunyehous (for the first time appointed in her reign), two wardens, namely, the principal warden, and the comptroller warden, or counter warden ; a master coiner ; a ' Vol. i. p. 19, I. 7 Charles I. protested against the Pri\'y Council or ^ Vol. i. p. 23, VIII. Parliament having any right to interfere in these 3 Vol. i. p. 40, XVI. appointments. See vol. ii. p. 3, v. * Vol. ii. p. 213, I. 8 Register of the Pri^'j' Seal, vol. iv. f. 73; vol. x. 5 Vol. i. p. 42, xviii. f, 138 b. " Vol. i. p. 39, xiii. INTEODUCTION. XIX sinker of the irons ; and an assayer. A clerk of the bullion was appointed some time § 5. Tiie Early Constitution nf later. ^ This staff, with some modifications, continued till the close of the Scottish mint. the Mint. § 6. The following scheme will show the principal officials in the mint from the earliest § 6. offioiais of the Mint. period to the Union : — FIRST PERIOD. The early moneyers from the reign of David I. to 1292. 1124-53. Eola of Berwick. Eolpol of Berwick. Folpm. Hugo of Roxburgh. 1165-1214. Adam of Berwick. Adam of Edinburgh. Adam Peris of Roxburgh. Eolpold of Perth. Folpold of Roxburgh. Henri le rus of Perth. Hugh of Edinburgh. Hugh Walter of Roxburgh. Peris Adam of Roxburgh. Raul of Roxburgh. Raul Derlig. Walter of Edinburgh. Walter Adam of Roxburgh. Walter of Perth. Wilam of Perth. Wilam of Roxburgh. Wilam of Berwick. 1214-92. Adam of Roxburgh. Alain Andrew of Roxburgh. Alexander of Edinburgh. Alexander of Aberdeen. Alexander of Dunbar. Andrew of Berwick. Andrew of Roxburgh. Eorsin of Dunbar. Gearai of Inverness. Hald of Aberdeen. Henri of Stirling. lasan of Perth, lohan of Berwick, lohan of Perth. Ion Corin of Perth. Ion of Aberdeen. 1 Vol. ii. p. 211, I. XX EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. Nichel of Berwick. Walter of Glasgow. Nicol of Perth. Walter of Aberdeen. Pieres of Eoxburgli. Walter of Montrose. Eanald of Aberdeen. Walter of Fre (Forres ?). Kauald of Perth. Walter of Berwick. Eobert of Aberdeen. Walter of Dunbar or Dundee. Eobert of Berwick. Wilam of Berwick. Eobert of Perth. Wilam of Lanark. Wilam of Aberdeen. Simon of Aberdeen. Wilam of Dunbar. Simon of Dunbar. Wilam of Edinburgh. Thomas of Annan. Wilam of Eoxburgh.^ SECOND PEEIOD. Officers of the mint from the reign of David II. to 1554. WARDENS. The following list of the wardens during this period cannot be considered complete, owing to the very defective state of the records : — 1358-13642 . . AdamTor.» 1371-1373 . . Andreas Pictor.* 1373-1374^ . . Thomas de Stratherne.« 1438-1442 . . Thomas de Cranstoune.^ It must be remembered that this list camiot be considered exhaustive. Almost every good collec- tion of early Scottish sterlings will add mints or moneyers to it. ^ The dates given are those mentioned in the Mint Records, not necessarily the earliest or latest date of holding the ofiice. Vol. i. p. 3, VII. ; p. 6, xii. Robertson's "Charters," pp. 31, 36. This was probably the same Adam Tor who was appointed to treat for the king's ransom. — "Edinburgh Charters," p. 19. * Vol. i. p. 9. IV., V. 6 In Robertson's " Charters" (pp. 139, 142) Thomas Melville and GaLfure Goldsmith are mentioned in connection with the mint (1390-1407), but it is uncertain what office they held. 8 Warden at Perth. Vol. i. p. 9, v. 7 Vol. i. p. 53, VIII.; p. 25, x. INTEODUCTIOK XXI 1443 . . John de Livingstone. 1 §6. officials of 1466 . . George Grinlaw.^ 1488 . ., . James de Criclitoun of Euthveudean.^ 1512 . . David Scott* 1527 . . . Adam Boyd.^ 1535 . . . Walter Grot.6 1537 . . . John Mossman.''' MASTERS. During the same period the following were the master moneyers recorded in the various mints. 1358-1377 . . Jacobus Mulekyn of Florence.^ 1364-1393 . . Bonagius of Florence.^ 1434-1450 . . Ptobert Gray.^o 1442- 1443 . . John de Dalrymple, Sen.." 1443- 1468 , . Alexander Tod.i2 1448 . . • . John de Dalrymple, J'.^"^ 1451 . . . John Spethy." 1453 . . . John Laundale.^^ 1466 . . . WiUiam Goldsmith.i« 1476-1488 . . Alexander Livingstone." 1476-1487 . Thomas Tod. 18 1493 . . Gilbert Fish.i9 1493 . . John Currour.2o 1 Warden at Stirling. Vol. i. p. 26, xii. 2 Vol. i. p. 44, XXII. 3 Vol. i. p. 46, I.; p. 53, xx. * Vol. i. p. 53, XIX. 5 Reg. Sec. Sig., iv. f. 73. « Reg. Sec. Sig., xi. f. 69. 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., xiii. f. 25. 8 Vol. i. p. 3, VII. ; 9, vii. Robertson's " Charters," pp. 40, 70. 9 Vol. i. p. 5, v.; p. 12, i. 10 Vol. i. p. 17, IV. ; p. 28, xvii. '1 Vol. i. p. 25, X., XI. 12 Vol. i. p. 26, XII.; p. 44, xxiii. At Stirling. 13 Vol. i. p. 27, XVI. 1* Vol. i. p. 20, II. c. 9. 1* VoL i. p. 28, XVIII. 18 Vol. i. p. 44, XXIII. 1^ Vol. i. p. 45, XXIV.; p. 46, i. 1* Vol. i. p. 45, XXIV.; p. 45, xxv. i» Vol. i. p. 49, VI. 20 Vol. i. p. 49, VI. xxii RECOKDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § a. Otticials of the Mint. 1525-1546 James Acliesoim.^ 1542 1542 1545 1538-1545 Alexander Orrok of Syllebalbe.- Eichard Wardlaw.^ Eichard Young. ^ William Hamilton.* 1554 David Forres.^ THIED PEEIOD. Officers of the mint from 1555 to the Union. GENERALS. The first General of tlie Scottish mint was David Forres, appointed in, or about, 1555. Before his time this oflfice was unknown in this country.^ It was adopted apparently from the French mint, where the title had long been known.'^ The principal duty of the general was to act as chief comptroller of all the affairs of the mint ; to superintend the other officials ; to try their work and to punish them when necessary. He was answerable for the weight and fineness of the coin ; he had to see that all the books, registers, and accounts were correctly kept, and the bullion properly paid for ; he had to be present at the trial of the pix, and had to produce the standards and trial pieces before the judges.^ The contents of the pix, after trial, belonged of right to him, though this right was questioned in 1591,9 -but f^iy recognised in 1603}^ David Forres was general in 1573,^^ but it is not certain when he died. Sir Archibald Napier of Edinbillie was appointed in 1576,^'^ and continued to hold the office for the long period of thirty-two years. He died in 1608,^^ and was succeeded by John Achesoun, portioner of Inveresk, one of a family long connected with the Scottish mint. George Foulis'* of Eavelston was general from 1639 to 1641, when John Alexander of Gartmore 1 Vol. i. p. 55, IV.; p. 80, xxiii. « Vol. ii. p. 201, lxxvi. 2 Vol. i. p. 59, XXII. Associated with Achesoun. " Vol. i. p. 176, Lxxxiv. 3 Vol. i. p. 96. In pLace of Achesoun for a short '° Vol. i. p. 209, cviii. time. 11 Vol. i. p. 246, cxxxviii. * Reg. Soc. Sig., xix. f. 65. , 12 Vol. i. p. 216, cxii. 5 Vol. i. p. 82, XXX. 13 Yol. i. p. 216, cxii. Vol. i. p. 98, L. H Vol. ii. p. 112, cxxxiv. " " Traitu de Monoyes," p. 336. INTRODUCTION. xxiii succeeded him,^ but the latter seems only to have held the office for a very short period, as § 6. Officials of the Mint. Sir James Hope was appointed in the same year.^ Sir James continued to act during the Commonwealth, and it is mainly owing to his care that so many of the mint papers are now available. After the Eestoration, Charles Maitland of Haltoun ^ was appointed, and continued till 1682 ; when in consequence of the enquiries made by a special commission he was removed from office. Eichard, Lord Maitland, occurs in 1687 ; * and in 1689, Henry, Lord Cardross, succeeded him,^ and continued to act till his death in 1694. Lord John Hamilton was appointed in the same year,® and was followed in 1699 ^ by John, Earl Lauderdale, who held the office at the time of the Union. The full text of the commission of the Earl of Lauderdale as general of the mint, with the form of investiture, will be found in the Records.^ MASTERS OF THE MINT. The duties of the Master of the mint after the appointment of the General were some- what different to what they had been in the earlier period of the liistory of the mint. He had to receive and give out the bullion according to the provisions of the various Acts of Parliament ^ thereanent, and to see that it was of the just standard. He had to pay the fees and salaries of the workmen, and to keep and render just accounts of the various coinages. Along with the wardens he superintended the mintage, and had the custody of one of the keys of the chests in which the money was kept. During the unsettled reign of Mary several mint masters occur, and it is not always easy to determine their exact position. In 1554 we find John Misserwie, who is described as an Englishman, and is called " master coiner." " John Achesoun occurs under the same designation in 1555, and continued to hold the office, with some interrup- tions, for a long period. The Hopetoun MS.^^ mentions David Levisoun in 1556 as acting master coiner, and James Hairt in 1561, at which time it is stated by the same authority that Achesoun had gone to France, but returned in 1561, having received a gift of the office of master under the great seal. He seems to have held office till 1580/* and was 1 Vol. ii. p. 115, cxxxvii. 2 Vol. ii. p. 115, CXXXVII. 3 Vol. ii. p. 140, XVIII. « Reg. Sec. Sig., iv. 162. 6 Vol. ii. p. 217, IV. " Vol. ii. p. 238, xxxvii. 7 Vol. ii. p. 286, XI. 8 Vol. ii. p. 273, LXi. 9 Vol. ii. p. 106, cxxx. 10 Vol. ii. p. 183, Lxxi. " Vol. L p. 98, L. 12 Vol. i. p. 83, xxxii. 13 Vol. i. p. 99, L. 1* Vol. i. p. 247, cxxxix. xxiv RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 6 Officials of ^g^g^ by Thomas Achesoun in 1581/ who continued till 1611. and from whom the the Mint. •' placks of James VI.'s reign got the name of " Atkinsons." George FouUis succeeded Achesoun," and continued tiU his death in 1635, when Nicolas Briot,^ the well-known chief engraver of the English mint, was appointed. Sir John Falconer/ his son-in-law, was made joint master with him in 1637, and after Briot left, he continued to act as sole master. His son seems to have been conjoined with him in the office, and a John Falconer is mentioned as master in 1685. Sir William Shairpe^ of Scots Craig was master in 1690, and was succeeded by Sir William Denholme of West Shields. George AUardyce of that Ilk, occurs as master in 1 704, and held the office at the Union.^ AVARDENS. In the reign of Mary we find for the first time two wardens acting at the same time in the Mint. The one was called the warden principal ; the other the counter-warden or sometimes comptroller warden. The duties of these wardens were somewhat different to what they had been in the former period. They had to be present at the allaying of the metals,^ and had to enter in their registers the amounts of bullion brought to the mint and of money coined.^ The principal warden had the custody of the irons and dies. Both had to superintend the sizing, making, and weighing the money,^" and the principal warden kept one of the keys of the chest in which the money was placed till the trials were taken. The following list of the wardens and counter- wardens from the time of the changes in the constitution of the mint in the reign of Mary till the Union, cannot be considered perfect from the defective state of the records from 1543 to 1567. 1.542 . 1559 . 1560-1572 1564-1568 1 Vol. i. p. 248, CXL. 2 Vol. i. p. 219, cxiii. ^ Vol. ii. p. 45, Lxxn. * Vol. ii. p. 61, xcvir. 5 Reg. Sec. Sig., p. 648. " Vol. ii. p. 219, vii. 7 Vol. ii. p. 309, XLI. Philip Quhitheid (counter-warden).^^ Walter Mossman.^^ Andrew Henderson.'^ John Balfour " (counter- warden). ^ Vol, ii. p. 106, cxxx. " Vol. ii. p. 201, Lxxvi. " Vol. ii. p. 183, Lxxi. " Reg. Sec. Sig., xiii. f. 25. 12 Vol. i. p. 100, L. 13 Vol. i. p. 100, L. ; p. 245, cxxxvii. 1* Vol. i. p. 243, cxxxvi. INTRODUCTION. XXV 1571-1582 1571-1583 1585 . 1595-1602 1595-1627 1627-1635 1636-1643 1632-1641 1641-1646 1646 . 1664-1682 1662-1690 1686 . 1686-1690 1690-1691 1691 . 1690- 1699 1691- 1707 1699 . 1701-1704 1704-1707 David Adamson ^ (counterwarden). John Carmichael.^ James Adamson^ (counterwarden). John Achesoun.* David Dickson.^ Henry Oliphant ® (counterwarden). James Bannatyne.^ Thomas Glen (counterwarden).^ Thomas Oliphant (counterwarden).^ J. Carmichael (counterwarden).^*' John Falconer, Jun'." Alexander Maitland.^^ John Drummond.^^ John Mushatt ^* (counterwarden). James Christie.-^^ Patrick Mowbray (counterwarden). William Spence.^^ Walter Boswell (counterwarden). Alexander Ogilvy.^^ Charles Bellingham.^" William Drummond.^^ § 6. Officials of the Mint. The personal notices of the other officials of the mint in the records are so scanty that it is unnecessary to arrange them according to their offices. The list subjoined gives the dates, names, and duties of such as are recorded : — 1 Vol. i. p. 103, L.; p. 249, CXL. 2 Vol. i. p. 103, L.; p. 249, cxL. 3 MSS. Gen. Reg. House. * Hopetoun Papers. 6 MSS. Gen. Reg. House, e MSS. Gen. Reg. House. ^ Hoijetoun Papers; vol. ii. p. 118, CXLI. * Hopetoun Papers. " Hopetoun Papers. 1" MSS. Gen. Reg. House. '1 Vol. ii. p. 194, Lxxiii. '2 Vol. ii. p. 228, XXIII. 13 Reg. Sec. Sig., iv. 66. 1* Vol. ii. p. 230, XXIV. 1^ Vol. ii. p. 237, XXXIV. 1^ Vol. ii. p. 237, XXXIV. " Vol. ii. p. 220, IX.; p. 275, lxii. 18 Vol. ii. p. 308, XL. 1" Vol. ii. p. 275, LXII. 20 MSS. Gen. Reg. House. 21 Vol. ii. p. 308, XL. xxvi EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 1536 . W^illiaiD Young, keeper of tlie irons.^ 1536 Laurence Cooper, keeper of the irons.^ 1562 Robert Richardson, clerk. 1562 William Maitland, secretary.^ 1571- -1583 . James Gray, sinker of the irons.'' 1564-1572 . dames IVXOiinUlclU, dSoaytil. ±o i J. John Hart, visitor.^ » ii icnoi oim, visiioi. -xuox • Thomas Achesoun, assayer ^ 1 f^TQ James Gunn, sinker.'^ A. UO J." -1 593 ~±ouo > Francis Napier, assayer.^ 1 ^RR- XuOO~ -xovo • Thomas Foullis, sinker.^ 1601- -1610 George Foullis, assayer.-''* 1 P,09 - X U X o . John Burrell, temperer.-*^^ 1 fil 8 xuxo Michael Achesoun, assayer.^ ^ 1633- -1637 . Archibald Napier, assayer.^^ 1625- -1636 . Charles Dickenson, sinker.^* 1641 Andrew Balvard, assay master. 1646 Michael Eraser, assay master.'^ 1646 Andrew Dennistoun, smker.^'' 1663 Joachim Harder, siuker.^^ 1674 Thomas Whitman, sinker.^^ 1686- -1707 . James Clerk, sinker.^^ 1687 Henry Alcorne and his son, assay master^ 1690- -1698 . William Bonar.^o 1697- -1707 . John Borthwick,2i assay master. 1 Reg. Sec. Sig., x. f. 13P. Vol. 1. p. 101, L., 3 Vol. i. p. 109, VI. * Vol. i. p. 85, XXXVII. * Vol. i. p. 109, VI. « Vol. i. p. 103, L. f MSS. Gen. Reg. House. « Vol. i. p. 249, CXL. » Vol. i. p. 191, xcvi. '« Vol. i. p. 199, cm. " Vol. i. p. 286, CLxrx. 12 MSS. Gen. Reg. House. 13 Vol. ii. p. 107, cxxx. " Vol. ii. p. 70, CXI. 15 MSS. Gen. Reg. House. 1® Vol. ii. p. 154, XXXVIII. " Reg. Sec. Sig., iii. p. 85. IS Reg. Sec. Sig., iv. p. 284. 19 Reg. Sec. Sig., iv. p. 205. 20 Reg. Sec. Sig., iv. p. 414. 21 Vol. ii. p. 276, LXiv. INTRODUCTION. xxvii § 7. Originally the officials of the mint were paid by fees at a fixed rate, proportioned § 7. Salaries of Mint Officials. to the amount of bullion coined. In 1367 the warden received one penny from each pound of silver minted, and the master and workmen elevenpence amongst them.^ The same fee occurs again in 1441, and the engraver of the irons got a similar amount.^ A yearly salary is mentipned in 1488,^ when the warden was to receive ten pounds armually besides the other profits of the office. In 1536 the keeper of the irons got ten pounds a year.* The master had an allowance of one hundred merks in 1538.* In 1564 the fees were : ^ — The General, . . £12 10 per month. The Warden Principal, .4 3 4,, The Comptroller Warden, 3 6 8 „ The Sinker, ..5 0,, The Assayer, . .3 6 8 „ The same fees with a slight alteration are found about 1620, as appears from the following memorandum : — " Fies of the Cunyehouse. To Jon Achesoun Generall, monethlie 12 ti 10 s d David Dikisoun Wardan, „ 4 3 4 Henrie Oliphant Counterwarden, „ 3 6 8 Charles Dikisoun Sinker, „ 8 6 8 Michael Achesoun Essay Master, „ 3 6 8 Jon Burrell Temperer of the Irones, „ 3 6 8 In 1686'' tlie salaries of the officials were fixed by Parliament as follows :— The General, . £3600 Scots per annum. The Master, . 2400 „ „ and £18 Scots for every stone of silver minted. 1 Vol. i. p. 2, IV. ' Vol. i. p. 24, IX. 3 Vol. i. p. 53, XX. * Reg. Sec. Sig., x. p. 138, xii. p. 18. * Vol. i. p. 85, xxx\'ii. 6 MSS. Gen. Reg. House. 7 Vol, ii. p. 214, 1. EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. Scots per annum. „ „ „ „ „ 8 „ „ „ § 8. Original § 8. The following paper gives an account of the expenses of the mint in Scotland, papers relating . to the internal with the duties of the various officials. It dates probably at the close of the reign oi economy of the Mint. James VI., or the commencement of that of Charles I. I. — The charges that his Ma''" is at for his mynt in Scotland for stipend & fees togeather vo'^ all other charges. British To the geueraU of the mynt in Scotland for his ordinary wages 300 ti Scotch, making Museum Harl. - Mss. 2048, fo. ster. . . . . . . . . . 25 ti s d 96. 1 And when the mynte goes hee hath after the rate of double soe much over and above the xxv ti for every moneth it goes, and coynes, soe that they are not paide as in England whether they worke or playe. 2 The generall in Scotland hath noe allowance for any Clarcke. 3 There is noe comptroll'' of y'^ mynt in Scotland but is named the warden of the mynt, whoe keepes the like regisf for the kinge, as the genn^ all doth, and hath per annum ordinary 200 ti Scotch, making ster. . , . . . 16 ti 13 s 04 d And is doubled when the mynt goeth, for every moneth, or weeke pro rata. 4 The Counterwardens, are in stead of the Comptrollers Clarke, and keepe register w* the other warden, and is alsoe Clarke of the Irons and hath in ordinarie per ann 100 ti Scotch, and when the mynt goes, double soe much per mensem pro rata. . 08 . 06 . 08 Theis two wardens doe weighe every piece before it goe to bee stamped after it is whitned, piece by piece, and one of them at the least doth attend the coyners whensoever they worke. 5 There is one Saye maister whoe hath per ann. 150 ti Scotch, and the other 050 ti Scotch makinge / w'^'' is doubled when they worke / 16til3s04d g 7. Salaries of The Warden Principal, £1200 Mint Oflicials. The Essay Master, 1200 The Counter Warden, 720 The Engraver, . 600 The Clerk, . 480 The Clerk of Bullion, 333 6 The Master Smith, 360 INTRODUCTION". XXIX 6 There is noe allowaace to any Clarke for the Ssay master. g 8. Original papers relating 7 There is noe Tellers allowed. to the internal economy of the 8 There is noe Tellers Clarke. 9 There is noe Clarke of the Irons, nor Surveyo'" of the meltinge house, both being supplied by the Counterwarden for the deliveringe the Irons, and attendinge the meltinge house. / 10 There is noe Surveyo''^ Clarke beinge supplied as before. 1 1 The Graver, and under Graver of the Irons have 200 ti Scotch per ann. ordinary, and when the mynt goes Extraordinary as the rest. . . . 16 ti 13 s 04 d This principall Graver makes all manner of Punches, and sinckes piles, and Tursells and fitts them for the workemen. 12 There is noe under Assay master nor needes there any. 13 There is noe under graver of the Irons. 14 There is noe sinoker of the Irons nor needes none. But if the stampe bee changed and a newe coyne allowed, the graver hath allowance for makinge them newe. / 15 There is noe Audit"^^ but the genneraU and the wardens supplie that place. / 16 The Smith is to bee paide for his worke accordinge his paines, and worth of the Iron. / 17 There is a Porter whoe hath 40 ti Scotch, makinge ster. . 03 ti 06 s 08 d 18 There is noe Parson, or Chappell. 19 There is no Sexton. 20 The kinge is at noe charge for Diett of officers. 21 There are noe other Clarkes than are before named. / Som totaU 86 ti 13 § 04 d stere. Another paper from the Hopetoun MSS. gives a good idea of the internal economy of the Scottish Mint in 1641. II, — Discourses and tryalls anent coining ivritein I thinh by my father. This day ^ I went doun to Coinyehouse & mette with James Ballatine principall Hopetoun Papers. warden I asked at him how manie officers there wer in the Coinihouse for the tyme. 1 11 Ocf^ 1641. XXX RECOKDS OF THE COmAGE OF SCOTLAND. S 8. Original He told me the maister, the sinker or graver, the Clerk of the bullione the warden and to th^ilSnaf counterwarden and assaymaister, as for the generaU he did not name him because he economy of tlie Mint. suspected me. The general! (who for anything he knew was Johne Alexander of Garthmure 4 sone to umquhill Alexander second brother in lyfe to Harrie now erle of Stirling) hes (sayes he) ane hundreth and fiftie pounds a yeire and fiftie merks monthlie when the works goes, Item that the say box belong to him when it is broken vp quhich will not be much, because that it conteins bot ane quartre of everie say piece That this box had three kyes, bot that they wer all broken because there was ane contest for the keeping of ,them That the generall sees that everie man doe his office and receaves and admittes all the vnder officers. The Maister who for the tyme is Johne Falconer does receave the haiU bullion and for the vnce thairof vtter fyne payes to the marchant 53 s 9 d that the king hes vpon the coinage of everie Scots staine of silver bulyion 64 ti quhairof the maister hes 15. Item the tale of money comeing in vpon exchange is 10 ti 13 s 4 d vpon the stane, quhairof the maister gettis 10 ti the rest is the kings. Item the kings tale The graver who is Charles Dikkisone for the tyme hes 40 ti Scots by yeire and 13 ti 6 § 8 d Scots in the month quhilk is 100 yeirlie quhen the workes goes quhich in the hail maks 200 ti quhen they goe, bot he allages that he hes the halfe of the extraordinarie fie albeit they goe not. The Clerk of the bullioun who is George Foullis of Eavelstoune for the tyme hes 500 merks by yeire constantlie bot that he never comes neire the house bot ance and tuyse a yeire to revize the maisters books quhereas he keepes none him selfe quhich he should doe, and that since the troubles begond he was ordeined by the Committie of Estaits to oversie the haill coinage and in a manner to supplie the generalles place who was absent. The essay maister who wes Francis Naper and vnder him Andro Balvard (bot the place is now vaiking be the said Francis his deceis, and it is thoght that the said Andro will gett the samine) hes af fie 5 marks monthlie or 40 ti by yeire and of extraordinare quhen the workes goes 10 merks monthlie or 80 ti by yeire, quhilk in the haill is yeirlie 120 ti Scots. The Warden principiU hes 50 ti yeirlie and 13 ti 6 s 8 d in the month when the workes goes. The Countre Warden (who for the tyme is Thomas Oliphant) hes 40 ti a yeire or 5 merks a month ordinare and 6 ti 13 § 4 d in the month or 80 ti a yeir of INTRODUCTION. xxxi extraordinare when the works goes quhilk in the haill makes 120 ti a yeire. Item the § 8. Original papers relating said James Ballatine who is principill Warden keepes the haill yrons and that there is not to the internal economy oC the ane Clerk of the yrons. Item that of befoir in G. Foulis his tyme The Wardens would ^^'"t- have made 500 merks by yeire of the old yrons by selling of them bak to the maister at the yeiris end, bot that now the maister as they false and blunt keepes and causes mend them. Item that the haill charges and wages of all the workmen (except the officers fies) are payed and susteined by the maister of his owne profeit. Item that this way of coinage by the mylue press and swey is a great deall more dispatcheing, bot more expensive then the vther by forgeing and striking with the hainer, for heir the yrons are more subject to brakeing and defaceing then the vther way, and the milne varie chargeable to menteane, bot that this was ane extraordinarie brave way for coining of the Stirling coper monie quhich requyred great dispatch and could not have been done the ordinare way for triple more charges, for of before there was ever three yeirs allotted to the coinage of 500 stane of copper and by the mylne and this way they would putt 1000 stane throw the yrons in the yeire. Item that the haill officiars of the Counyehouse wer to petitioiie his maiestie and the parliament anent the augmentatione of there fies and for houses to remaine in quhereas the maister has all and they have none. Item that at a tyme the maister will melt and cast bot 6 stane of silver at the most and that he will stampe it all three dayes the melting day being compted for ane. Item that the vnce of vtter fynne gold by the A. B. C. is worth 43 ti and the vnce of ellevine deneirs fynne silver goes out at worth 3 ti 10 d |. Item that all goldsmyth work should be of the standard fynnes bot that it is vtherwyse for lake of ordor. Item that it is 27 or 28 yeirs since the say box was closed. Hopetoun Papers, 12 Oct. Item that the kings haill tale vpoun the bullioun will not be 3000 ti by yeir. 1641. Item that there is above 3"^ stane of bullion owne of bygons. Item that all the bullion that is dew by the marchands will not be 60 staneis by yeire ; and that these ij yeires ther hes not eght score staines come in to the cunyiehouse by quhich compt ther will be 260 aughten resting in ther hands vnpeyed. Item that the quarte-desceues are receaved in the coiniehouse at 55 the vnce because they will be two or three graines under 11 deniers bot this must be tryed. Item that the staine of silver goes out in the kings monie viz of ll''«'" fynne at 778 ii xxxii EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. S 8. oiiginai 18 s 8 d and the pound be consequence at 48 ti 13 s 8 d and so the vnce at 3 ii 10 d and papers relating to the iiiteniai the drope at 3 s 9 d d bot it holds not as heirefter sal be proven &c, economy of the Mint. That the buUione comes in at 713 ii 12 § the staine of 12"^^" fyne so the kings tale vpon the st of bullione is 65 ti 6 s 8 d. Item the pound of bullione comes in at 44 ti 12 § so the kings tale ther vpon will be 4 ti Is 8 d. Item the vnce of bullione comes in at 55 s 9 d so the kings tale thervpon is 5 s IJ d and als the drope comes answerable in 3 s 5 d so the kings tale therevpon is 3 |f d all this by ther compt. The pund Troy English consisting of 12 oz everie oz of 20 d weight everie pennie of 24 g''^ etc is equall to 12 oz 5 drs 9 gr 18 pr Scots or 169,002 primes Scots so that 12 oz trois are lyghter then the 12 oz troy be 3114 prs Scots now ther should be 62 s sterling peices in everie ane of the oz Troy, and of other peices proportionallie be contract betwixt his maiestie and Th. Achesone Mr Coinyier anno 1604 quhich is 37 ii 4 s Scots the 12 oz Troy and the 12 oz Trois 36 ii 10 s 3 |f f ^ d the 3114 prs being worth 13s 8f|||d and so the Trois oz ^(I of liters fy^g gQgg Q^t ^he kings mony be the said contract at 3 ii 10 d f Jf | d and the drope at 3 s 9 d |§f| d and the deniere at 2 s 6 d III I and the grane 1 d ffif d and so the lb weight goes out at 48 ii 13 § 8 d f^|| d so that all thir fractiones are omitted, by the quhilk in the stane (quhilk goes be consequence out at 778 ii 19 § 6 d d makes (be the ordinarie accompt) of difference in the staine weight below the conditiones of the contract 10df^J|d Now the buUion of 12'^'^''^ fynne (as I am informed) comes in at 55 s 9 d once so the king's tale vpon the once trois of bullione is 5 § 1 d g|f| or if ye allott to the king the 12 pt. frie anlie as it is conceaved be the said contract ; there should be payed for the once thereof 55 § 9 d Igfi so that the kings tale vpon the once should be only 5 s f gff d Item the lib. of ([ comeing in at 44 ii 12 s by there compt the kings tale vpon the pound is 4 ii Is 8 d lilt d bot paying therefor according to the contract 44 ti 12 s 6 ffff d The kings tale wiU be bot only 4 ii 1 § 1 fxi| Item the st. comeing in at 713 ii 12 s by there accompt the kings tale should be vpon everie st Scots of bullione 65 ii 7 § 6 fHI ^ albeit ordinarlie they esteme it bott to 65 ii 6 s 8 d because compting the once at 55 s 9 d only neglecting the fractiones, The st. amonts only to 778 ii 18 s 8 d Item the staine of bullione conforme to the contract should come in at 714 ii 1 § ' This betwixt thir scores is most exactlie calcxilat. INTEODUCTION. XXX iii 2 f Iff d and so the kings tale vpon everie Scots trois staine of bullione should be 64 ti § 8. Original 18 s 3 d papers relating ±o b o 9 3 8 9 u. to the internal . economy of the Item by compt T find that a graine weight of fynnes being worth two graines of weght Mint, vtter fynne in ane ounce of silver will be in ane staine weight trois of ([ worth 21 d^ 8 g" vtter fynne silver quhich in the coinage of 200 st weght of d will be (compting 1 g^ vnder) worth 465 ti and 2 g" vnder 931 li 10 s or 15 18 g''^ ^\ of 11 d fynne quhich at the forsaid rate conforme to the contract is worth ^ , and as it goes worth ^ § 9. From a very early period certain immunities and privileges were secured to the § 9. The privi- leges of the officials and workers in the mint by gifts of exemption ratified by various Acts of Parlia- oiHciais and Workers of the ment. In 1358 David II. granted to Adam Tor and the other officers of the mint, freedom Mint, from all challenges, supports, duties, and contributions whatever ; and in all pleas and complaints made them liable to their own jurisdiction only. The only record which now remains of this gift of King David I. is found in an unfinished memorial for the mint officers. III. — Memorial for the General and other Members of the Mint in Scot- land with the Ojpinion of Council thereupon and act of the Town Council in consequence thereof By Letters patent granted by King David concerning the privileges given to the MSS. Soc of Ant. of Scot- Cuenyie House of Edinburgh dated the 1^' of July 1358 directed to Adam Torrie Warden land. James Milliken Mint Master and to the rest of the Workman and Servants appointed to the said Office His Majesty makes them free and acquits them of all challenges supports duties or contributions what soever either upon their Lands Tenements Goods moveable or Cattle or Wares whatsoever to be set or appointed excepting only the contribution to be set on them for the payment of his ransom and delivery and that therefore the said J ames and all other Officers under him shall stand at the decision of the said Adam in all Pleas and complaints which concern them except only the pleas of freeholding and our Crown and that they shall not be put upon Assyse Juries or recognitions whatsoever And if perhaps the said James or his servants will or shall of their accord either by themselves or Blank in original. 8 xxxiv RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 9. The privi- with the commouality of his Majestys said kingdom grant and give his Majesty taxations offidr/s"nd it is his Majestys will that the said support or contributions be inspected and taken up by Workers of the Mint. the said Warden and that he also be taxed in such supports yet so [Original not finished.] These privileges were confirmed from time to time. James V. in 1542 gave licence to all those working in the royal mint to stay at home in all forays and raids, and freed them from watching and warding. In 1579 the following letter under the Privy Seal was passed : — IV. — Grant of Privileges of the Mint. Reg. Sec. Sig., AuG Lettre maid with auise of the lordis of our souerane lordis secreit counsall makand mensioun that the generall of his cunyehous Mr Cunyear Wardanis sinkar syer prentaris forgearis and vtheris awaiting vpoun the seruice thairof ar his maiestieis daylie seruitouris and man avait vpoun the said cunyehous for seruing of his hienes thairin and na wayis depairt thau'fra Thairfoir and for dyuers vtheris causis and considerationis moving his maiestie Grantand and gevand licence to the saidis generall Mr Cunyeoure Wardin sinkar sayer prentaris forgearis and melteris to remane and abyde at hame fra all oistis raidis weiris wapinschawinis gaddringis and assembleis maid or to be maid be our said Souerane Lord his lieutenentis or Wardanis be sey or land within this realme or outwith and fra all compering and passing vpoun inquiestes or assyssis in actionis criminall and ciuill scheref courtis borrow Courtis baillie courtis of perambulatioun or vtheris and exemand and dischargeand thame and ilk ane of thame thairof and fra all vaching and wairding sua lang as thai labour and workis in the said Cunyehous or awaitis thairon vndischargeit and grantand that thai sail not be callit nor accusit thairfoir Nor incur ony skaith nor danger thairthrow in thair persounis landis or gudeis in ony ways in tyme cumming Notwithstanding ony actis statuteis lettres proclamatiounis or chargeis speciaU or generall maid or to be maid in the contrair or ony panis contenit thairin Anent the (luhilkis our Souerane Lord dispenssis with thame be the said lettre &c. discharging all oure said souerane lordis justices Justice Clarkis shereflEis steuartis cronaris provestis aldermen and bailliis of borrowis and all vther his ofi&ciaris present and to cum and thair deputeis of INTRODUCTION. XXXV all dytting attecliing arreisting Jorneying foUowing accusing calling vnlawing preceding § 9. The privi- leges of the poinding trubling or intrometting with the saidis generall maister cunyeour wardanis Officials and Workers of the sinkar seyer prentaris forgearis and vtheris awaiting vpone the seruice of his hienes Mint. Cunyehous thair landis or gudeis thairfoir and of thair officeis in that parte be the said lettres for ever &c. At Striuiling the xxv day of Junii the yeir of J™ v'= thrie scoir nyntene yeiris. Per Signaturam. The Courts of Wardenry of the Mint i were particularly confirmed by James VI. in 1584-1604, and 1612, and power was given to the General of the Mint to repledge his officers and workmen from all other jurisdictions.^ Any infringement of these privileges was viewed with the utmost jealousy, and instant protestation made. A paper drawn up in 1634 gives a very clear account of the privileges and immunities of the officers of the mint. V. — Copie of a Signature of ratif catioun of the priuileges of the 3Iynt of Scotland send vp 14 Dec'' 1634, (Never past.) Our Souerane lord ordanis ane letre to be maid vnder liis privie seall of that his Hopetoun Papers. majesties Kingdome of Scotland in dew form. To and in favours of his maiesties weilbelouit day lie servitouris The generall, M'' Coyner, Ward ane counterwardane sincker essay er prenters forgers melters and vthers members of his maiesties coynehous of Scotland present and being for the tyme, Eatifiand apprevand and for his majestie and his successors perpetuallie coufirmand all and whatsomeuer letres and giftis of exemptionis liberteis fredomes priuileges and Immwuniteis maid and granted to thame at any time heirtofoir be his maiesties maist noble progenitouris of most happie memorie And speciallie ane letre of exemptioun and priuilege be vmquhil King Dauid of glorious memorie To the officers and workmen of his maiesties coynehous for the tyme makand thame frie of all tallages supportis, dewteies, and contributionis whatsumeuer to be set or put vpone thame thair 1 Mem. of Edinburgh, vol. ii. p. 97. ^ An account of the proceedings before this Court will be found in vol. ii. p. 130, cxlviii. xxxvi EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 9. The privi- landis tenementis guideis cattell or merchandice whatsumeuer, Exceptand onlie the contri- leges of the « i . . • tit- j Officials and butionis to be set or put on thame for payment of his maiesties ransome and denuerie, and Workers of the Mint. that the whole members of the said coynehous shall stand at the decisioun of the M"^ thairof in all pleyis and coniplaintis quhilk concemis thame (except onlie for pleyis pertening or that may pertene to frie holding and his maiesties croun) and that they shall not be put vpone assyses Jureis or recognitiounis whatsomeuer, And in cace the members of the said coynehous will or shall of thair awin accord grant any taxatioun It is his maiesties will that the saidis supportis and contributiounis be taken vp be the wairden and keiper and that na person sould mell in any sort in setting doun of the saidis supportis, bot onlie the said Warden, as the said gift of the dait the fyft day of Februar and of his maiesties regne the xxviij yeir mair amplie proportis. And also ane vther gift granted be his maiesties vmquhil darrest father of most happie memorie, to and in favouris of his hienes generall M"" Coyner . wardanes sincker Esseyer prenters forgers melters and vthers members of his maiesties coyne- hous of his Kingdome of Scotland present and being for the tyme Gevand and grantand wnto thame speciall licence and libertie to remane and abyde at hame fra all and sindrie his maiesties hoistis, weiris, armeis, raidis, wapinshawings gadderings and assemblies what- someuer to be made be his majestie his lieutenentis wardanes, shireffs, stewartes, crowners, pro vest and bailies of burrowis and all vthers his majesties of&cers present and to cum be sey or land within his maiesties realme of Scotland or outwith the samyn in ony tymo cuming and inlyke maner to abyde fra all watchings, warding and stenting whatsumeuer and to be frie thairof And also to remaine and abyde fra all compeirings and passings vpone inquestis and assyses Justice Courtis Justice airis Shiref courtis baillie courtis apprysing and perambulatioun of landis, taking of cognitiounis or in any vther actionis criminall or ciuile whatsumeuer exemand thame and ilk ane of thame thairfra. And his maiestie will and grantit that thay nor nane of thame sould be callit criminallie or ciuilie for the samyn or incurr any skaith perrell or danger thairfoir in their personis landis gudis or offices in ony wayis in tymecuming, notwithstanding whatsumeuer his maiesties actis statutis ordinances letres proclamation nis speciall or generall maid or to be maid in the contrair or any panes contenit or to be contenit thairin anent the quhilk his maiestie dispensit for euer, Discharging his maiesties iustice iustice clerk lieutenentis wardanes Shireflfis Stewartis crownars provests and baiUies of burrowis and all vther officers present and to cum of all dyting atteitching arresting Journeying following accusing calling vnlawing proceiding aganis pounding troubling or intromitting with the saidis officers and memberis of his maiesties coynehouse stenting or taxing thame thair landis INTRODUCTION. xxxvii gudis or geir for tlie premisses and of thair offices in that pairt for euer, as in § 9. The privi- lcg6S of tllB the samyn gift vnder his maiesties privie seill of the dait at Halyrudhous the xxij day Officials and Workers of the of Aprile 1584 and of his majesties regne the sevintene yeiris at mair lenth is conteinit, Mint. And in lyke maner twa vther giftes of exemptione to the effect foirsaid the ane of the dait at Whythall the fyftene day of November 1604 and the vther of the dait the 25 day of Jiinii 1579 yeiris as the samyn mair fullie proportis In all and sundrie heidis clausses and articles pointis and circumstances whatsumeuer contenit in the saids giftis and ilk ane of thame with all that lies followit or may follow thairvpone for euer, Attoure his maiestie for his hienes and his successors will and grantis and perpetuallie decernis and ordanis that this present ratificatioun is and shalbe in all tyme cuming als valide effectuall and suflicient to the saids whole officers and members of his hienes coynehous foirsaid present and to cum for the bruiking and joising of the priuileges liberteis and Immwniteis mentionat in the saids giftis as gif the samyn giftis and ilk ane of thame respectiue wer heirin worde be worde speciallie and particularlie incorporat and insert dispensand thair- with for euer, and our said souerane lord not being willing to diminish any of the priuileges and Immwnities grantit be his maiesties most noble predecessors of worthie memorie to the saids officers and members of his maiesties coynehous foirsaid bot rather to augment the samyn Thairfore his maiestie hes of new gevin and grantit and be the tenour heirof gevis and grantis to the saids generall Mr Coyner wardane Counterwardane sinker esseyer prenters forgers melters and vthers awaiting vpone his maiesties service in the said coynehous present and being for the tyme speciall licence and libertie to remaine and abyde at hame fra all and sundrie his maiesties hostis weiris armeis raidis wapinshawings gadderings and assembleis whatsumeuer to be maid be his maiestie his lieutenentis wardanes Shirreffs stewartis crowners provestis and baillies of burro wis and all vthers his maiesties officers present and to cum be sey or land within this Kingdome or outwith the samyn in any tyme cuming, and in lyk maner making thame frie and quhyt of all watchings wardings and of all compeiring or passing vpone inqueistis and assyssis justice airis iustice courtis shirreff courtis baillie courtis apprysing or perambulatiounis of landis taking of cognitiounis or in any vther actionis criminall and ciuile, quhatsumeuer, and als makand thame and ilk ane of thame frie and qwyte of all taxatiounis stentis contri- butionis subsideis or vther burdingis imposed or to be imposed vpone his maiesties leiges in any tyme heirefter for whatsumeuer cans or occassion bygane or to cum, exemand thame and ilk ane of thame thairfra, sa lang as they serve his majestie in his said coynehous undischarged for all the dayis of thair lyftymes, And his maiestie will and xxxviii RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. S 9. Tiie I'livi- grantis and for his liienes and his successors decernis and ordanis that they nor nana of leges of the Officials and thame shalbe callit criminallie or ciuillie for the samyn or incur any skaith perrell or Workers of the Mint. danger thairfore in thair personis lands guids or offices in anywayes in tyme cumming notwithstanding whatsumeuer actis lawis statutis ordinances lettres or proclamatiounis speciall or generall maid or to be maid in the contrair or any panes contenit or to be contenit therein anent the quhilk his rnaiestie dispensis with thame be thir presentis, Discharging his maiesties iustice iustice Clerk lieutenentis wardanes Shireffis Stewartis crowners provest and bailleis of Edinburgh and vthers burrowis and vthers officers present and to cum of all dyting atteiching arresting Journeying following accuseing calling vnlawing poinding troubling intrometting with or any wayes proceiding aganis the said generall M"" Coyner wardanes sinker esseyer prenters forgers melters and vthers awaiting his maiesties seruice in the said coynehous stenting or taxing of thame thair landis or guids for the premisses and of thair offices in that part for euer be thir presentis, And for the saids officers and members of his maiesties said coynehous present and to cum thair better securitie his rnaiestie willis that the lords of his maiesties secreit counsall grant and direct letres to command and charge the provest and baillies of Edinburgh to obserue and keip to our saids officers and members of our coynehous the priuileges of thair saids exemptiones conforme to the tenour thairof in all pointis, and to desist and ceiss from all troubling poinding or warding of his maiesties saids officers and members of the coynehous foirsaid or any of thame for any maner of taxt stent contributioun watching or warding whatsumeuer vnder the paine of rebellioun and putting of thame to the home and gif they do in the contrair to incontinent therefter denunce thame his maiesties rebells and put thame to the horne and esheit and inbring all thair moueable guids to his maiesties vse for thair contemptioun and disobedience according as his maiesties vmquhile darrest father of glorious memorie causit direct siclyke letres in his awin tyme and that the said lettre be extendit in the best forme with all clausses neidfull Gevin. To the original copy of this gift in the Hopeton Papers there is appended the fol- lowing note : — 28 Ocf 1641. This gift was delyvered to me be Johne Falconar M"' of his majesties Mint amongst some vther copies quhilk hes beene drawen vp by M"' Briot M'" of the Mint for the tyine, for it is altogether derogatorie from the generalls place poure and Jurisdictione in respect it never makes mentione thereof Only takeing advantage fra ane expressione in K Dauids INTRODUCTION. xxxix Gift wherein the officers and workmen are ordained in all maters to stand to the decisioune § 9. The privi- leges of the of Adam Torre thair M'' it miserablie wreists the samine as if that gift had meaned that Officials and Workers of thi- they should stand to the decisione of the M'' of the Mint, whereas it is cleere in the said M'nt- gift that Ja Florence Mint Mr is also subjected to the said Adames Jurisdictione, who is therein only designed warden of the Coinyie in the whoUe Kingdome, which is ather equivalent to the word Generall of the Mint or vtherwyse the warden who was cheefe in the Mint before the place of generall hes beene erected. § 10. The earliest recorded duty paid to the sovereign was in 1358/ when seven pennies § lo. Seiguor- ages. from each pound of silver were deducted as seignorage. As the pound of silver in 1367 ^ was struck into three hundred and fifty-two pennies, the royal duty at this period was very nearly one-fiftieth, or about two per cent. In 1441 ^ it was sixteen shillings from each pound of gold, sixty-four pence from each pound of silver coined into groats, or sixty pence when coined into small money. After the new coinage of 1451 * it was thirty-two pence from each pound of silver and as the pound of silver was now struck into one thousand and twenty-four pence, the seignorage was rather more than three per cent. The royal duty from each pound of gold in 1464 ^ was twelve shillings, and from each pound of silver coined into small money sixteen pence. The rate of 1451, or thirty-two pence from each pound of silver coined into groats, was still retained. By the contract of 1525 ^ the king was to have twenty-five shillings from each ounce of coined gold, and from each pound of coined silver of x d fine, eighteen shillings, or about six and three quarters per cent. In 1526 '' the seignorage was twenty-six shillings from the ounce of gold, and from the ounce of silver twenty shillings, including the fees of mintage. During the reign of Mary and James VI. the duty to the sovereign and the expenses of mintage amounted together, on an average, to about one-twelfth part. The mint was, however, often let at this period for a fixed rent, the tacksman making what profit he could. In 1593 the weekly rent of the mint was one thousand merks.^ But at the accession 1 Vol. i. p. 3, VII. 3 Vol. i. p. 26, xii. ^ Vol. i. p. 43, xix. ^ Vol. i. p. 55, iv. 2 Vol. i. p. 2, IV. * Vol. i. p. 28, xviii. ^ Vol. i. p. 63, xxxii. « Vol. i. p. 185, xc. xl RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 10. Seiguoi- of James VI. to the English throne the seignorage on the gold was fixed at twenty-five shillings five pennies per ounce, and the twelfth part of the silver was taken for the seignorage and expense of mintage.^ In 1683 the Commissioners appointed to report regarding the mint recommended that in future there should be a free coinage,^ which was carried into efiect by an Act of Parliament in 1686. §11. The Mint .§ 11. In early times when the moneyers moved about with the king, and the method at Edinbui-gh. of coining, being rude and simple, did not require any cumbrous machinery, it was unneces- sary to have any special building set apart for the purpose.^ But whenever the amount of money required became greater, and improvements were introduced in the practical work of the coinage, the mints were gradually reduced in number and confined to the more important towns. From the earliest period Edinburgh was one of the principal mints. About 1357 a royal charter granted the Cunyie-House with its liberties to Adam Tor and James Mulekyn. The coinages of that and the following year were minted in the house of John de Corry, in Edinburgh,* who received an annual rent of five pounds. At the same time payments are recorded for repairing the residences of the moneyers. It is lilcely that at this period the mint was located temporarily in any convenient place suitable for the purpose. Thus in 1438 a payment of three pounds thirteen shillings and four pence occurs in the Exchequer Bolls ^ as rent, " Hospitii domini Eegis prope portam de Kirkstile . . . in quo hospitio dicta moneta fabricatur." Again, in 1441,*^ in the account of the Master of the Money, there is an entry of rent paid to a certain John Swift for the use of his house for coining in. And in 1442, in the account of a coinage at Stirling,'' another payment is recorded to Eobert Hakate, " pro firma domus dicte cone." Between this time and 1527 a special building for the mint must have been erected. For in that year James V. assigned to Hochstetter and others (in a contract entered into about the coinage),^ " domus monetaria Edinburgensis." This cunyiehouse may have been at Holyrood. In 1562 ^ an entry in the treasurer's account shows a payment of four hundred and sixty pounds odd by the master coiner to the master of work " for the bigging of the cunyehous within the castell of Edinburgh and beting of the cwnyehous within the palice of Halierudhous." Another proof that the " cunyie house " was at the Abbey at that time, is found in the " Diurnal of 1 Vol. i. p. 282, CLXV. The term " Brassage," « Vol. i. p. 3, vii. never seems to have been used in the Scottish Mint. ^ Yq] [ p_ 23, vii. 2 Vol. ii. p. 208, I. fi Vol. i. p. 24, ix. ^ Hence one reason for the number of mints ^ Vol. i. p. 26, xii. under the early kings. Thirteen are recorded on * Vol. i. p. 65, xxxiv. the long double cross sterlings of Alexander. Lind- ^ Vol. i. p. 84, xxxvi. say, pp. 76, 77, 78. INTRODUCTION. xli Eemarkable Occurrents," ^ under the date July 1559, where it is stated that the Prior of The Mint at Edinburgh. St Andrews and the Earl of Glencairn, with the congregation, passed to the Abbey of Holy- rood, and there " tuke and intromittit with the queenis irinis of the cunyie hous and brocht the samyne up to Ediuburgh to his awin lodging quhairat the quenis grace regent was very discontentit."^ This mint appears to have been situated in the outer court of the Palace of Holyrood, on the south side of the Canongate, and on the west side of the Abbey Close, and to have still been called the mint in 1567 when Darnley was murdered. Maitland makes a mistake when he says,^ that at this time the mint was situated in the house, in his time, occupied by the Dowager Duchess of Gordon. The deposition of Dalgleish, taken after the king's murder, shows that it was not.* The mint erected in the Castle of Edinburgh was used by Sir William Kirkcaldy to coin the " auld cunyie of the Queue." ^ During the siege of 1572 this cunyie house, along with other portions of the castle, was destroyed; and in 1574 the mint was finally established in a building at the foot of Todrick's Wynd, in the Cowgate, where coining ojierations were carried on, till finally put an end to by the Union. From an Act of the Privy Council in 1581,'^ it appears that the coinage of the succeeding year was to take place in the house of Archibald Stewart in Edinburgh, as the " cunyiehous besyde Halyrudehous is presentlie rwynous vnmeit for working of the said Work." It is not stated where this was. In 1597 the Royal Mint was in such a ruined state that^ the work of coinage could not be carried on. Part of the buildings in Todrick's Wynd seem to have been built a century later, as they bear the date 1674. The original building known as " Thomas Aitchinsounes Luging," contained the council-room of the officers, with lodgings for some of the officials. In the more recent part of the building was the coining- house, and in a projecting wing the finishing house. In 1817 the buildings of the old Scottish Mint were finally disposed of, and ceased to be national property. The following is the text of the Act of Parliament of Great Britain which authorised the sale of the mint in Edinburgh : — " IV. And whereas it is expedient that the office of Governor of the Mint in Scotland statutes at Large, cap. Q1, should, upon the Termination of the present existing Interest therein, be held by the ^'i'-. Geo. III. (7 July 1817.) 1 Maitland Club Ed., p. 53. Crim. Trials Supp., p. 495. 2 Wilson supposes this to have been the " Cunyie ^ " Diurnal of Occurrents," p. 291. Nook" in the Candlemaker Bow. " Mem. of Edin.," " " Memorials of Edinburgh," vol. ii. p. 95. vol. ii. p. 122. 7 Vol. i. p. 156, lix. 3 Maitland's "Edinburgh," pp. 156, 182. » Vol. i. p. 269, CLX. / xlii EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 11. The Mint Master of the Mint in England for the time being ; and that the other Offices of the Mint at Edinburgh. in Scotland should, upon the Termination of the respective present existing Interest therein, be lield by the Officers discharging Duties corresponding to the Duties of these Offices in England ; and that the Buildings of the Mint in Scotland should be sold ; Be it further enacted, That from and after the termination of the present existing Interest in the Office of the Governor of the Mint in Scotland, the said Office shall vest in and thenceforth and for ever thereafter be held by the Master and Worker of the Mint in England for the time being, without any special Appointment for that purpose or in that behalf, and without any Salary, Fee or Emolument in respect thereof; and all the other Offices in the Mint in Scotland shall, from and after the respective Terminations of the present existing Interests therein respectively, be held by the officers respectively discharging in England Duties corresponding to the Duties of such offices, without any additional Salary, Fee or Emolu- ment in respect thereof ; any thing contained in any Act or Acts of Parliament, or Law or Laws, or Custom or Indenture relating to the Mint of Scotland, to the contrary notwithstanding. " V. And be it further enacted, That upon the Termination of the whole of the existing Interests of such of the said officers as are entitled to Apartments in the said Buildings, or upon their relinquishing their Eights thereto, it shall be lawful for the Lord High Treasurer of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, or the Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury of the said United Kingdom, or any Three or more of them, and they are hereby authorized and required, as soon as conveniently may be after such Termination or Eelinquishment, to order and direct the Buildings appropriated to the Mint in Scotland to be sold, and the Proceeds, after deducting the Charges attending the Sale or Sales, to be paid to the Eeceiver General in Scotland ; and the same when so paid shall be accounted for by him in the same manner with any Public Monies received by him." § 12. Pio- § 12. Mints were also established in many of the provincial towns. Of these viiicial Mints. provincial mints we have very little authentic record. A right of striking money was claimed for the See of St Andrews from the very earliest times. In 1283 Alexander III., standing before the high altar in the kirk of St Andrews, granted the right of striking money to God and St Andrew as freely as any of the bishops there had enjoyed it in his father's time or before.^ ' Wynton Cbroii. vii. x. 405. INTEODUCTION. xliii James II. in 1452, and James III. in 1479, confirmed to the See of St Andrews all § 12. Pro- former privileges. The " Golden Charter " in 1483 specially mentions " monetse fabrica," and so late as 1 553 the same right was confirmed. It is doubtful, however, if the episcopal mint ever issued any coinage. Martina in his " Eeliquise Divi Andreae," mentions that the bishops could not coin above a groat, and it is probable that though the right was admitted it was not exercised. The only coins which bear this mint on them are the sterlings of John Baliol. A sterling of the reign of Alexander IT. coined there, is recorded at Tyssen's sale,^ and during the usurpation of Baliol many coins bear the legend CIVITS8 SSNDRee. Whether these coins were struck under this grant, or whether a mint was established there by royal authority during this period only, cannot now be ascertained. A mint existed in Glasgow in the reign of Alexander II., as appears from the coins preserved. And it would seem from M'Ure's " History " to have been used afterwards, though the later coin of this mint given in Lindsay is certainly false. He says— ^ " There has been a Mint House here also as was in most of the Considerable Burghs ; for some of the Coins of King Robert III. bear to have been stamped here, and have the King's Picture croun'd without a Sceptre and Eobert dei Gratia Eex Scotorum ; in the Inner circle Villa de Glasgow : and on the Outer Dominus Proctector — some of w"^ are Eeserved in the Cabinets of the Curious & some were Found lately (1733) by Masons among the Eubbish of the Office Houses, as M'' Eussel informs me who is Governor of the Correction House." None of these are now known to exist, though from the very correct description given of them tliere is no reason to doubt that a mint existed here in this reign. Dundee appears first in the reign of Eobert II., nor is there any notice of it again till 1585,^ when a minute of the Privy Council ordered the mint to be transferred from Edin- burgh to Dundee in consequence of the plague then raging in the capital. In Achesoun's " Compt of the Cunyie" it is recorded that a sum of £551, 15s. 9d. was paid for repairing the "Coyne hous"at Dundee, and transporting the coining tools there and back again. Again, so late as 1651 * commissioners were appointed by the Scottish Parliament to visit the " Coynehous " at Dundee, and to spend two thousand merks on repairing it. It appears from a local history^ that a close leading from the High Street is still called the Mint vincial Mints. Close. * Sale Catalogue, p. 179. 2 Page 9.5. Wingate, p. 145. 3 Vol. i. p. 165, Lxxi. Vol. ii. p. 134, VIII. 6 Mackie's " Hist, of Dundee," p. 147. xliv EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. S 12. Pro- Berwick was a mint for Scottish coins from tlie time of David 1. During the reign of vincial Mints. James IV., Gilbert Fish^ is mentioned as striking money there, but no other record of this mint can be discovered. Stirling appears as a mint on the double cross coins of Alexander, and again on those of James I. and James IT. Its last appearance is during the reign of Mary, when placks (or babeis) were coined there. In 1442 Alexander Tod was appointed moneyer of the king in Stirling and coined gold and silver.^ John de Levingston was warden, and the mint was established in the house of one Eobert Hakate, who received a rent for it. Afterwards the mint was situated in that portion of the rock of Stirling which fronted the lower extremity of St John's Street. The mint house was pulled down about five years ago to make room for some modern improvements. It is a tradition that Alexander I. was the first who established a mint at Stirling, and struck sterlings there with silver found in the Ochils at Alva. The alloyed coinage of money struck here was minted from copper found at Airthrey. Dumbarton appears as a place of mintage during the reign of Robert III., but never either before or after ; nor can any record or tradition concerning it, now be recovered. Annan occurs as a mint on the authority of sterlings of Alexander reading SN or SNpe, but no other evidence can be produced regarding it. The mint at Aberdeen is said to have been established by William the Lion.'' It was in operation during the reigns of Alexander II., David II., Robert III., James I., James II., and James IV., as appears from coins still preserved. In the reign of James V., William RoUand was master of the mint of Aberdeen,* though no record exists of its operations during that or any succeeding reign, A small lane leading froru the south-west corner of the market place is called Exchequer Row, and here it is said that the mint was situated. Coins of James I. were minted at Linlithgow, and local tradition has it that the silver was found about three miles from the town, and was minted at a house on the west side of the market place stiU known as the " Cunyie Neuk." Of the other mints mentioned by Lindsay^ no record can now be found. Large coinages took place at Perth and Roxburgh, and possibly some local trace of the mints there may yet be recovered. Dunbar, Lanark, and Montrose are known only from the coins. ^ Vol. i. p. 49, vr. 2 Vol. i. 1). 26, XII. ^ Book of Bon- Accord. * Nisbet's " Heraldry," vol. i. p. 237. ^ " View of the Coinage of Scotland," p. 203. INTRODUCTION. xlv Only one specimen of the sterling reading FRG is known in this country, though a fine § 12. Pro- vincial Mints. example of it occurs in the collection at Copenhagen, which confirms the attribution to Forres. Inchaffray must be deleted from the list of Scottish mints, as the coin which was supposed to have been minted there is now attributed more correctly to Inverness — a mint which was worked so late as the reign of James II., but concerning which no documentary evidence can be obtained. Haddington is supposed to have been one of the mints of David I., and it is possible that other mints may yet be discovered. § 13. The supply of bullion for the Scottish mint was mainly derived from three § 13- Supply of Bullion for sources, y'iz., first, the duties laid on merchants to pay a certain amount of bullion for t^'*^ ^''^t- commodities exported by them ; next, the melting down of foreign coin and plate ; and lastly, the produce of the native mines. We have no exact knowledge of how the supply of bullion was kept up in the earlier periods. It is said^ that David I. had a silver mine in Cumberland, and there is a grant by him ^ to the Abbey of Dunfermline in 1153 of all the gold which should accrue to him from Fife and Fothrif. But in 1425 two sufficient men were appointed by the king's chamberlain-depute ^ at each port to receive the king's custom and make account thereof to Exchequer. In 1436 * these customs are distinctly specified, and are fixed at three ounces of burnt silver to be j)aid by the merchant for each sack of wool exported ; for each " serplath" in freight, three ounces ; for each " last " of hides, nine ounces ; and for five Ham- burgh barrels, three ounces. These amounts were frequently altered by Act of Parliament. Thus in 1474 ^ for each serplaith and for each last of salmon the amount is fixed at two ounces, and for each last of hides, four ounces. In 1483 ^ each serplaith of wool, hides, skins, or cloth, is to pay four ounces, and the last of salmon also four ounces ; and again in 1488,^ each serplaith of wool, last of salmon or four hundred cloth, four ounces ; each last of hides, six ounces; and each last of herring, two ounces. John Achisone, master coiner, and John Aslowane, burgess of Edinburgh in 1562,^ obliged themselves to pay to the mint forty-five ounces of silver for every thousand stone weight of lead ore exported from the mines of Glengower and Wenlok. It is unnecessary to give more examples of these duties, from which, there is no doubt, the principal part of the bullion was derived. ^ Macpherson's " Annals of Commerce," vol. i. p. 324. * Act Pari. Scot. vol. ii. p. 106, c. 4. 2 Char. Dun. vii. f. 7. " Act Pari. Scot. vol. ii. p. 16fi, c. 10. 3 Vol. i. p. 16, II. ^ Act Pari. Scot. vol. ii. p. 213, c. 1. * Act Pari. Scot. vol. ii. p. 23, c. 7. « Reg. Sec. Con. Acta, 1561-3. xlvi RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. §13. Supply of From a very early period foreign money was allowed to be current in Scotland. In Bullion for the Mint. the reign of David II. an Act of Parliament allowed English money to have course in the country.^ Coins of France and of Flanders are mentioned in the time of his successor, and in every Act almost which altered the value of the currency coins of other nations are specified. This foreign money diminished the necessity for native coinage, though it must have complicated mercantile dealings to a very great degree. But besides permitting these coins to be current, it appears from the records that they were often melted down and recoined in native currency, not without profit. Thus in the " Treasurer's accounts " under the date 1504-6,^ there is an entry of three hundred and seventy-seven pounds as the profit arising from changing three thousand six hundred and ninety six "coronarum viz scutorum Francie " .... "in moneta Scoticana." Similar entries occur in succeeding years. Numerous notices of melting down plate for the coinage are also found in the records. The treasurer accounts in 1506 for the profits arising " de tribus antiquis amphoris argentiis conetatis in le plakkis " and " de duobus placatis argentiis vocatis de Balgony .... conetatis in singulis denariis : " and " de conetacione viginti trium le lynkis auri de magna cathena domini regis .... conetati in le unicornis," and similar entries are found in every reign. The amount of bullion derived in early times from the native mines was very considerable. Leslie, in his " Descriptio Regnorum et Insularum Scotise," says that gold was discovered in the Leadhills in the time of James IV. In the treasurer's accounts for 1511, 1512, and 1513 payments occur to Sir J. Pettigrew for expenses incurred in working the gold mine in Crawford Mour.^ In 1515 the Queen Regent recommenced operations there, which had been interrupted by the death of the king at Flodden, and sent the " Lord postulate of the Yles for to pas to Craufurd muir and thare to set workmen and mak ordinances for the gold myne." The Regent Albany coined the famous Albany medal out of gold found in this mine.* In 1526 all mines of gold and silver were conceded to Joachim Hochstetter and some other Germans, apparently for the space of forty-three years ; but the contract for the coinage, only specifies ten years.^ Their operations do not seem to have been very successful, as in 1539 miners were brought from Lorraine to work for the mint, and their better skill was rewarded by much increased returns. In 1540 one hundred and thirty ' Vol. i. p. 1, II. 1 State Papers, Henry VIII., vol. v. part iv. No. 2 Vol. i. p. 52, XIV. Dxciii. p. 575. •■' Chahuers' "Caledonia," iii. p. 732. * Act Pari. Scot. vol. ii. p. 310. ® Vol. i. p. 60, XXIV. INTRODUCTION. xlvii ounces of gold " lucrati in mora de Craufurd et terris de Coreheid" were coined into § 13. Supply of Bullion for ducats, better known as bonnet pieces. In 1539 ^ the Regalia of Scotland was made from Mint, native gold, forty-one and a quarter ounces being given to the king's crown and thirty- five ounces to the queen's. An interesting manuscript in the British Museum ^ gives an account of the operations at this time, from which it appears that in some summers as many as eight hundred persons were employed in working for gold, and great quantities were obtained. Very little was done during Mary's minority, though the Queen Dowager sent to England for miners. In 1562 the lead mines were let on condition of a payment in silver as lordship, and in 1564 a privilege of working gold and other mines between Tay and the sheriffdom of Orkney was granted to John Stewart of Tarlair and his son. During the minority of James VI., ^ Cornelius de Voss got permission from the Regent Murray to search for gold, and was so far successful that it is recorded he sent eight pounds of gold to the mint within the space of thirty days. De Voss made over his privilege to Arnold Bronkhurst, who failed to make anything out of it, and in 1583 all the gold, silver, copper, tin, and lead mines were granted to Eustachius Roche for twenty-one years. The contract will be found in the unprinted Privy Council Records.* If, in the course of his researches for the metals he should chance to find " coll," he was permitted to take as much as could be used in his work, but was not to dispose of it. Out of every hundred ounces of gold found he was to pay the king seven ; and of the other metals ten per cent. All the rest of the gold and silver was to be brought to the mint at the rate of £22 for the ounce of gold and £2 for the ounce of silver. He was also to pay 1000 stone weight of lead yearly and 2000 lb weight of copper. This contract was put an end to by the Scottish Parliament in 1592,^ and a special officer, called the master of the metals, appointed to take charge of all metals and minerals pertaining to the crown. Napier of Merchistoun, then general of the mint, entered his protestation against this act. Several other adventurers tried their fortune at gold searching but without much success. Laing, in his " History of Scotland," ° says James VI. expended £3000 in the search, and only got 3 ounces of gold. In 1616 Stephen Atkinson got a licence to search for gold and "the Saxeer Calumeer and Talyneer stones in Craufuird muir." He wrote an account of the gold mines in Scotland for the purpose of getting the king to do something for him. His treatise contains mucli curious matter, though it had not the effect he desired. In 1621 he gave up the search, 1 Com. Thes. MS. Reg. Ho. * Reg. Sec. Con. 1581-5, f. 64 ; MS. Gen. Reg. Ho. 2 Cott. MSS. Otho, F. X. 12. « Act Pari. Scot. vol. iii. p. 556. 3 Stephen Atkinson's " Hist, of the Gold Mynes," ^ v^i. m p. 56. pp. 20, 21. xlviii EECOKDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. §13. Supply and a Dr Hendlie got a licence at tliat time for twenty-one years to search for gold in of Bullion for . . ,i , the Mint. Craufurd Muir. It does not appear that he made anythmg of it, and since that time no regular operations have been carried on, though so late as 1863 considerable quantities of gold were obtained. Silver also has been obtained from native sources. In 1424 Parliament granted to the king all mines where three halfpennies of silver could be refined out of the pound of lead. In 1607 silver ore in great quantity was discovered at Hilderston, near Linlithgow. This mine Was worked by royal authority, and the accounts of expenses, &c., are still preserved.^ From these it appears that between 1608 and 1610 nearly £50,000 had been expended in working the mine, besides the cost of refining the ore. The following paper is in the collection of MSS. in the British Museum. VI, — Manner of hringinge of Bollaigne of gold to his Majesties Mynt of Scotland. The Mynt maister of Scotland is the Kingis Exchanger to whorae the March*^ bringe the Bollaigne in specie bie it gold or silver. And gives for everye ounce of golde beinge standard of 22 carrots fine three pounds six shilHnges and eight pence, as alsoe for each ounce of silver five shillings ster/. And the maister goldsmith and the fyner gives but three pounds six shiUinges or therabouts for y* gold, and foure shillinges and betweene ten and eleven pence for every ounce of silver./ The Mynt maister of Scotland for the price that his mat'® gives for his moneys makinge and coyninge is bounde to melte, and refine, and to make it perfect standard at his own charge w'^'^ in England is done by the Goldsmith and Fyner to the greate loss of the march* that bringes it from beyond the seas, whoe doth not receive the Kinges full price, as in Scotland, w"='' if hee did, would cause him to bringe double what nowe hee doth, to the Mynt. / § 14. Methods § 14. Amongst the Hopetoun Papers are some very curious and interesting, but of Coining. unfortunately fragmentary, notices of some of the practical operations in the mint. In order however to understand these, it will be necessary to explain the various ways of minting money in use at different periods. In the Scottish mint, as everywhere else, money was first struck with the hammer. The metliod of proceeding was as follows. The gold or silver having been brought to the 1 Gen. Reg. Ho. Ediu. INTRODUCTION. xlix required standard was put into heated crucibles of earth, shaped like inverted cones, andgu. MetlunU placed in a furnace. These furnaces were of two kinds, differing in their construction and known in the French mint as furnaces a soufflct or a vent. The first named were generally used for gold, and the others for silver. Whenever the metal was melted thoroughly it was run into moulds and cast into bars. These bars were again reheated and after- wards lengthened by beating on an anvil. They were then cut into pieces about the thickness of the coins required, and adjusted to the proper weight by cutting with shears. The pieces were then taken up together with pincers, and while held tightly on an anvil, beaten with a hammer all round to blunt and soften down the marks left by the shears on the edges. The pieces thus prepared were known as flans, and were now ready for hhnchinf). This was done by again heating them, shaking them in a copper sieve, and afterwards throwing them into boiling water mixed with common salt and the ashes of the burnt lees of wine, in which they were boiled till quite bright, and then again thrown on the copper sieve and dried with rubbers. After this the "flans" were distributed to the moneyers to have the impressions put on them. Each moneyer had two irons or puncheons, one of which was called the "pile" and the other the " The "ink" was from seven to eight inches long, and was firmly fixed in a block of wood (called " ceppeau" in the French Ordonnances). On the "pile" was engraved one side of the coin, and on the " trussell" the other. The "flan" being placed on the "pile" the " trussell " was applied to the upper side of it by means of o twisted wand, or by the hand, and tlie moneyer tlien struck the end of the punclieon with the hammer until the iiiqjression was produced on the "flnn."'^ 1 Tr. des Monnoies, p. 159; lliuling, vol. i. p. 67; Nuniis. Chron. vol. vii. p. 21; Trans. Ant. Soc ol Scot. V(j1. ii. p. 52. IMlNT FUIIS'ACE. From a woodcut in tlie Treatise of Ijiideiius, De Monctis etjle Nnvmria. Coloniie Agripp. 1591. 1 RECOIiDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. S 14. Metho.i.-; The only relic of the early Scottish mint which is extant is a "trussell" of the reign of Coining. n ^ n • r a • of Alexander III. preserved in the Museum of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and of which a woodcut is here given. It was found in the ruins called King Malcolm's Castle, in the grounds of Pittencrieff, near Dunfermline. It measures 3f inches in length, and is about 1 inch in diameter in the middle. Dr Scott ^ has described it as used for forging coins. Tlie way of using the coining irons with the hammer is shown in the accompanying cut from the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. A>xiRNT Scottish Coining Ikon or " Trussell." Coiner at Wohk.— From tlie Capital of a Pillar ;it St Georges de Bocherville, Normandy. The legend was put on by means of small puncheons bearing the necessary letters.- The coining irons and the " letteris of graving " were always destroyed or defaced when the type of the coinage was changed, and when in use were placed in the custody of the warden.' \ ' Proceedings of Soc. of Aiit. of Scotland, vol. ii. p. .)4. 2 Vol. i. p. 20, II., c. 13. 3 Vol. i. p. 13, I. mTRODUCTION. li This method of coining by the hammer continued in use for a long period. In 1597 M ^-t- Metiiods of Coining. James Achesoun, in an overture proposing a coinage of fine copper, stated that he had invented a new sort of coining mill by which the money could be made more perfectly than hitherto. It is not known whether this invention was made use of in the Mint at this time, but it is probable that it was not, for in 1629 ^ the use of the "pile " and " tursell " is still referred to as in operation, " after the accustomed manner of the cunyie- house."^ In 1632,* the copper coinage was ordered to be "printed with presses and other ingynes necessar thereto." Four years later, and after Nicolas Briot had been appointed master coiner, there was a remonstrance ^ from the other officers of the Cunyiehouse, in which it was stated that Briot proposed to introduce a new form of working the coin by the mill, and praying the Lords of Council not to allow this novelty into the Cunyiehouse till it had first been received and approved of in the Mint of England. A definite proposal^ to employ the mill in minting the silver coinage, 1636, was laid before the Privy Council in September, which was deferred for the consideration of the king. At last, in January 1637, a formal permission ^ was given to Briot to make a trial of his mill and press till the Whitsunday following. This permission was extended from time to time, till use of the hammer was tacitly and finally, relinquished. The following list of Briot's machinery and its original cost is preserved in the collection of Mint Papers at Hopetoun. VII. — Merclie 5, 1638, Pryces of Nicolles Briotis Inst rume nils. The great mill The great mill and Justing The great bras cutter . Ane small cutter thair Four les cutteris Mair ane littill hand pres Mair ane pair of Stok cheiris Mair 6 pair of Clames 25 ti s d 50 2 18 09 18 18 00 02 Hopetoun Papers. > Vol. i. p. 268, CLX. Vol. ii. p. 18, XXXIV. The " mylns" mentioned at p. 20 vol. ii., xxxvi., were used for cutting the metal, not for stamping it. ^ Vol. ii. p. 30, XLviL 5 Vol. ii. p. 50, Lxxvi. 8 Vol. ii. p. 54, Lxxxiii. ' Vol. ii. p. 56, Lxxxvii. lii EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. S 14. Methods 111' Coiniii''. Mail 2 great hand presses Mair 3 Suey presses . Suma is 140 ti § d 140 420 2 6 Mill .vnd ri;E.s.s. From a woodcut in Boizard's TnMe dcs Moniioics. Paris, 1692. The method of coining by the mill and press was more efficient and quicker than by the hammer. The metal having been prepared in much the same way as formerly noticed, the "Jlan" was placed between the puncheons, the bar of the press turned, and the impression given at once. The annexed woodcut will give an idea of the machine used for this purpose.^ The irons were prepared by the graver of the mint, who engraved the portrait of the sovereign in relief, and from this the dies for striking the money were sunk. The dies from which the reverses and the legends were struck were also furnished by the chief graver. The following inventory of the machinery in the mint in 1649 will show how these processes were then carried on in the Scottish mints : — Flopetoun Pa]iers. VIII. — March 1649, Note of the tollis in the Mint. Imprimis ane great yron Milne conteneing tuo plaitis 4 pillaris 4 codis two boxes 1 Tr. lies Mod., p. 145. INTEODUCTION. liii nutis on brass gyde tuo coUaris 2 yron axtries 8 brass cods 4 holdfastis with tliair nailis '1 § 14. .Methodic of Coining. great Keyis and 2 small Keyis ane great yron hammer Item ane Justing Mylne with all the lyk the whole timber work being compleit with 4 wheillis. Item 3 small cutteris and ane great cntter together with thair bousteris and pistollis and thair keyis Item six pair of Camis with thair keyis 12 silver fylis 6 pair of ballances Item ane compleit hand mille Item ane stok and ane pair of great soheiris for cutting of copper Great Forge Item 12 pair of rolleris ane great sow studie tuo muUettis of yron for niakeing of melting potis ane round mandrell for the same vse of yron an stalk for makeing of ovalyronis ane half round staikis for making of rolleris ane cruik studie ane great sledge 2 vphand hammeris 2 hand hammeris on round hammer on hollo sett hammer on slopset hammer 2 cheisslis for yron cutting and an goudg cheisle 18 great and small puncheons ane nailtool 7 pair of tongis great and small ane hart stalf and 2 schoollis ane pair of great beUies and gallons ane grintstone ane pair of caUaperis and ane pair of compassis 3 steill cheisles for the cutting of screwis Printinghous Item 3 compleit swy pressis 3 ovall pressis with all thair furnitur Litle forge Imprimis ane stuidee ane pair of bellies ane holeing bousteris ane cruik stuidie 2 vyses ane hand hamer ane round hamer 10 fylis great and small an berrie on pair compassis ane turneing loome and ane Justing loome 2 knyvis for turneing of the rolleris with ane key 3 screw plaitis on rench 3 tempring boxes ane grindstone Neiling hous Item 2 compleit furnessis with thair yron work 3 scuiffettis 2 yron mairis on crank yron 3 copper ketles Melting hous Item 12 pair of compleit mooldis 36 patrons for silver 3 yron pottis great and small liv EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OE SCOTLAND. § 14. Methods 5 pair of tongis 2 Laidlis ane great yron inoold for casting silver 2 great morteris and ane of Coillillf,'. n 1 • coutching morter with thair yron pistolhs ane ston morter 2 searcneris in the gold hous ane pair of hand bellies with tuo yron mooldis 2 pair of bellies for refyneing 2 yron taistis ane sand chest in the Compting hous Item ane steill bak with brass schellis 3 litle bakis with thair schellis ane brass fyle of ane ston weycht 2 brass ston weychtis ane half stone 4 pond 2 pund on pund ane stok and ane pair of scheiris Leid weychtis 12J stone ane great aik chest Sey chamber Item sey furnes ane Lantron bak and weychtis belonging thairto. IX. — List of Articles from the Old Scottish Mint, now in the National Museum of the Antiquaries of Scotland. 1. Screw press, described as having been used in knarling the edges of the coin. The frame of the press is 9 inches high, and it is worked by a handle 2 feet long. 2. Screw press, described as one of the cutting presses used in forming the silver previous to its being struck. It stands 18 inches high, with a handle 2| feet in length. These presses were presented by Alexander Deuchar, engraver, in 1827. — Arch. Scot. Vol. III., App. p. 114. 3. Pair of " rollers for flattening silver," 4^ inches diameter. 4. Three pairs of small scales for weighing. These (viz., 3 and 4) were presented by Mr John Swinton Simpson, Assay Master, 1S29.— Arch. Scot. Vol. III., App. p. 137. 5. 128 dies of coins of Charles II., of which there is no list extant. Queen's liemem- brancer presented them in 1862. 6. Two dies of the silver twopenny piece of Queen Anne, 1711. They were presented by Eobert Sclater, 1865. 7. Some punches, edge dies, and knarling tools which came, in all probability, with the dies mentioned above. INTRODUCTION. A further improvement was made in the fabricatiau of the money by the introduction § 14. of ( Vi on the coinage of James VII. of marking the edges either with lettering or milling. This was done by a machine which was originally the invention of M. Castaing of the Mint in Paris, and of which a cut is here given.^ A thin piece of steel was firmly screwed upon a flat plate of copper fixed on a stout wooden frame. This steel bore on one edge half of the legend or mark- ing. Another piece of steel, having on its edge the remainder of the legend or marking, was fixed on the copper plate, so that the "flan" being placed between them, was touched on each side by the marked edges of the steel bands. This second steel was moved by a mechanical arrangement of a wheel and handle (as shown in the cut), and the revolving "flan" re- ceived at once the milling or inscrip- tion. § 15. In the Scottish Mint the standard of fineness was originally the same as that of England.^ Euddiman is not altogether accurate in his view (jf the fineness of the silver coinajre. Method.s iniiisr. Milling Machine. From a woodcut iii Boizaid's Traiti dcs Monnoies. Paris, 1692. It will be observed, on referring to his table,^ that he gives the sterling standard of 11 oz. 2 d from the earliest period down to 1529. But a much baser coinage was in circulation long before this. In 1355 it is recorded * that money had lately been minted, which was baser in alloy than the old sterlings of Scotland. In 1393^ pennies and half- pennies were issued, which only contained two-thirds of their weight of fine silver. The remonstrances of the English Parliament show that from this period down to 1423,*^ when the money of Scotland was totally prohibited in England, it was much below the sterling standard. An effort was made in 1424 ^ to make the coinage equal in weight and finenssa 1 Tr. des Moii., p. 143. • Vol. i. p. 6, XIII. Anderson's "Dip. et Nuniis Thea." p. 81. * Vol. i. p. 6, XIII. •■' Vol. i. p. 12, I. « Vol. i. p. 18, VII. " Vol. i. p. K), I. Ivi RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. to that of England, but it was apparently not carried out till 145 1,^ when a great recoinage recorded shortly before 1471/ though it cannot now be exactly determined, and in 1473 ^ pennies were issued, which contained only five shillings of fine silver in the ounce. In 1525* the agreement between the Lords of Privy Council and James Achesoun shows that the groat was to be x d fine, and not xi d fine as given in the table. In 1554 the testoons were only ix d fine, as appears from the Hopetoun MS.^ In 1555^ the silver coinage was ordered to be xi d fine, and the same standard was fixed for the ryal of 1565.^ But in the same reign, in 1558-59, the xii d groats were only vi d fine. In 1571-76 Ruddiman reduces the standard to ix d and viij d fine, and this is called in question ^ by some of the later writers on Scottish numismatics. But there is satisfactory evidence to show that at the time in question, some part of the currency was very much debased. In the "Diurnal of Occurrents"^ it is stated, that in May 1572 half merk and xl d pieces were coined in Dalkeith only vi d fine. These were afterwards raised to viij d fine, and in 1579 to xi d fine. The standard in 3 686 was fixed at xi deniers ii grains, at which it was to remain in all time coming. Gold in Scotland was probably coined originally of a finer standard than in later times. In England the old standard of gold was that of the mint of Florence, or twenty-three carats three and a-half grains of fine gold, and half a grain of alloy, and this continued in universal use till the reign of Henry VIII.,^" when the new standard of twenty-two carats fine was introduced. Both standards were in use in England till 1G63, when the new standard was finally adopted. The Act of 1393 " ordered that the Lion or St Andrew of Robert III. should be " de bono auro," or of fine gold, equal in purity to the noble of England. The gold coinage of 1488 ^2 was to be of the same fineness. It is probable, from the permission given to Bertouu to coin unicorns in 1517,^^ that these coins, when originally issued, were only 21 carats fine. Somewhat later, in 1525," the ecu of James V. was ordered to be of the fineness of 21 i carats. took place both of gold and of silver of sterling standard. A base coinage of groats is 1 Vol. i. p. 19, II. 2 Vol. i. p. 35, VIII, 3 Vol. i. p. 36, IX. p. 27. " Vol. i. p. 12, I. J2 Vol. i. p. 46, I. Vol. i. p.. 62, XXVIII. Vol. i. p. 63, XXXII. " Lord Liverpool's Letter on the Coinage," Maitland Club Ed. pp. 297, 298. ^ Vol. i. p. 62, XXXII, 5 Vol. i. p. 98, L. « Vol. i. p. 99, L. ' Vol. i. p. 78, XX, Lind.say, p. 57. INTRODUCTION. Ivii The gold ducat of Francis and Mary was ordered to be 22 carats fine ;^ the gold coins § 15. standard of fineness. of 1580, 21 carats fine,^ and the same standard was to be kept in the coinage of the following year. In 1584^ the standard was raised to 21 1 carats; in 1588 to 23 carats 7 grains ;* and in 1593^ the standard was fixed at 22 carats for aU the gold. All the coins of gold minted in, or for Scotland, aftsr the accession of James to the English throne, were 22 carats fine. Along with the gold and silver coinages there was from a very early period a biUon coinage, and in later times copper coins were also issued. Billon coinages contained silver, but were not more than vi d fine.*^ The first copper coinage was in 1466,'' though the type was slightly changed^ before it was Issued. Among the Ashmolean MSS. at Oxford is a very curious paper, giving an estimate of the equal valuing of the English and Scottish money in 1601. -An Estimate of the E(mall VaUeivinq of English and Scottish ■^^^^m.'^ss., Moneyes, 1° Fehruarii 1601. Golde. Scott : The stauderd of Scotland being 22 "^^^ of fyne golde with 2 "^"'^ of Allay in y^ lb. w' Scott according to y"^ assay made of the gold peece ; which valewed at 6 s & weighing 1 ''"^ 16 is the 12* parte of an oz and so maketh the oz worth and the lb. wt worth .... After which rate one lb. wt Scott : of fyne golde, is worth of those Scott : moneyes 03 ti 12 s 00 d 43 04 00 Scott 47 02 061 Golde. Eng : The standerd of England being 22 "^"'"^ of fyne gold 2 "^''^ of Allay, in the lb. wt Troy, and coyned in 67. peecs, valewed at 10 s the peece and weighing 3 14 slant maketh the ounce worth 02 15 10 ' Vol. i. p. 7fi, XVII. Vol. i. p. 152, Liv, 3 Vol. i. p. 164, Lxx. ■* Vol. i. p. 172, Lxxix. s Vol. i. p. 182, xc. ^ Tr. cles Moneyes, p. Ifi. ^ Vol. i. p. 32, II. Plate iii. f. 23. Iviii EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 15. Standard and the lb. wt. worth . . . . 33til0s00d Eng. of tineness. After which rate one lb. wt. Eng : of fyne golde is worth . . . . . . 3G 10 lOf The difference in price of one lb. wt. of fyne gold according to the valewe of the moneyes of each stand : is 10 ti lis 07.| d which with the over wyt. of the Eng -.12°^ above the Scott : doe both make 11 ti 07 § 07^5 which added to 36 ii 10 § lOf d doe make the lb. wt Eng : of fyne gold worth 47 18 06 Scott Hereby it foUowe.th if 36 ti 10 s lOf d Eng : imployed in fyne gold doth make in the said Scottish monyes y 47 li 18 § 06 d Scott : 100 ti Eng : so imployed will make . . 131 02 10 Scott 1000 ti Eng : so imployed will make . . 1311 08 04 Scott beinge 30 lb. wt. 04 °' 05 16 ^'^^ Siluer Scott : The standerd of Scotland being 11 °^ of fyne silver ^th ^oz Qf Allay in the lb. wt. Scottish according to the Assay made of the sUver peece which vallewed at 8 d & weighing 2 5 6 "y'' 16 is the 9'h parte of an ounce, & so maketh the oz. worth . 00 ti 06 s 00 d and the pound wt. worth . . . . 03 12 GO After which rate one lb. wt. Scottish of fine silv'' is worth of those Scottish monyes . . 03 18 06|- Siluer Eng : The stand : of England being 11 2"^*' of fyne silv'" ^th 18 dwt of ^Hay in the lb. wt. Troy w'^'^ coyned into 62 maketh the oz worth . . . 00 05 02 and the lb. wt. worth . . . . 03 2 00 After w<='' rate one lb. wt. English of fyne siW is worth of Eng : monyes . . . . 03 07 00^ The difference in the price of one lb. wt. of fine silv' according to the ballence of the monyes of each stand: is lis 06J d whereto adde 2*1^' of fyne INTEODUCTION. lix silver for the ouer fynes and 4 for the ouer § 15, standaM of fineness. weight of the English 12 aboue the Scott: which both make 2 s Scottish, the whole difference is — 13 s 6| d which added to— 3 ti 7 § OJ d maketh . 04 ti 00 s 06|d Scott Hereby it followeth if — 3 ti 7 § OJ d Eng: imployed in fyne silver doth, make in the said Scottish monyes— 04 li 00 s 06| d. 100 ti English so imployed will make . . 120 03 06 Scott 1000 ti Eng : so imployed will make . . 1201 15 00 Scott beinge— 333 lb. wt. 09 °' 16 17 The Coynage is not accoumpted of, beinge unknowne, and the true Standerd weight of the Scottish monyes being but coniechered the Judgement of the Exchange cannot be certeine. But it is most true that M"" Lepton is deceiued in the estimate he maketh of the valewe of golde and siluer after the standerd of England at this present. § 16. In the earlier periods of the history of the mint the assays of silver and gold § I6. Methods of melting and were done roughly, and without the minute exactness which was required later. A small fining, piece of silver was taken, from the mass to be tested, with a graver's tool (called in the French mint Uschoppe), and placed in the fire, and the quality was judged from the colour when heated. Gold was tested by the touchstone. The metal to be tried was rubbed on it ; the tester had small pieces of gold of which the standard was known, and these were rubbed on the touchstone till one was found to make a mark similar to the gold to be tested, which was then judged to be of the same standard. These processes soon gave way to more exact methods. The following account of the manner of melting and fining silver in the Scottish mint was written by Sir James Hope in 1639 : — ' XI. — Anent Melting and Fyneing of Metalles. T went doune to the conyiehous to M'' Falkinner maister thairof for the tyme, quho Hopetoim p3iP6rSj 1 9 tooke me to the smiddie thairof quhair I saw the rollers of yi'ne for drawing of mettells to Jan« 1639. lenth and thinnes standing in the turneing loome Thair the forme A. B. Ix RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 16. Methods of melting and fining. •21 Jan'' l(;:i9. L DA Item those instruments quhairwith they cutt out of the lignets drawne as said is the exact quantitie of metale in weight and bigness, of everie space requyred. The forme thairof for smaller monies was round ; for greater ovall ; The instrument or way of force quhairby they wer cutt is marked C D E F The stamp of those that wer cut Eound was flat, and did inpress thairvpon by ane force lyke to the former. Tiiose that wer cutt ovall did receave thair impressione successivelie, by the quhilk they wer forced to the bread and so wer maid round ; Thair forme of instrument and mailer of impressione shall be sett downe heirefter ; The forme of thair stamp is the portione or sectione of a cylinder on both syds I saw in his studie the fornaces for fyuuing of gold and silver; two of thame in the bosome of ane chinmay for gold thus, and ane other as it wer in a bole ; the breid thairof 1} foote the leiith thairof 1|- fote and the height of 2 fote drawing a little narrower at the tope, of clay within hot covered with a thinne yrne plate without. The catills wer of more and lesser syses of this forme, made of bone ashe allanerlie draked with pure water and dryed with a temperat heat to sik a drynes as is proportionallie requyred. They call them tastes. I saw also his three sorts of strong waters prepareing silver in thair ampul lies for fynniug of gold I went thair agane and did se them malte thair siluer for casting thairof into lignets of a certaine breid quhilk thairefter was to be broght to lenth and thikeness as said is in the preceiding page Tliair fornace was 2 foote diameter Pyraniidall ronde ; The separatione betuixt the ergasterium and the cineritium was in forme of brander above the quhich it was closed round 1| f above that a \ open for letting out and in the pottes of ane ordinarie syse, From thence vp closed round with plates of clay quhilk did open in thre \ parts in case of uecessitie, or for greater pots, Everie one of the quhich \ parts had a spiritall hole The cover of the former part was of brike also with 2 spiritall holes, quhilk served lykwise for gripping thairof, for the more easie reraoveing, and placeing of the same The pot that was vsed that day was of content of 9 stane double at the sydes hot single at the bottome in respect it stood vpon the said brander and was not subject to the lyke heat ; about ane inch thike each of them and had thair cover with ane ring in the midle quhich being sett in the midst of the foresaid fornace, the feAvell was cast round about it on all quartres (quhich both heir and in the fynning sett doune heirefter was our ordinar cole broken thinne) and then the mouth and held thairof ware all closed except the spiritall holes ; and so the fyre oft renewed The clippes or tongs quhairwith they tooke out the INTRODUCTION. Ixi saids potts wer of this forme L There was 7 staue melted this day, quhairof thair was a § 16. Methods of meltiug and pound ^ of inlake. fining. Item that day I did see silver fynned or the fynnes thairof tryed, thus. First he tooke a litle of the silver given to be tryed, quhich being clanged and scrapped of all dust and drosse, he weighed thairof to the quantitie and weght of this litle indefinite weght quhich represented 12 deniers thairefter he inrolled it in a litle foyllied leid. Then he tooke a litle leid bullet 5 tymes the weght of the said silver, quhich he put in one of the afore descryved tastes (quhilk had bein lying in the first descry ved fornace with its mouth dounward for fear of spoyliug) and a litle efter it was fallen, he putt in the said silver enrolled as said is, quhich he suffered to remaine in the said fornace the mouth thairof beiiig clossed ay vntill the whole leid was evaporate and exhaled, quhilk wits adoeing about 5 or 6 minutes. In this haill tyme it was always bullering and as it wer seithing bot so soone as it setled and rested from so doeing (al the quhich tyme thair did appeir some cleir tuinkliiig sparkles into it) he tooke it forth bot not in ane instant, bot softlie by retireing and advanceing, and quhen he had blowen vpon it he tooke it out cannelie out of the taste, and then weighed it, to the end he might se quhat it had lost. The ballauce wer most exact quhairin he tryed it in forme marked M. N. Item I saw in the say mesters chamber a bake quhich was distinguished in everie syde of the center in to a 60 and more holes for distinctione in to smaller weights ; as is K P Item the silver thus fynned does alwayes conglobulate, and quhair it is prominent on any syde, it is a token that the fyre hes bein too bold on that quartre and if the bottome The above are exact facsimiles of the pen thairof be frie of dross it is a sure token that the assay is exactlie wroght. and mk sketches on the margin of the Item if it be to suddenlie draweu forthe of the fyre the suddaue change from heat to original MS. cold makes it .springe about the edges, that is to say burst furth lyke the points of ueeddle or prinnes. The next note was also written by Sir James Hope, and shows the method adopted for testing the copper coinage. xii.- Anent Coining. Item this day the maister told me that there was ane committie appointed for putting Hopetouu Papers. ordor to the copper mony and that there is ane tryell to be taken both of old and new 8 Ocf 1641. copper and how that the old viz the Stirling turners, will hold out in respect of new copper Ixii EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 4 Nov'' 1641. § 16. Methods and that generall Hamiltounes overture was that the old should come in at 10s the pound of melting and ■• n i • i • t tiniiiR. and that the new should goe out at 12g the Scots lb Trois at quhich rate everie turner will weigh 1 ^'^^ and 28 or 1^ drope quheras the old turner with the thrissell and the lyon did weigh dropes the piece only, and so went out at 42 § 8 d the pound and the small turners went out at 8 § st the lb new copper being bocht at 16 § the lb at most (for some tymes it hes been had for 12 § and 13 s 4 d) the kings tale there\T5on was 26 s 8 d quhairof allotted to the maister for coinage so rested to the vpon everie lb weight. This day I was sent for to the parliament house be the Erie of South'esk L. Burlie G. Pringle of Stichell and Eige of Ethrenie who wer appointed be the Parliament to sitt and advyse anent the copper coine quhere wer also sent for the rest of the officiares of the Mint, and Johne Fleming of Edinburgh. Quhere efter long discourse they resolved to take a tryell of the Stirling turners, how they will hold out in weight by melting and recoining of them at dropes the piece or therabout as they should condiscend vpon efter tryell quhairfor they appointed the maister to have a staine of them in reddiness against Saturday nixt being the 6. of this currant with fyre pottes nmlders and vther necessares for melting milneing and cutting of them in pieces of the old turners quantitie and weight quhere also they appointed James Denneistoune Goldsmith and founder as men of skill to be with them the said day at 7 houres in the morneing at the Mint. This day met accordinglie quhere was in reddiness a pot before a double belleis full of fyre bot no fyre nor coalls about it, it was above two inches thick & 5 or 6 inches deipe and about 9 inches over ; with a little gutter in the mouth for pouring out of the metall of the forme marked A. This being fully bote and rid within they took ane garnett for so they call it (which is also a part of the pote bot because if it wer all ane peace it would be so how and vnhandie that the metaill could not be convententlie poured out, therefore it is thus divided vnto two parts) and sett vpon it luttering well the jointures round about, only a little hole left forgaines the bellies The garnet was of the forme B, and placed vpon the pote before the bellies in maner marked C. Then we took aine trois staine of the turners last coined quhereof ordinarlie goes to the staine Thir we putt in by ladle fulles above the coalles (the pott being full of coalles blowne to their best) and covered them with sinders. Then again within less than | part of ane houre als manie : and so the haill staine at 7 or 8 inputtings (bot more and thicker at the end then in the beginning) in ane houres space all was melted, then the founder lifted off the garnett of the potte softlie and threw off all the sinders and with wett gloves vpon his hands he lifted the 6 Nov Saturday INTEODUCTION. Ixiii pott vnto the molds quhilk wer neirby quhair he did caste in the metail into ingotts or lignets § 16. Methods of melting and as we call them hot the casting was not so tichtlie done as the melting, then we tooke the fining, slagge of the potte and the by fallings and biysed washed and sifted them quherof being dight we had 1 lb 3 oz and of lignotts of clene metall 14 lb 10 J oz So that the haill weighed 15 lb 13^ oz so the loss in melting and casting was hot 3 oz hot they compted it foure oz because according to the first weighing (quhilk was too large) they compted the metaill hot to 15 lb 12 oz ; bot I think an all had been weill gathered there had not been two oz of inlake. Of this 14 lb 10| oz of lignotts there heads and vthers being clipped there rested only 11 lb 5 oz 4 d quhilk was delyvered to the milne quhairof returned 6 lb 3 oz 4 d of made turners, ([uhilk in the tale of 3 lb weight wer havie be 4 turners. Item of chissell and broke 4 lb 8 oz 10 dr quhilk in haill being joined togither makes 10 lb 11 oz 14 d so the inlake of this 1 1 lb 5 oz 4 drs in neilleing and workeing is 9 oz 6 d Bot it is to be observed that the samine at the first foure tymes neilling did inlake bot 4 oz and some oddes, and yett at the last neilling that did inlake als much quhich is to be susijected for there wer non present at the last botEichard Maxwell for the burrowes for the wardens had gone to there denner as they told me Item at the delyverie there wer three lb tolled for the haill and the wardens reported them to be 8 d havie vpon the three pound quhich was reasonable neire, bot they are nather blanched nor prented as yett because we had no yrons reddie and that will rebaitt of there weight. Given to the melting the heades and clippings of the lignetts being 3 lb 5 oz 4 ds. ^ Nov-. Item the Chissell thereof quhich rested after the cutting ou.t 4 lb 8 oz 10 drs. Item of washings efter the first melting being 1 lb 3 oz drs Summa of the weight given to the second melting 9 lb oz 14 drs Eeturned from the fire in lignetts 8 lb 4 oz 4 drs. Item in washings lb 11 oz 12 drs so inlaked in the second melting lb oz 14 drs. Note that brimstone is exceiding good to try a mould or a stampe quherof I saw a tryell in Charles Dickiesones hands of the kyngs armes quhich was notablie well done and it was done thus as he informed me. Item in discours with Mr W. G. he told me that he heard tell that tlie haire of ane hartichoke was the fittest thing that could be found for tryell of the divisione of a graine into many parts for cutting it croce als thinne as possible may be and weighing it in to a graine weight Then dividing it according to the haires it wiU divide reasonable equally into a 200 or 300 parts according to the dexterie in the cutting. March istoune as I hear did vse the plumes of a penne or fether. Item told me be Harie Hope that he would cleave Ixiv RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 16. Methods and divide a G s or any vther silver peace in two by laying and burning a litle brysed of melting and fining. brimstone vpon it, and thereafter giveing a great cast vpon the table it "vvoiild cleave in two quherof everie ane should have their severall impressions as they had before ; and that he did see this done bot had never tryed it, quhich lies been bot some imposture, but he affirmed R' Murray, BJackbarroneis brother, could doe it. This I have seene tryed and have also tryed myselfe ; bot it does not divid fullie only it taks of a scruffle of it with the burning, quhich is done thus, sett the peice so vpon a table (we did sett it vpon three pinnes stucken in into the table) that you may lift it vp vpon your looffe betwixt your two formost or midle fingers and turneing your hand throw it hard vpon the table, that side thereof quhich is burnt efter it is thus placed spred (the haill syde of it which ye desyre to have taken of) with braj'ed brimstone about the thickness of a 6 pence Then light the brimstone Avith a sponke or paper at severall places that all may burne togither and quhen it heth left lowing throw it as said is and the piece will cast a scruffle as said is. § 17. Mint remedies. § 18. Of tlie degrees of purity. Hopetoiin Pajjers. § 17. It cannot be exactly ascertained what remedies or allowances for unavoidable en-ors in weight and fineness in minting, were permitted to the coiners in the earliest times, but it is probable that the two grains, under or above, mentioned in 1525^ had been commonly allowed for a long time. The remedy on the smaller prices was one grain of weight, but two of fineness. In 1555^ the remedy on the gold coinage was the eighth of a carat in fineness, and one grain in weight. Two grains were allowed in 1565,^ and also in the Act of 1686.* The same remedies had long been in use for the larger gold pieces, with proportional differences for the smaller." § 18. One way of denoting the degrees of fineness of metals is given in the following note : — " Liga est species misturse ; vel gradus metalli propter admixtionem vilioris materia;; sen potius vocabulum artis gradum puritatis metalli denominans. Liga (quam et Marchum sen Marcham) pretiositatis gradum redactum esse vel cum dicimus talem palacram auri esse V. 9, 18, 12 aut 6 caractarum vel massulam argenti 9 . 6 aut 3 denariorum : Quam earumdem tres mediam aut 4 tarn partem esse aurum vel argentum purissimum Et sic in reliquis Liga subdivisionibus ubi grana locum habent; De quibus consule subjectus tabellus 1 Vol. i. i>. 63, XXXII. ; p. 65, xxxiv. ^ Vol. i. p. 89, xLiv. 3 Vol. i. p. 78, XX. ^ Vol. ii. p. 213, I. * Vol. i. p. 199, cii. INTKODUCTION. Ixv De Liga Auri De Liga Argenti § 18. of the degrees of Coloiiiensibus Duellas sen binas septulos Quaternas Siliquas Agrippinensibiis vel Antwerpianis Numniulos Quaternas Siliquas Continet Communiter Caracta Grana Continet Communiter Denarios Grana Marcha 24 288 Marcha 12 288 Caractum 12 Denarius 24 But the ordinary method of denoting the degrees of purity will be best shown by the following table of the standard of purity as used in the Scottish mint.^ Table A. — Degrees of Furity. Gold. Pure gold = 24 carats. The carat was divided into 12 grains. Silver. Pure silver =12 deniers. The denier was divided into 24 grains : the grain into halves or quarters, seldom reckoning the more minute parts. The method of arriving at the desired standard of gold or silver required very nice and technical processes, which need not be entered upon here. But the following paper will show how this could be done when metals of different known standards had to be melted to produce a certain required standard : — ' Anderson " Dip. et. Numis. Thes." § 62. i Ixvi RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 18. Of the XIII. — Note of the way to calculat how much pure Gold, Silver, or Allay degrees of Parity. respective : or mixed being of a hnoivne fynnes Is to he commixed with anynumbre of Ingots of hiowne weight and fynnes so that the Egredient masse may he of any desyred standard or fynnes. For doing whereof so that the rule may hold generallie good for all sorts of computations. Hopetoun 1. Yee must find out the proportione of tlie denominatione and divisione of the Papers. subtile weights from the mony weights by the which yee are to make your accompt ; that is the weights by the which ye trye your fynnes and those by the which yee weigh your money or Ingots ; and make a note how much of the one ansuers to so much of the vther and to have the samine in its severall spaces of denomination sett doune for memorie and expeditione in the operatione In a table such as is heirefter descryved. Instance in our Scottish Accompt first of silver we try and Accompt the fynnes of our silver ingots or money, by subtile weights of 12 deniers for vtter fynne, everie deniere being subdivided into 24 graines; everie graine into 24 prymes, everie pryme into 24 seconds, seconds into 24 thirds and so fourth. Agane our Ingotts or money weights are subdivyded from deniers dounewards efter the same maner ; Bot vpwards 24 deniers goes to ane oz, sextein ounces to a lb, sexteine pounds to a stone, which is the highest denomina- tione. Hence it may be easilie collected that if any Ingott be for Instance of 12 deniers weight and 11 deniers fynnes and so of 1 denier allay (because the highest denominatione in the fynnes of silver is only 12 deniers as said is) Then everie denier of fynnes in that ingote will ansuer precislie to a denier of weight. That is, als many deniers as the samme is denominat to bee, of fynnes or of allay, so many deniers of weight of vtter fyne silver, or of the basser metall (with the which it is allayed) respective, does it conteine ; as in the former instance 11 denieris of weight of vtter fynne silver and 1 denieris of copper or vther allay ; And so fourth what ever be the weight of any Ingote in and proportionablie to the denominatione of each twelve deniers. Bot in the denominatione of ounces in respect everie ounce as said is conteines 24 that is tuyce 12 deniers. Then in everie ounce of your ingote, 1 deniere of fynnes will ansuer to 2 deniers of weight. And be consequence in a pound weight (which conteines 16 oz as said is) everie denier of fynnesse will ansuer to sexteine tymes two deniers, that is 1 oz 8*^" and in everie stonne also to 16^^ 8"^ Againe INTRODUCTION. Ixvii dounewards, If in ane Ingote of 12 deniers weight, everie denier of fynnes ansuer to a § 18. Of degrees denier of weight Then (iu respect everie denier conteines 24 that is twelve tymes tuo purity, graines) in ane ingot of whatsomever weight everie denier of fynnes will ansuer to 2 graines of weight in the denier, and be consequence also to 2 prymes in the graine ; tuo seconds in the pryme and so fourth dounewards. Againe if one denier of fynnes in everie ounce, correspond to tuo deniers of that weight ; Then in so much that as everie denier of fynnes is subdivided into 24 graines so everie ounce of weight is also subdivyded into 24 deniers. Therefor everie graine of fynness in everie ounce of weight corresponds to tuo graines of that weight and in everie denier to tuo prymes, and in everie pryme to tuo seconds etc. And sicklyke vpwards If one graine of fynnes in the ounce weight ansuer to tuo graines of that weight, and that 16 ounce goe to one pound Then everie graine of fynnes in the pound weight is worth sexteine tymes tuo graines, that is 1 '^^^^ 8 g'' And in the stone weight worth sexteine tymes 1 8 g'' that is 21^^"^^ 8g'' etc. Instance Scottish Accompt Gold Wee weigh our Gold coyne and ingots of Gold with the same weights that we doe our silver, bot the fynnes therof we trye and Accompt by subtile weights of 24 caracts for the heighest denominatione, everie caract being subdivyded into 12 graines, everie graine This division that is cleleit borrowed from the English only not properlie our owne. into 24 primes, seconds, thirds, etc. as the silver is. Now in ane Ingot of ounces one or more in respect everie ounce conteines 24 deniers, correspondent to the heighest fynnes of 24 caracts. Therefor everie caract of fynnes in everie ounce of weight ansuers to one denier of that weight In everie denier to one graine, In everie graine to one prime, and so fourth dounewards, and in the pound to sexteine deniers, and in the stonne to sexteine tymes 16 deniers, that is 10 ounce and 16 deniers Bot in respect whereas the denier of ounce weight is subdivyded into 24 graines the caract is only subdivided into 12 graines There- for a caract of fynnes in everie ounce weight is worth tuo graines of that weight In the denier worth 2 primes In the graine worth 2 seconds and so dounwards as the silver ; Againe if the caract ansuer to a denier in the ounce and a graine of fynnes to 2 graines in the ounce Then a pryme will ansur vnto tuo prymes etc. and a pryme in the denier to 2 seconds etc and so also vpwards and dounewards proportionallie. Instance English Accompt Their Troy or money weights being pounds for the heighest denominatione, subdivyded into 12 ounces everie ounce into 20 penny weight Ixviii RECOKDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 18. Of the everie pennie weight into 24 myttes, and so fourth alternatlie by 20 and 24 Into droits degrees of purity. periots and blanckes ; And their fynnes of silver being tryed by subtile weight of 12 oz. for the heighest, and dounewards of the varie same parts in denominatione and subdivisione therfor the calculatione therof in pound weights is easie. Everie ounce pennie or mytte etc. of fynnes In everie pound weight ansuering to ane ounce of weight, pennie or mytte etc respective. In the rest somewhatt more difficult, yet fasible by the former generaU rule and grounds afoirsaids. Likeas the accompt of their Gold also In the tryell whereof they differ only from ws in the subdivisione of their graines into quarts and no lower. All which may be easUie collected from the tables therof heirevnto subjoined — Table B. — Scottish Accompt for Silver lb oz den pr sec th fourttis / Stonne 1 5 8 Everie Denier Pound 1 8 of Fynnes or Ounce of any masse 2 of vtter Deficientfrom Denier or Ingote 2 fynne silver utterfynnesof Graine Is worth 2 or allay 12'* In Everie Pryme Second \Third 2 2 2 respective d gr gi- gr Pni Pr Pr Sec S S Th St 21 8 that is 512 21 8 that is 512 21 8 thatis 512 21 8 P 18 1 8P'^ 1 8« 18 And everie graine 0. 2 g^' And everie 2 And everie 2^ And everie 2 fo. In Everie D. Is worth 2 P"^ pryme worth 2 Sec Second worth 2* Third worth 2 G. 2 Sec 2 Th. 2 f 2 fy P^- 2 Th 2 Fourthis 2 fy 2 si ■ S. 2 F 2 Fyfths 2 si 2 se T. 2 Fyfths 2 Sixthes 2 se 2 E INTRODUCTIOK Ixix Table C. — Scottish Acconvpt for Gold St. oz 10 den 16 d gr 21 8 gr Pr 21 8 Pr S 21 8 d gr gr Pr P. S Everie CaractP. of any masse 16^ Andeveriel 8 Andeverie 1 8Andeveriel 8 of fynnes or O.orlngotofGold I'^Graine 2 g'' Pryme 2^^ Second 2« Deficient D Is worth 1 gr Is worth 2 P"^ Is worth 2 Is worth 2^ fromvtter G IP'' 2= 2^ 2^ fynnesof24«P. 1^ 2^ 2^ 2f' In everie S F 2 f 2f 2 / § 18. Of the degrees of piirity. of vtter ^fyne gold or allay respective Table D. — English Accomptfor Silver Troy weight Everie ounce Pound of any masse 1°^ Andeverie 1^ Andeverie 1™ of fynnes or Ounce or Ingot of l^ ie"" Penny W 2"" Mytte 116 Deficient from Penny W. Silver 2™ Is worth 2 Is worth 2 vtterfynneof 12°^ Mytte Is worth 1 16 2 1 16 In everie of vtter fynne silver or allay respective Table E. — English Accompt for Gold Everie Caract Pound of any masse 10^ Andeverie 10" And everie 2"" 10 of fynnes or Ounce or Ingot of 20™ Graine 1 16 quarter g'' 4 4 Deficient from Pennie W Gold l"" is worth 20 Is worth 5 vtterfynneof 24« Mytte Is worth 20 In everie of vtter fynne Gold or A Uay respective 2. Your Tables being thus prepared and in reddines, you must by them respective cast vp how much any Given masse or Ingote of Gold or Siluer doeth conteine lesse or more Ixx EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 18. Of the vtter fynne silver or Allay, then it should conteine if it wer of that standard or fynnes yow degrees of purity. desyre it to be, which is done by takeing the difference of the fynnes or allay it is of, from what you desyre it to be ; And for everie caract, denier, graine, pryme, etc, therof, and everie stonne, pound, ounce, denier, graine etc. of the weight of the Ingot given Accompting so much vtter fynne silver Gold or Allay respective conforme to the foresaids tables, which being found, if there be only one masse or Ingotte to be reduced ; Then because that by how much the fyne metaU Is found by this way of Accompt to be deficient in any Ingot by so much is the allay redundant therein et contra, and that in place of that fyne metall or Allay which is found to be more there must contrarlie be putt als much allay or fynne metall respective And that immediat conversione of the one into the vther is impossible and that the withdrawing of the redundant and substituteing of the deficient metall because changeable is not vsuall Therefore yee must not only adde so much of the pure metall or allay as is found to be deficient ; but also als much more therof as may reduce that which is found to be redundant of the opposite fynne metall or allay respective (and which is not withdrawne) vnto the same standard and fynnes that is desyred of the wholle Bot if there be more Ingots to be commixed and reduced then one ; Then adding together the differences of all the Ingots that are vnder or deficient into one; and the differences of all (how many soever there be either of the one or the vther sort) that are above or redundant, into ane vther soume ; subtract the lesser soume from the greater ; and so you shall know whether the whoUe being commixed will be vnder or above the desjrred standard or fynnes ; and the remainder of that subtraction will be the difference how much; By the which difference (as if it wer of one masse or Ingot) yee must worke as of before And thir Eules will hold good generallie for all Accompts ; for further cleiring whereof I will subjoine some instances of the Scottish Accompt 1 E.xeiTipie Suppose there wer ane ingote of 20 deniers fynnes and 15 ounces weight given to be reduced into the Standard of 11 deniers fyne now in respect the difference of fynnes is 1 denier vnder ; And that 1 denier of fynnes in everie ounce weight is by the table worth tuo deniers of weight of vtter fynne silver. And that the ingote weighes 15 ounce Therefor the given ingote conteines fyftene tymes tuo deniers, that is 1 ounce 6 deniers fynne silver lesse and be consequence so much allay more than it ought to doe, being 12 deniers fynne, first then the deficiencie of the fynne silver must be mad good by the Additione of 1 ounce 6 deniers of fynne silver Then ther must be als much more fynne silver added as will reduce the redundant 1 ounce 6 deniers of allay (which remaines still in the ingote not taken out) into tlie fynnes of 11 deniers which must be Eleven tymes 1 ounce 6 deniers INTEODUCTION. Ixxi that is 13 ounce 18 deniers of fynne silver, so in the haille there must be 15 ounce of fynne § 18. Of the degrees of silver commixed with the foresaid ingote to reduce the samine to the fynnes of 11 deniers purity. And the Egredient masse will weigh 30 ounces. Suppose there were ane Ingot of 1 pound 6 ounces weight and of the fjomes of 11 2 Bxempie deniers 6 graines given to be reduced to the fynnes of 10 deniers 2 graines The difference oz a gr 1 8 — of the fynnes is 1 denier 4 graines above in the silver or deficient in the Allay (note that it 12 - 5 8 comes alwayes to the same thing to worke by the redundance of the one or deficiencie of 8 the vther) The denier in the pound is worth 1 ounce 8 deniers and in the 6 ounces worth 2 1 16 9 lOilJ 12 deniers And the 4 graines in the pound are worth four tymes 1 denier 8 graines that 2 11 2 y^y is 5 deniers 8 graines, and in the 6 ounces worth 8 graines, which in the haille is 2 oimces 1 denier 16 graines more silver and lesse Allay than should be The aUay is supplied by the additione of 2 ounces 1 denier 16 graines of allay, and the redundant silver is reduced to the fynnes of 10 deniers 2 graines by the additione of thereof more of allay which is 9 deniers 10||^ graines So in the haille there must be 2 ounces 11 deniers 2^ff grs of allay commixed with the foresaid Ingotte to reduce it to the fynnes of 10 deniers 2 graines. § 19. Euddiman, in his preface to Anderson's " Diplomatum et Numismatum § 19. On the values of the Thesaurus," gives a table ^ to show how many numeral pounds, shillings, and pennies money coined out of a pound Scots have been coined at various periods out of the real pound weight of silver. Since weight f)f silver. this table was compiled much additional information has been made available and the results he gives require to be considerably modified. He begins by assuming that from the year 1107 to 1296 the pound current was equal to the pound weight, or in other words, that 240 sterlings exactly balanced the standard of weight. But it appears from the " Assise " ^ of David I. that the Scottish pound weighed fifteen ounces, or twenty-five shillings, or three hundred sterlings, and was equal to 6750 grains Troy weight. Consequently the pound with which Euddiman commences his table was not the Scottish standard of weight, but the lighter English one of twelve ounces only.^ In a comparative statement of the value of the coin it would have been of little moment what unit of weight was chosen, so long as the same unit was preserved throughout. The rate of deterioration could have been equally well shown either with the English pound or 1 "Dip. et Numis. Thes.," p. 81. ' Act. Pari, Scot., vol. i. p. 309. 3 Rudiiig, vol. i. p. 7. Ixxii EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. g 19. On the the Scottish pound. But it is evident that if one standard of weight is given at one time, VSilUGS of tll6 money coined and a different one at another, the true proportion is not preserved. And this is what has weight or™'^ been done by the learned author above quoted. For in 1367 we find in the table that the silver. . , .n. pound weight of silver was coined into twenty-nine shillings and four pennies. And in an Act of the same year,^ it is ordained that, " de libra ponderiis jam fiant viginti novem solidi et quatuor denarii numerales :" which is evidently Ruddiman's authority for his statement. But the pound weight referred to in this Act was the Scottish pound of fifteen ounces, and not the pound of twelve ounces, which was never the standard of weight in the Scottish mint in early times. Ruddiman says," " Dicendum ergo videtur Scotos, eo tempore in nummis pendendis libra Anglica, non sua, fuisse uses." But this is entirely an assumption, not only unsupported by any evidence, but exactly opposed to the facts of the case. We know from original records that the Scottish pound was used in weighing money in the time of Robert Bruce,^ and that the English pound was not in use in the time of James II.;* nor is there in any act or record anything to prove that- it ever was, at any time prior to the Union, recognised as the standard of weight in the Scottish mint. And consequently the rate of deterioration is not truly shown by Ruddiman. For the same weight of metal which in 1367 was coined into twenty-nine shillings and four pennies, produced in the reign of Robert I. twenty-six shillings and three pence,^ and in David I.'s twenty-five shillings. And the pound, which is given in the tables as producing twenty shillings in 1296, and twenty-one in 1329, produced in 1367, not twenty-nine and fourpence, but a fraction more than twenty-three shillings and five pence. Again, in 1393, we find in the tables the value of the money coined out of the pound of silver set down as thirty-two shillings. But in the Act of 1393 ^ it is ordered that "... de sex unceis Troye puri argenti viginti unus solidi erunt fabricati." And if six ounces were made into 252 pennies, each ounce would produce 42 ; and therefore even the English pound of twelve ounces would be worth two pounds two shillings instead of one pound twelve ; and the same weight of silver which in 1367 was coined into twenty-nine shillings and four pennies, in 1393 produced fifty-two shillings and sixpence ; and consequently the rate of deterioration given in the table is altogether different from what it really was. It will be noticed that the expression in the statute is " puri argenti," 1 Vol. i. p. 1, IV. 4 Vol. i. p. 22, vii. 2 "Dip. et Nmiiis. Scot. Thes.," p. 71, note. 5 _A.ct. Pari. Scot., vol. i. p. 309 (n. p. 674). 3 Act. Pari. Scot., i. p. 309 (n. p. 674); MSS. « Vol. i. p. 12, i. Advocates' Library, Jac. v. 2, 6. INTEODUCTIOX. Ixxiii here meaning fine silver. There is reason to believe, as has been already noticed, that in § 19. Ou tiie values of the David II.'s time the currency was baser than it had been before his reign, but as money coined' out of a pound Ruddiman gives the same standard of purity down to the time of James "V., this circum- weight of stance cannot have affected his reasoning. In 1424 we find in the table the value of the pound of silver set down at thirty- seven shillings and sixpence. But this would make the Scottish coinage of James I. equal in value to that of England, which it is known from the indentures of the English mint varied from thirty shillings the Tower pound in 1412 to thirty-seven and sixpence in 1464. That the Scottish coinage of this period was not equal to the English is evident from the objections made by the English Parliament. In 1390^ the money of Scotland was reduced to one half in England ; and this agrees with the values elsewhere indicated, for the pound of the Tower standard was coined in England at the same period into twenty-five shillings, while in Scotland it was struck into forty-two shillings. The remonstrances of the English Parliament were repeated in 1411 and 1415 ; and in 1423 all manner of Scottish silver money was banished out of the realm of England — an extreme measure which would never have passed if the money of the two countries had been equal in weight and fineness. Euddiman probably founded his statement on the first money Act^ of James I., which recommended that the king "gar amende the mone and ger stryk it in lik wecht and fynes to the mon6 of Inglande ; " but, it is added, he is only to do this " quhen him lykis and thinkis it speidfull and profitable for the realme." And the coins which have hitherto been assigned to this reign show conclusively that the recommendation was not carried out till 1451. There is another reason for doubting Euddiman's value at this period. In Nicolson's "Scottish Historical Library," in the valuable chapter on coins and medals, frequent reference is made to a MS. note by Sir James Balfour on the prices of the money in Scotland. The original MS. of this note is still preserved in the collection of Balfour's MSS. in the Library of the Faculty of Advocates at Edinburgh, and is here printed for the first time. [xiv. — A Note ^ Ruaing's "Annals," vol. i. jjp. 244, 253, ^ Vol. i. p. 16, i. 257, 270. k Ixxiv RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. ~)te of the prysses of the Cunyie in the haill iyme of J a: 1. 2. J a: 3, J a: 4. Ja: 5. and Queene Marey. King Ja: 1. wes equall with England ^ Siluer at 5 s Scottes ye vnce. Gold at 3 ti Scottes wnce. A° 1440 King James 2* raised ye siluer to 5 s 4 d ye wnce and Lefte it at 8 § ye wnce and ye Gold at 4 ti 19 s ye wnce. A° 1460 King James 3^ raised ye Siluer first to 10 § 8 d ye wnce and the Gold to 5 ti 12 § ye wnce. and ye Inglische penney to 3 d and therafter to 4 d Scottes and therafter He raised ye wnce of Siluer to 12 s and yet in the monnth of Nouember 1475. and therafter in February 1483 he brought the wnce of Siluer doune to lis 8 d and ye Gold he aduanced to 6 ti. A" 1489 In King James the 4. rainge the Siluer and G keipt ye pryces as wes befor. He appoynted Bulion to be brought home, for transported furth of the Kingome. A" 1514 In King James ye •5' Rainge ther is no mention maide nather any printed acts of counseU or publicke of parliament Statute or Enacted for coyining of Siluer or Gold albeit in his tyme the Douglass gTotte of 10 d fyne and Babeis of 3 d fyne and the Braid Bonette of Gold was coyned . he Left the wnce of Siluer at 19 s 9 d or therby. And the Gold at 12 ti ye wnce. 1 There is reason to believe, as already said, that the Act of Jauies 1. authorising this was not carried out at lhat ]icriod. § 19. On the XIV.— ^ No vahies of the mouey coined rl ie. < Vol. i. p. 156, LXI. 8 Vol. i. p. 12, i. Vol. i. p. 198, cm. " Balfour's MS. Ixxvi EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 19. On the values of the money coined out of a pound weight of silver. In 1451 1 it was coined into 96 pennies. „ 1483 „ 1542 „ 1565 „ 1582 „ 1598 „ 1601 140 237 360 444 640 720 In Pinkerton's " Essay on Medals " ^ the Scottish money is compared with the English as follows : — Table H. — Of the, proportion of the Scottish Money to the English.^ § 20. Mint weights. Till About 1355 1390 1451 1456 1467 1475 (gold) 1544 (whole 1560 1565 1579 1597 1601 coinage) equal.* 1 to 2« 1 to 21 1 to 3 6 1 to 31 1 to 4 1 to 47 1 to 58 1 to 6 1 to 8 1 to 10 9 1 to 12 § 20. There is no subject connected with the Scottish coinage more perplexing than ' Balfour's MS. 2 London (1808. Vol. i. p. 444). The references are added. ** Vol. i. p. 6, XIII. " Vol. i. p. 14, III. " Vol. i. p. 21, III. ^ In 1503 the rate was as 1 to 3. See Haddington .MSS. Adv. Lib. Edin., vol. i. p. 291. 8 Rynier's "Fcedera," vol. xv. p. 29; Arch., vol. xxii. p. 11; Laus. MSS., x. f. 61. ^ In the Books of Exchequer quoted by Pro- fessor Innes, the value of the English silver penny is given in 1596 as tenpence Scots. — Scotch Legal Antiquities, p. 65. INTEODUCTION. Ixxvii the systems of Mint weights in use at different periods.^ In the time of David I. the § 20. Mint weights. " pondus Cathanie " was ordered to be used in all Scotland.^ It has been conjectured,^ with great probability, that this pound was equal to the Veitzslo silver pound of sixteen ounces, weighing 6563 grains of the modern Troy standard. At the same time, or shortly afterwards, another pound is recorded,* which was divided into fifteen ounces only, and weighed 6750 grains of the modern Troy standard* We are enabled to fix the exact weight of this pound with certainty, as it was founded on • the weight of the wheat corn, thirty-two of which went to the sterling, and six hundred and forty to the ounce. How long this weight remained in use cannot be exactly ascertained, but in 1425,^ in the " Assise de ponderibus " of the Parliament held at Perth, it was enacted that the " stane " should " contein xvj pundis Troyis," and " ilk Troyis pund" should "contein xvj vnce." The expression "libra continente sexdecem vncias ponderis de Troya " constantly occurs after this date.^ This pound weighed 7560 grains of the modern Troy standard, and each ounce weighed 672 wheat corns, or 32 wheat corns more than the early ounce of David I. This ounce was thus 7J grains lighter than the English ounce of 480 grains modern Troy. The Scottish ounce was divided into 24 deniers, as appears from an Act of Council in 1565,'' in which the third of the ounce is said to be equivalent to eight deniers. Each denier would thus be equal to 19 "6875 grains modern Troy. These calculations are con- firmed by a " Treatise on the Ancient Metts and Wechts of Scotland," written by Alexander Huntar, and printed in 1624, in which he states that the Scottish stone, called the stone weight of Lanark, was made up of sixteen Scottish pounds ; each pound contained two marks, each mark eight ounces, and each ounce 57 6 Scottish grains. There is a probability that the Act of 1425 was only declaratory, and that the new 1 This has proved a most fertile source of error, as it has been generally assumed that the English standards were used in the Scottish Mint. As an example of this the remarks of Lindsay (p. 57) on the weights of the thistle dollars may be cited. The weight of the dollars as laid down in the Act agrees perfectly with the extant specimens. 2 Act. Pari. Scot. vol. i. p. 308 (n. p. 673). Robertson's " Historical Essays," pp. 68, 36. Act. Pari. Scot. vol. i. p. 309 (n. p. 674). Item the pund in King Dauidis dayis weyet xxv. schillingis. Now the pund aw to wey in siluer xxv. schillingis and iij sterling penijs and that for the mynoratioun of the peny that is in the tym now. Item the pund sould wey . xv . vncis. The vnce contenit in King Dauidis time xx gude and sufficient sterling penijs and now it sail wey . xxi . penijs for the demynicioune of the mone King David ordaynt at the sterlyng suld wey xxxij cornys of gude and round quhete. ^ Act. Pari. Scot. vol. ii. p. 10. Snelling points out that it was in use in the time of James III. " Scot- tish Coins," p. 11. 6 Vol. i. p. 22, VII., &c. 7 Vol. i. p. 78, XX. 1 X X viii RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. §•20. Mint system of weights had been introduced even before the reign of James I. But however we.jits. certainly was in common use immediately after. In 1552 the stone weight of Lanark is specially mentioned ^ in the Eecords of the Convention of Eoyal Burghs ; and in 1578 it was more particularly ordered by the same body that each troy weight should " keip the just wecht of xvj unces for the pund conforme to the French wecht," ^ In 1587 a commission ^ was given to sundry persons — among whom was Sir Archibald Napier, then General of the Cunyie House — to enquire concerning the laws and acts relat- ing to Aveights and measures, and to make and establish a weight and measure to be common and universal among all the lieges for buying and selling. This commission reported that, having considered the ancient laws and Acts of Parliament anent metts and weights in bygone times, and among others the pound troy, and the stone proportionate thereto, they find that " maist wisely " the proportions and grounds of all these have been so established of old that each controls the other ; and accordingly recommend that the same should be observed in all time coming. This was confirmed in 1607 ; and in 1618* another Act was passed for settling weights and measures, which provided " that there shall bee only one Just weight through all the parts of the Kingdome which shall univer- sallie serue aU his Majestie's Lieges (by the which and no other) they shall buy and sell " ..." to wit the Frensh Troys Stone weght conteiniug sexteine Troys Pounds in the stone and sexteine Troyes unces in the Pound and the lesser weghts and measures to be made in proportion conforme thereto." In 1621 and in 1625 ^ other Acts were passed ratifying this and the Mint Act of 1686,''' shows that these were the ordinary weights in common use then. They continued so till the Union, when the seventeenth ^ article of the Treaty provided that ever afterwards the weights and measures in use in England should be the standard for the United j^ingdom. Sir James Hope has sdme curious notes on the Mint weights as follows : — XV. — Note, anent Mint weights of Scotland and comparatione thereof with others as is within-conteined. iLipi^toiin The 100 lb weight subtile of Antwerpe is aequall 189| marks each marke consisting Ux inerca- of 8 English Troy ounces. So the ounce Troy English wilbe havier than tlie ounce of toria, p. 16. ' Records, vol. i. p. 2. * Act. Pari. Scot. iv. p. 585. " Act. Pari. Scot. viii. p. 603. - Records, vol. i. p. 7« s Act. Pari. Scot. iv. p. 614. « Act. Pari. Scot. xi. p. 451. 3 Act. Pari. Scot iii 437, 521. e ^rt Pari. Scot v. p. 186. INTRODUCTION. Ixxix Antwerpe by almost 32 Antwerpe graines The said 100 lb of Antwerpe is eqiiall to 96 § 20. Mint ■weights. Trose Scots weight, and to 93 kings Paris weight, and to 94f lb Diepe or Burdeaux weight Whence I gather 1. That the ounce Trose Scots is havier thant he said ounce of Antwerpe by 1 denier of 246" preciselie 2. That the ounce Trose Scots wilbe lighter then the Paris kings ounce by 18^ | graines Scots, so that the Scots Trose pound wilbe lighter then the Paris kings pound by 12 den 93^ e-" Scots 3 That the ounce Trose Scots wilbe lighter then the ounce Troy English by varie neere 8 graines But by the contract after specified its 10 19 p"' 6 ^'^'^ lighter 4. That the ounce Trose Scots will be lighter then the Diepe and Burdeaux ounce by 8/t 8" Scots 5. That the Paris K. ounce is havier then the oz of Antwerpe by 1 den. 19 and almost ane halfe graine. I find by contract betwixt his majestie K. Ja. 6 and Thomas Achesone Mr Coinyier in Scotland A°. 1604 that a lb weight Troy of England is reckoned equall to 12 ounce 5 den. 9 grs 18 pr Scotland Mint weight 20 Julie 1647. Compaired the ordinarie French Trose weight vsed be our Marchands in Scotland which is ordinarlie marked with a fleure de lyce with the Troye weights of the Mint of England which are in the Warden Chist of the Mint of Scotland and wer sent home be K. Ja. 6 in A". 1604. and finds 16 ounce Troy to weigh 16 oz 3 drope 6 graines Trose fleure de lyce weight, and 12 oz which is 1 lb Troy to weigh 12 oz 2 drope 13| grs Trose weight forsaid. And seing the said lb Troy weighes 12 oz 5 den 9 gr. 18 pr. of the Mint of Scot- laud as by the aforsaid contract. It folio wes that 1 lb that is 16 oz Trose Mint weight of Scotland should be lighter than a lb that is 16 oz Trose fleure de lyce weight by 2 den 11 gr Erench. So also the oz Mint weight of Scotland should be lighter then the said French trose oz. by three gr 16 pr. 12 sec. French, and the oz Troy English havier then tlie said oz Trose French by 7 gr 3 pr. Trose French Compared also with the Deane of Gild's lb weight of Edr. which is marked thus ♦ I*P' Bt* which I found to be 12 gr. Francli lighter then the said fleure de lyce Lxxx EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 20. Mint lb. So that the lb weight of the Mint of Scotland is lighter then the Deane of Gilds lb by weights. 2 deniers lakeing one graine, and so the oz by 3 pr, lakeing the 144 Pt of a graine or 1^ pryme but the Deane of Gilds lb was worne-like. Compared also the Deane of Gilds of Ed"" 4 lb weight with the new 4 lb pyle marked with a fleure de lyce boght from J° Falconar Warden from Holland and found the fleure de lyce 4 lb lighter than the Edin'' 4 lb by 2 drope large More compared my brase round stone weight which I had justed, by the forsaid fleure de lyce 4 lb weight and I found it to be 12 drope lighter then the Dean of Gilds of Ed'' stone weight ; which evidenced the forsaid Edinburgh 4 lb weight to be worne Kght a drope More compared the forsaid round brasse stone weight (which I had justed as said is) with a new brasse stone pyle weight in the coinyehouse, and I found the said new pyle weight havier by almost halfe one oz More that the iron tronne stone weight in my leadhouse at Leith is havier then 20 lb weight of Edr Dean of Gilds weights aforesaid by 4| oz More in a little box in the Wairden's chist I found thir severall sorts of grains following I found some marked which have beene mad be Johne Achesone Generall for the tyme, I found vthers marked onely with points for the numbre of tlie graines or cyphers, with out any mark of Authoritie I found vthers marked thus Hi:^^ I found vthers marked with a libbert and ane B which I suppose to have beene mad be Briot I found vthers marked onely with points or cyphers for the numbre of the graines and a crowne ; which compareing I found equall to these were sent me from London be under assayour in the Toure. By compareing I found the graine havier than the graine marked with the croune without the C by 21 droits. Conforme to the aforesaid Contract there should be 12 f Crounes or 5' St. peices of silver in the lb Troy so each crowne peice should weigh 13629 ^| prymes, and so the halfe crowne 6814 f | prymes of the mint weights of Scotland The ounce both Scots and French are devyded into 24 '^'''^ Everie denier into 24 g" everie g'' into 24 prymes everie pryme INTRODUCTION. Ixxxi into 24'^'= Hence the once conteins 13824 prymes So that if the French oz. or 13824 pr. § 20. Miut weights. be havier then the once or 13824 pr. of the mint of Scotland by 3 16 p'' 12 '^<=' or 21241^= French, and that the halfe crowne of silver by the aforsaid contract should weigh 6814 f|- of the mint of Scotland. Then the same halfe crowne should weigh 6771 prymes Frenche weight or 11 18 3i"' bot there is ane hudge great fraction, bot this is within one second for exactness. The 24 Julie Tryed deane of Gilds lb weight of Ed"" which was marked FhSfl • I*P* with the aforementioned Frenche pound weight and fund the deane of Gild's lb weight lighter by twelve graines. I Sir James Hope generall of his majesties Mint being requyred by the honourable Committie of Estaites to set under my hand the trew weight that the halfe crowne of silver should be according to the standard of this Kingdome doe declare that I find that by contract past betwixt his majestie of blessed memorie K. James the 6 and Th. Achesone M'' of the Mint for the tyme dated at WhytehaU the 16 NoV 1604 the halfe crowne should weigh 6814 f| prymes of the mint weight or 11 19 22fJP'- and als that haveing examined the French pyle marked with the fieure de lyce amongst the weights now used amongst the marchands for the trew weights of this Kingdome, with standart weight of the mint doe find that the saids Frenche weights are heavier then our mint weights by two drope 13^ graines in a pound Troy, and so one Frenche ounce will be havier then the mint once by 3 s'' 16 p'' 12^'"= and be consequence that the said halfe crowne should not weigh by the standard of this Kingdome above seiven drope and threttie graines J of the saids Frenche weights which I doe testifie be thir presents written and subscryved with my hand at Ed'' the tenth day of Julie 1647. The occasion of this was the rounged and clipped half crownes which came from England with our armie which wer now to be discharged to goe under their trew wight. The declaratione just abone written did not satisfie, bot was sent backe to me by my Lord South Eske vpon Monday the 14 Julie to be more succintlie and cleerlie sett down for the Clerkes informatione anent the proclamatione which I did as foUowes I Sir James Hope Generall of his majesties mint being requyred by the honourable Committie of Estaites to sett vnder my hand the trew weight that the halfe crowne of silver according to the standard of this Kingdome should weigh of the French weights marked with the fleure de lyce ordinarlie now vsed amongst the marchands for the trew weights of this Kingdome doe declare that efter comparatione made of the saids French weights with the mint weights I find that the said halfe crowne of silver by the aforesaid Ixxxii EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 20. Mint standard should not weigh of the aforesaid French or Marchand weights above seiven drope weights. and threttie graine and ane eight part graine so that the samine will fall to be leighter then the French halfe ounce about sex graines and that besydes two graines of remeid or allowance which I testifie by thir presents written and subscryved with my hand at Ed'' the fourteinth Julie 1647. Sic Sub. § 21. Tables § 21. The following tables will show the weights in use at various times in the Scottish of Mint weights. Mint : — Table I. — The system in ttse in the time of David I. and, down to some tmcertain period about the end of the fourteenth century. 1 wheatcorn Grains Modern Troy. •763125 32 = 1 sterling 22-5 640 20 = 1 ounce 450 9600 300 15 = 1 pound 6750 Table G. — The system in use after the beginning of tlie reign of James I. 1 grain = Grains Modern Troy. •8203125 24 = 1 deneir = 19-6875 36 • n = 1 drop^ = 29-53125 576 24 16 = 1 ounce = 472-5 4608 192 128 8 = 1 mark = 3780 9216 384 356 16 2 — 1 pound = 7560 147456 6144 5696 256 32 16 = 1 stone = 120960 1 Vol i. p. 82, XXXI. INTRODUCTION. Ixxxiii According to one of the Hopetoun MSS. the Mint ounce weight of Scotland was § 21. Tables of Miut lighter than the later French Troys ounce by 3 grains, 16 primes, 12 seconds weights. French.^ The following Tables show the Scottish Mint weights in comparison with the English : — Table J. — The Scottish Mint weights in comparison with the English. Hopetouu Papers. Ounces. Drops. Denieres. Graines. Prymes. Seconds. Tliirds. Fourths. ^\ 16 256 384 9216 ^21184 5308416 127401984 3057647616 Pound. Peryoit. 24 \ 16 24 576 13824 331776 7962624 191102976 Ounce. Droyte. 480 20 ^ 36 864 20736 497664 11943936 Drope. Myte. 11520 480 24 24 576 13824 331776 7962624 Deniere. Graine. 230400 9600 480 20 \ 24 576 13824 331776 Graine. Pennie. 5529600 230400 11520 480 24^ \ 24 576 13824 Pryme. Ounce. 110592000 4608000 230400 9600 480 20 \ 24 576 Second. Pounde. 1327104000 55296000 2764800 115200 6760 240 12 X 24 Third. Blanks. Peryoits. Droytes. Mytes. Graines. Pennies. Ounces. The Dean of Guild's weights of Edinburgh were heavier than those used in the mint by 2| ounces in every stone weight.^ ^ Int. p. Ixxxi. ^ Vol ii. p. 192, Lxxiii. Ixxxiv EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. Table K. — English Troy reduced to Scottish weight. The difference of the once English from the once Scottish is 10^^ 19?'' ^ as it wes deliuerit on tryell be the Lord of Merkestoun at his lodging by ordour of the Committes the 22 of October 1604. cc M '3 Reduced into Scottish Weight. CP o a 3 la o % s o p o Ph ) 2^ 1 4. n 400 )) 1 Q 1 1 9 1 200 ?j • Q fi o 1 ^ 1 1 a D - 100 )» A • *r fi 1 9 1 f\ 1 50 )) 9 ft fi u 7 40 )> 1 . J 1 4. q \j ft 30 1 • 1 D 1 A. 10 A 1 9 20 )i A • u 1 1 9 q 10 )> U ft 1 1 8 ji A U ft D 1 ft 4 J) •J 91 2 )j A U 1 1 Q 1 C\ lU 1 9 I J 1 >> n n u 1 9 y 10 Sex ounce Englis is . 6 2 16 21 3 „ w' )> 3 1 8 10 12 >> )> >) 2 21 15 1 >) )) »> 1 10 19 12 Half vnce Englis . 12 5 9 18 Fyve denier w' 6 2 16 21 Twa den' & ane half . 3 1 8 10 12 One den' w' . 1 5 8 4 4 Twelf g" Englis 14 16 2 2 Sex ,, 7 8 1 1 Thrie „ „ 3 16 12 Ane „ „ 1 5 8 4 Off" Tenet Ahn. INTEODUCTION. Ixxxvii Table N. — A7ie Table of the Scottis weght to English weght according to 4'' 9 g" Englis § 21. Tables , r. rv . Mint less vpoun 12 otcnces Scottis. weights. 100. St w« Scottis is p . 2094 oz 5 d 6 16 Englis 50 . . . . 1047 p 2 15 8 40 . 837 p 9 6 16 20 . . . 418 p 10 13 8 10 . . . 209 p 5 6 16 8 . . . 167 6 13 8 4 . 83 9 6 16 2 . . . 41 10 13 8 1 20 11 6 16 8 Pund w* is . 10 5 13 8 4 . 5 2 16 16 2 . . . 2 7 8 8 1 . . . 1 3 14 4 Eng 8 Once w* is . 7 17 2 12 . . . 11 15 15 4 . . . 3 18 13 2 . 1 19 6 10 1 . . . 19 15 5" 12 Uen' w' is . 9" 19 gr 12'" 12" 6 . . . 4 21 16-" 6^ 2 10 18 3 i : : : 1 5 9 1" 10 P 19 12 17" Twelf Grane w' is 9 16 8 10 P 6 . . . 4 18 4 " 5 P 3 . . . 2 9 2 2 P 1 . 16 mytis 8 droitis 14 periotis 4 blankis 12 Prymes 8 4 7 2 6 . 4 2 3 13 Hopetouii Papers. 12b Tenet Aim. Ixxxviii EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 21. Tables The following paper, from the British Museum collection, gives some information as of Mint weigiits. to the agreement and difference between the English and Scottish currency at the time of James VI.'s accession to the English throne : — XVI. — The [^particuler articles propounded by the Master of His^ Majesty's mint in England : The answelrs of the Mint] Master of Scotland and their agreement. 3 October [1604]. c'ottou Mss., Answers to the Articles particuler Otho E. X., fo. 241. (This underwritten. MS. is injured by fire.) Article 1. The difference in weight betwene the pound weight Troy of England and that of Scotland. Answer. This cannot be knowne but by the counter peyzing the one with the other, quhilk shalbe don when you please/ Agreement. Wee fynd the ounce English doth overpeyze the ounce Scottish viii graynes three quarters English, and after that rate xij ounce English doth overpeize xij ounce Scottish iiij peny weight ix graynes English. Art. 2. The difference of the Standerds in the Allay of the gold and syluer monies as they are establisht. Answere. The golde of Scotland is of 22 carrettes fine and the siluer of xj denie''' and xj ounce fyne. Agreement. Touching the difference in the fynesse of the moneys, wee fynde the six pound pece of Scotland to bee in Allay of xxij carrette fine, and equall in finesse with the Crowne gold moneis of England. The marke pece of siluer wee fynde to be ten ounces, xix peny weight at the assay . a peny weight wourse then thair standerd and one peny weight worse then the monies of England ; which after the computation of the Scottish accompt ryseth to tenne deniers xxij granes and a haulfe ; which is wourse then the English money one grayne and a halfe, and worse then their owne Standerd one grayne & ^ of a grayne Scottish. INTRODUCTION. Ixxxix The difference of tlie nomber of peces shorne in the ounce or pound weight according § 21. Tables of Mint to the severall Indentures./ weights. Art. 3. Six whole peces of golde, or of their halfes twelve ; and of siluer fowre and a half-peece, Answer, or nyne halfes and their quarters and other parts answerable therto are in our ounce./ Agi'eement. pride that six of the six pound peeces of Scottish gold fo. 24i>>. Burnt away. .... weigh One ounce Scottish and yet by reason of the defect f weight of the ounce Scottish to the ounce English and that they are shorne at sixe in the ounce, whereas the halfe Sovreign . . . is shorne but at Five and a half and seavcu graynes in the ounce English : . . the said half souarayne is better in true currant value then the said six pound . pece by x** oU very neare/. The difference in the severall formes andstampes of the moneis currant in each of the Artie i. said Eelmes and how they hold in allay one with an other. All the other money of Scotland is made bullion for making of the said spaces. Answer. Agreement. Towching the monies of Scotland wee are of opinion that the monies to be made currant in bothe the Realmes are to bee discribed with their printes plainly in the pro- clamacion for the better lufoniiing of the people, and all other moneis of Scotland to be declared to be bullion. The difference in true valewe from the severall Standerds forsaid by reason of the Artie. 5. remedie allowed to be wrought upon in Scotland, which is not permitted in Eughmd. As to the difference from the standerds by reason of the remedies : They are Answer, observed in Scotland as they are in England. So that in the generall assaies the money is found to kepe the standerd with remedies granted in both the countries. Agreement. Towching the marke peeces of Sylver of Scotland we thincke they may goe currant as they doe. The difference in proporcion betwene fyne gold and fine Silver in each of the said Artie. 6. llealmes. m xc EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. S 21. Tables The proporcioii of fyne gold to fyne sylver in Scotland is as one is to twelve, and so of Mint weights. in the rest, pro rata,/. Answer. § 22. Foreign § 22. It has generally been assumed that the Scottish money ers imitated the English, influence on the Scottish and that the changes which took place in the Southern mint were always, or at least in the Mint. great majority of cases, followed in the Northern.^ Though it might have been expected that in countries between which there was so much intercourse as England and Scotland,^ the example of the larger and more wealthy would naturally be followed, it is nevertheless certain that the influence of the English mint on the Scottish one, has been very greatly overrated. This will be at once apparent by comparing the coins of each country current at the same time. It is true that the early sterlings of Scotland were equal in weight and fineness ^ to those of England, but they differed altogether in type. It is universally con- ceded that the moneyers during the reign of William the Lion were Norman-French, while the coinages of Alexander the Third, with the legend eSCj 08816 RGX, were probably by artists from the same country. David II. employed Italian coiners * in his mint, and the coins, of his reign, in consequence, compare favourably with any others current in Europe at the same period. ■ In the reign of Eobert III. there was an evident tendency to imitate the comage of England. Before that period the king's head was in profile, not full-faced as in the coins of the English series. A curious reason for this is given by an old English annalist : — " Afore the fyft K. Henrey's day, Their silver coinage was as it ought to be, The kyng's face looked on side all waye To his sovereign (lorde) of England as I see." * The Scottish coins have chiefly mullets and stars on the reverse, while the English have pellets. Alexander the Third has Dei ERS on his coins, an example which was followed by England shortly after.^ - But from this time down to the reign of James V. we cannot trace any direct foreign influence in the Scottish Mint. In 1527 a contract for the coinage was entered into with » Nicolson, « Scottish Hist. Lib.," p. -395. 2 Vol. i. p. 19, II. c. 1. ^ Vol. i. p. 6, XIII. * Vol. i. p. 5, X. * Harding's Chron., p. 87. ^ Numismatic Chron. (new series), vol. xi. p. 281. Vol. i. p. 64, XXXIV. INTRODUCTION. xci Hochstetter and other foreigners, apparently Germans, and the gold pieces of 1539 and 1540 were acknowledged at the time to be the most artistic coins in Europe. Many of the coins of Mary's reign were the work of French artists, and some of the dies were engraved in Paris. ^ In 1555, however, an Englishman (called " Misserwie " in the records) was mint master. During the regency of the Earl of Morton a Dutchman had a contract about the mint, but it does not appear that he had any hand in designing the coins.^ The last distinguished foreigner who influenced the coinage of Scotland was Nicholas Briot, a native of the Duchy of Lorraine. He first appears in 1626,^ and was afterwards appointed to be the engraver^ and master of the mint in Scotland. He was also chief engraver of the English mint. His pieces are very well struck, and were produced by improved mechanical processes. At all periods foreign coins were legally current in Scotland. In many of the Acts of Parliament and Privy Council special values are laid down at which these were to have course. The following table will give some idea of the sorts and values of these coins : — Table 0. — Tahlc of Foreign Coins current in Scotland. § 22. Foreign influence on tlie Scottisli Mint. 1357. Omnis bona moneta regis Anglie auri vel argenti recipiatur per regnum Scocie ad verum valorem prout in Anglia potest dari. ^ 1385 NobHe auri. Scutum Francie . Scutum Flandrie Mouton de France 1393 English Noble . „ Flemish noble . 1398 Scutum Brabancie French crown . 1451 English Groat (eight to the ounce) Half English Groat to be current for 1 Aiit. Soc. Trans., vol. ix. p. 506. 2 Vol. i. p. 142, xLVi. 3 Vol. ii. p. 71. cxii. * Vol. ii. p. 52, cxxviii. Vol. ii. p. 45, lxxii. Vol. i. p. 1, II. 6 Vol Vol. i 8 Vol. i 9 Vol. i p. 8, II. p. 12, I. p. 13, II. p. 20. II. 7/8 « 3/11" 3/11 « 4/2 « 9/6^ 9/4^ 3/ 8 4/9 8 /8 /4 xcii KECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 22. Foreign influence on the Scottish Mint. Eial of France . Salute of France Crown of France Delphin Crown . Eiders of Flanders English New Noble i Do i Do Flemisli Noble . 1452 English penny . 1456 English Harry Noble „ Salute . „ Eider Ehenish gelding 1464 Lewis . 14G6 New English groat of Edward „ New Eose Noble 1467 Eose Noble Old Edward noble 32/ reduced in 1468 to (p.35,vi.) Harry noble 27/6 . French crown, 12/6 . Salute Lewis Old English groat 1/4 reduced in 1468 to New English groat 1/ . Old English penny New English penny 1475 Eose noble Harry noble Angel . 6/8 6/8 6/8 6/8 6/8 13/4 6/8 4/4 12/8 /31 22/ 2 11/ 2 11/ 2 8/ 2 14/43 /lO* 25/ * 32/ 5 28/ 24/ 11/ 13/4 15/6 1/2 /II /4 6 /3« 35/ 7 31/ 23/ 1 Vol. i. p. 21, III. ^ Vol. i. p. 21, V. 3 Vol. i. p. 30, I. '* Vol. i. p. 32, II. ^ Vol. i. p. 32, VI. « Vol. i. p. 34, V. ' Vol, i. p. 38, XII. INTEODUCTION". 1521 1523 i> >) 1524 French crown Salute . Lew- Eider 1488 Kose nobles Harry nobles Flemish Eiders] . Lew French crowns . Salute . . H Ducats . Angel Noble Crowns of England Crown of the Sun Great blank of France . Carolus . Eose Noble Harry „ Angel „ Ducat . 1545 Testoon of King of France „ Sous „ Carolus . „- Double Ducat of Spain . 1551 Half Sous „ Liart 1555 Crown of the Sun „ Angel noble Harry noble and Double Ducat Eose Noble ' Lindsay, p. 259. 2 Vol. i. p. 67, XXXV. ^ Act. Dom. Con., vol. xxxiv. f. 12^ * Vol. i. p. 54, I. 6 Vol. i e Vol. i ■> Vol. i, 36/ 13/4 15/6 17/6 15/6 and 35/ 1 32/ 15/ 18/ 14/ 16/ 16/ 28/2 17/ 20/3 /6 /5 44/4 40/ 30/ 20/ 5/6 5 /6 /5 48/ /3« 23/ « 36/ ' 48/ 54/ § 22. Foreign influence on the Scottish Mint. p. 69, III. p. 75, XIII. p. 94, L. XCIV RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 22. Foreign influence ou the Scottish Mint. 1580 Crown of the Sun „ Pistolettes 1582 Crown of the Sun 1590 Angel Noble . „ Harry Noble „ English Testoon 1591 Old Rose Noble Double Ducat Crown of the Sun, Pistolet of Spain . 43/ . 42/ . 50/ £5, 4/ . 7, 10/ 9/8 £6, 13 4^ £6 . 56/ . 55/ § 23. Original papers relating to the values of dates : — the coins. 23. The following papers show the values of the current coins at their respective Hopetoun Papers. Table P. — Circa 1597, Ane Copy of the taUe maid he the Laird of Merchistoun concerning the price of gold and sillier Ane Tabill of the gold and siluer efter specifeit maid be the Laird of Merchistoun Generall, to the Lords of Chakker Questio The vnce of gold at xxij carrattis being coft for xxix lb the vnce quhat sail ilk space of that fynnes be worth, viz the pistolat price thairof iij ti iiij s vj d Off xxj carrattis quhairof ar the spaces following viz the Kingis ducat bairheidit quhilk wes cunyeit for iiij lb quhereof fyve weyis the vnce price of the peice v ti x s viij Off xxj carrattis and ane half ar thir spaces following viz the peice quhilk Aves cunyeit for iij ti xv s commonlie callit the Scottis angell quhereof sex weyis the vnce price of the peice iiij ti xiiij § v| d The prices of the twa pairt and third pairt of this Scottis angell is to be sett doun pro rata Off xxij carrattis and ane half ar thir spaces following viz the Frenche croun price thairof iij ti v s xf d The Flemis croun price thairof iij ti v s x| d. 1 Vol. i. p. 119, XVI r. INTEODUCTION. xcv The peice callit the potener price thairof iij ti v s xf d § 23. Original papers relating Off xxiij carrattis ar thir spaces following viz the peice callit the Angell with the gwn to the values of the coins. hoill price thairof v ti j s f d The Harie ducat of France price thairof iij ii xj s vij d Off xxiij carrattis and ane half ar thir spaces following viz The doubill ducat price thairof vj ti xix s ixi The Vngaris ducat . iij ix xf The thrissill nobill . vij xiiij The Portingall ducat . xxxvi ij X The Geintis nobill . vij xiiij Off xxiij carrattis and viij graines ar thir spaces following viz The auld rois nobill price thairof . . vij ti xvj s' The Harie nobill . . . .vij x d The auld angell nobill , . . v iiij The vnce of siluer at xj deniers being coft for xlviij § iiij d the vnce quhat sail ilk space of this fynes be worth viz The Ingles money price of the testane ix § viij d Quart de Lewis of France price thairof xv s i| d [Table xcvi RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 23. Original Table Q. — TahU of tlic Weight of monie and worth thairof as it shoidd goc out be the contract papers relating to the values o)' betivixt his Majcstic and Thomas Achesone 1604. quhairin some fractiones the coins. are neglected, not cxceiding 1'' in the stone weight. Hopetoun Papers. St ti s — d Lb ti s d Oz ti s d Drs ti s d ti s d 1 778 19 6 1 48 13 8 1 3 - 10 1 - 3 9 1 — 2 6 2 1557 9 1 2 97 7 5 2 6 1 8 2 - 7 7 2 — 5 — 3 2336 8 7 3 146 1 1 3 9 2 6 3 - 11 4 3 - 7 7 A 4 3114 1 o 18 4 194 -1 4 14 10 4 12 3 5 4 15 2 4 10 5 3893 17 8 5 243 8 7 5 15 4 3 5 19 5 12 8 6 4672 17 3 6 292 2 3 6 18 5 1 6 1 2 9 6 15 2 < 5451 16 9 7 340 10 7 21 6 7 1 6 7 7 17 9 8 6229 16 4 8 389 9 9 8 24 6 10 8 1 lU 5 8 1 3 9 7008 15 10 9 438 3 5 9 27 7 8 9 1 14 2 10 1 5 4 10 7787 15 5 10 486 17 1 10 30 8 6 10 1 18 11 1 7 10 20 15575 10 10 11 535 10 10 11 33 9 5 11 2 1 10 13 1 12 10 30 23363 6 4 12 584 4 7 12 36 10 3 12 2 5 7 14 1 15 6 40 31151 1 9 13 632 18 4 13 39 11 1 13 2 9 5 19 2 8 2 50 38938 17 3 14 681 12 1 14 42 12 14 2 12 3 20 2 10 8 100 77877 14 7 15 730 5 9 15 45 12 10 15 2 16 23 2 18 3 Hopetoun Table R. — 1612, Anc A. B. C. or table quhairby to knaw the pryces of all sortis of gold being of the fyncs following Off xxiij carrettis — viij granis fyne The vnce thairof .... xlj ti ix § iiij d A deneir wecht thairof!' . . j xiiij vjf A grane wecht thairol' ... j vj INTRODUCTION. xcvii Off xxiij carrettis — vj granis fyne The vnce thairof . . . . xlj ii iij § vj d j xiij iij I j A deneir wecht thairof A grane wecht thairoff § 23. Original papers relating to the values ot the coins. Off xxiij carrettis fyne The vnce thairof .... A deneir wecht thairof . A grane wecht thairoff . The vnce thairoff A deneir wecht thairoff A graine thairoff xi a VJ § d j xiij j vij iiij 1 > B T ' 1 ■vj granis fyne O z xxxix ti viij s vj d \ " ■' Off xxij carrettis fyne The vnce thairoff .... xxxviij ti A deneir wecht thairof . . . j A graine wecht thairoff ... xij x^ j iiij } h xj s d xij j i j iiij Off xxj carrettis vj granis fyne The vnce thairoff .... xxxvij ti A deneir wecht thairoff . . . j A grain wecht thairof ... xuj s j iij V d iiij f Off xxj carrettis fyne The vnce thairof .... A deneir wecht thairoff . A graine wecht thairof . xxxvj ti XV s xj d j X J vij I I iij i Off XX carrettis fyne The vnce thairoff .... A deneir wecht thairoff . A graine wecht thairoff . XXXV ti j s ix j x d ij i h ij i xcviii EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 23. Original TABLE S. — 1612, Anne forme of table hdcliing the price of everie peice of gold papers relating to the values of paHicularlie within written wecht and fynes thairof To be worth Being the coins. ratted at 38 ti 11 s xV ^ money as the price of bying appointed to the Maister Cunyeour. Hopetoiui The vnce of gold of xxij carrettis fyne being ratted at xxxviij ti xj § yV ^ Papers. makis the particulare spaices of the wecht and fynes following to be worth The vnce wecht of xxiij carettis f is worth 41 ii 9 § 4 The spaices of the same fynes ar The auld rois nobill of England weyand 61 10 7 4 ±xie xidrie nouie weying O 1 grs q / a The auld angell weying 41 6 18 2 The vnce of 23 carrettis \ 41 ti 3s 6 The spaices of the same fynes ar The kingis thrissill nobill weying 61 10 5 10 The Portugall dewcatt weying ane vnce . 41 8 9 The double ducat weying 51 10 grs 9 5 10 The half thairof weying 21 17 grs 4 12 11 The Vngeris ducatt weying 21 17 grs 4 12 11 The Gentis noble of Flanderis weying 51 22 grs 10 3 The vnce of 23 carrettis fyne 40 ti 6s The spaices of the same fynes ar The gunhoill angell weying 41 6 14 4 The croce dewcatt weying . - 21 18 grs 4 12 4 INTEODUCTION. XCIX The Frenche Harie ducatt weying M ■ O . 1 ffi's 1.0 ^ y 4.; 11 1 n K iU s Q Thfi TTntriRhtia noble 10 " 9 1 11 The vnce of 22 carrettis | fyne . 39 8 6 The spaices of the same fynes ar The Frenche croun weying 2d 15grs 4 6 2 Idem .... 2'^ 4 4 10 The potence crowne weying 2* 15gi-3 4 6 2 The vnce of 22 carrettis fyne 38 ti 11 s The spaices of the same fynes ar The kingis hatt peice weying thrie "^^^ 12g" 5 12 10 The fyve pund peice weying 6 8 6 The quenis peice with the cipher ME weying 4^ 6 8 6 The quenis portraetwith the naikedcraig weying 6^ 9 12 9 The Spannes pistolatt weying 21 15s'-» 4 4 3 Idem .... 2^ 4 2 11 The Mylrae weying gders A 4 lb The vnce of 21 carrettis J fyne . 37 ti 13 § 5 The spaices of the same fynes ar The kingis Lyoun Noble weying 4" 6 5 6 The Abbay croun weying 2<» 15grs 4 2 4 The vnce of 21 carrettis fyne 36 ti 15 § 11 The spaices of the same fynes are The kingis ducatt weying 4<» 7 7 2 The rianderis Albertus weying . 4* 6 2 7 i5 23. Original papers relating to the values of the coins. c EECOKDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. g 23. Original papers relating to the values of the coins. (1612.) The space of forane money maid current at 50 § The Spanis ryall . . . xlv § The croce dollour The fyiftene sous peice The Frenche testane . The Inglis testane fourtie four § viij d . fyftene s iiij d fyiftene s ten s Hopetoun Papers. Table T. — 1612, The vnce of siluer of ellcvin deneirs cunyeit without the realme at four merkis the vnce The siluer at spaces within mentionat may gif the pryces following The auld threttie s peice The tua pairt thairof The thrid pairt of the same The new threttie schilling peice The new twentie s peice The fourt pairt thairof . The last ten s peice The half merk pieces fyiftie three s iiij d threttie fyve § sex d twentie sevin s nyne d fourtie § twentie sax s aucht d threttene s four penneys ten s viij d sevin schilling The vnce of forane gold weyand to threttie pund the vnce of tuentie tua carrettis. The Spanes pestvdat The Crowne of the Sone The Hary ducat The gunhoill angellis The angell noLill The dowbill ducat The Ghenttis nobill thrie pund four s aucht d . thrie pund sax s aucht d sevin pundis fyve s fyve pund tua s . fyve pund fyve s sevin pimd tua § aucht d sevin pund sevintene § aucht penneys INTEODUCTIOK ci The Hary nobill . . . sevin pundis iij § iiij d § 23. Original papers relating The auld rose nobill ... . . aucht pundis to the values ot the coins. The thrissill nobill . . . aucht pundis fyve s The hatt peice . . . four pund threttene s aucht d The Lyoun nobill . . . fyve pund four s iiij d The new fyve pund peice . . fyve ti sax § viij d and the fyiftie s peice proportionalie. Table U. — Anc Table for the wccht of ilk peice of the 2 s peices of Siluer and the Just Hopetoun Papers. wecht also of the castis thairof comptand 4 in ilk cast quhairhy the graine the deneir the once and 23und wecht may he knawin alsweill as gif thay wer particularlie weyitt. To wit ane peice thairof weyis 18 Granis 22 Prymes 6 Secundis. Twa peices weyis 13grs 20P'' 12* Tlirie peices weyis 8s's 18P'- 18* Ffoure peices weyis 3 3grs 17P'' Twa cast weyis 6 iop>- 3. ca 9 llgrs 3pr 4. ca 12 14 20P'- 5. ca , . 15 18 13pr 10. ca j" 7 13 2p'' 20. ca 2° 15 2 25. ca 3° 61 20 17l)r 50. ca 6° 13 17 lOP'- 100. ca 13° 10 20P'- 200. ca IP 10" 6 21 16 300. ca 2P 70 10 8 12 400. ca 3P 40 13 19 8 500. ca 4P 1° 17 6 4 EECOr.DS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLANJ). S? 2-i. Oriiiiiinl pajjors reUitiiig to tlie vnlues of the coins. Siluev Is ane cast Followis the Table of tlie 1 § peices of Siluer. To wit j peice thairof weyis . ggrs IIP.- 3se 2 peices weyis 18 22 6^ 3 peices weyis l-i 4 9 9^ 4 peices weyis I'l 13 20 ]2« Tenet vt supra Twa cast weyis 3 17 3. ca 4d 17 13 12s 4. ca 6" 7 10 Tenet 5. ca 7' 16s 12 22i"' 6s - 20 12« 18 17 15 13 18« 6^ 12^ Thridis Thvidis Tenet 11" 18^ INTRODUCTION. 8. cast . e-J 7gi' g 23. Original 9. ca 6« nn Tiprc: tpI t f i n cr . 1^ to the values of the coins. 10. ca . 7^ 6Pr 12^ Tenet 20. ca 15^ 13pr tenet 30. ca 23« 15g^ 19P'' 12^ tenet 40. ca j° 7d 13^ 2P'' tenet 50. ca j" 151 iog>- Sp-- 12« tenet 100. ca 3° 20^ 17pr tenet 200. ca 6° 17gr lOP'- tenet 300. ca 9° 201 14gr 3pr tenet 400. ca 12° 31 108^ 20P'^ tenet 500. ca . 15° 101 13P^ tenet § 24. The history of the Coinage of Scotland cannot be carried back to any very remote § 24. Early history of tlie period of antiquity. There is no trace of an early Scottish currency, imitated like the coinage, early British, from the well-known coins of Gaul or Eome. If native moneyers were at work at all before the beginning of the eleventh century, we must look for their coins among the rude imitations of the Anglo-Saxon types often found in the Western Islands,^ with legends either perfectly illegible, or so blundered as to baffle everything except conjecture.^ David I. coined sterlings, and it is highly probable that his immediate predecessors had a silver currency. But the present appropriations to these earlier kings are far from being satisfactory, and we must await future discoveries before we can certainly affirm that any coins were minted in Scotland prior to 1124. It may safely be assumed that in this country a native coinage was much later of coming into use than in either England or Ireland. But it is not altogether easy to account for this. Euddiman ^ gives as probable causes the scarcity of precious metals and the want of skilled native workmen. Yet, on the other hand, it would seem from • incidental notices scattered throughout the chronicles and annals that the country was far from being altogether deficient either in native art or in gold and silver. As early as 930 1 Barry's " History of the Orkneys," p. 232 ; Lindsay's " View of the Coinage of Scotland," p. 261; "Proceedings of Society of Anti(^uaries," vol. i. p. 74; see also p. 218. ^ The coins supposed by Lindsay to ha^•e been struck by the kings of the Hebrides have been show n by Mr Burns to have been most erroneously ajipropriated. 3 Ruddiman's " Introduction to Anderson's Dip. Scoti*," § 49. civ RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. S 2 1. Eaiiy a silver slirine or case for containing the gospels existed at St Andrews, which is expressly history of the coinage. stated to havG been the work of Scottish artificers ; ^ and this would imply the existence of much more skill than was necessary for sinking the rude dies of the early sterlings. Nor were the precious metals by any means so scarce as has been imagined. Brudus is related to have sent considerable sums in bullion to the Saxon king Edwine.^ Macbeth went at great expense to Rome, where his charity was conspicuous even in that city of wealthy pilgrims.^ Malcolm Canmore was served in plate of gold and silver,* and by the treaty of 1091 twelve merks of gold, or ninety-six ounces, were paid to him by William Rufus.^ Coins of gold are mentioned as current about the same period, but these were probably the "bezants" which were received all over Europe.® These notices show that if a native coinage did not exist prior to the time of Alexander I., it was not from any scarcity of the precious metals or from any want of native art. The early Scottish historians give a much greater antiquity to the Scottish mints ; but their accounts have no historical value. Buchanan ^ says that Donald V. was the first who set up a royal mint in Scotland, and that the silver money was coined at Stirling from whence the word " sterling " came. Lesly * gives the honour of first establishing a currency to Reutha, who " nummus ex corio bubvili cudi jussit." BocEthius^ believes that Donald I. " was the first king of Scottis that prentit ane penny of gold or sUver On the ta side of this money was prentit ane croce and his face on the tither." And the same author goes on to state that before the introduction of this coinage, " the Scottis usit na money bot marchandice quhen thay interchangeit with Britonis and Romanis .... except it was money of the said Romanis or Britonis : as may be previt be sindry auld hurdis and treasouris found in divers partis of Scotland with uncouth cunye." In all probability the earliest attempt at a native gold coinage may be found in the circular pellets of that metal, slightly flattened on each side and marked with a cross and sometimes a star. At various times considerable numbers of these have been found in different parts of the country. In 1806 a hoard was found in Peeblesshire ; about forty were found together on another occasion in Lanarkshire. Some have been discovered in Forfarshire and others elsewhere. Two specimens now preserved in the Museum of the 1 Macpherson's "Annals of Commerce," vol. i. * Macplaerson's "Annals of Commerce," vol. i. p. 266. p. 309. 2 Nicholson's " Scot. Hist. Library," p. 289. « Bocothius, lib. iii. fol. 35 a. ^ Macpherson's "Annals of Commerce," vol. i. ^ Lib. vi. p. 21, 175. p. 284. 8 Lib. ii. p. 24. ^ Hailes, vol. i. p. 40. » Bellenden's Trans., vol. i. p. 195. INTRODUCTION. cv Society of Antiquaries of Scotland are figured by "Wilson ^ in his " Preliistoric Annals of § 24. Eariy history of tlie Scotland ; " and he has no hesitation in pronouncing them to be " the primitive type of coinage, native minted currency." They weigh 4 dwt. 15 grs. and 4 dwt. 12| grs. respectively, and though we have no evidence as to the time when they were used as money, it may be noted that they are nearly equal in weight to the " scillings " of gold, current in Northern Europe. In many parts of the country thin discs of iron have been found in grave mounds, and some have supposed that these might have been intended for currency,^ but this is doubtful. " Tres nummatas ferri " are mentioned in a charter of land granted to the monks of Paisley by Hose of Crageyn in 1170,^ but no baser currency than fine silver was known till long after this time. § 25. In the early Scottish laws some regulations are found relating to money, but § 25. Annuls oi the reign of none that can be carried further back than the reign of David I. In his time offenders l^avid i. were punished more commonly by fines of cattle than of money, though pecuniary penalties are also mentioned. In the " Laws of the Four Boroughs " * various sorts of coins are mentioned. The brewer was to pay to the aldermen fourpence per annum for leave to brew ; the merchant who had a covered booth in the market-place was to pay a halfpenny to the town ; but if the booth was uncovered he was to pay only a farthing. The " forfait " ^ of a burgess was fixed at eight shillings. In the " Leges inter Bretos et Scotos" the " croo " for the slaughter of a king is fixed at three thousand " orarum aurearum." No native gold currency of this period is known, but a law of doubtful authenticity provides that " pro vulnere in facie vulnerans dabit unam peciam auri videlicet unam imaginem auri ; " and it is certain from a grant made to the Abbey of Dunfermline ^ in 1153 of all 1153. the gold which should accrue to the king from Fife and Fothrif that this metal was current in some shape at this period. In the same code we find twenty-one pennies and two-thirds of a penny mentioned as the " croo " of the " newow of ane ogethearn." Among the uncertain fragments of ancient codes still extant, there is one which provides, "Quicunque falsam monetam fecisse probatum est manus ejus amputetur," or as it stands in the Scottish version : — " Quhatauer he be that makis fals mone and that be proffyt, his hand salbe schorn of, nocht anerly he that maid it, bot alsa he that had witting 1 Wilson's "Annals," pp. 317, 519, 520. ^ Act. Pari. Scot., vol. i.; preface, pj). 27, 32, 33, 2 Wilson's " Annals," p. 354. 34. 3 Regist. de Passelet, p. 231. « Chart. Dun., v. 11, f. 7. * Assise Regis David. Act. Pari. Scot., vol. i. (n.p.) p. 673. cvi KECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OE SCOTLAND. S 25. Annals of and he that tuk that mone knawaiid it was nocht guid, resawyt thyfft of a theff, ande Davifi'r? tharfor he salbe punyst in sic lik maner as a resettour of thyft wisly stollyn thing." ^ We cannot consider this, however, to be earlier than the time of David 1. That he coined extensively is evident from the comparatively numerous specimens of his coinage which are still preserved. It is probable also that foreign money was at this period in common circulation, for in the " Iter Camerarii " ^ among the points to be enquired by the " gret assys " occurs the following : — " Item gif thar be ony inbringaris of fals mone of ane other kynrik." Large sums of money were most likely still paid by weight. Formerly, apparently, the mode of computation had been, at least in the southern parts of the country, by ores, but the ordinary mode of reckoning by shillings and pounds came, during this reign, into general use, and ever afterwards remained without alteration. S26. Annals of § 26. In the reign of William the Lion we first find trustworthy evidence on the state Wiiiiain'\ue of tlic coiuagc in Scotlaud. His coins are numerous, and the large sums mentioned in the chronicles show a great increase in the wealth and civilisation of the country. In 1186 Gilbert, son of Fergus, Lord of Galloway, offered Henry of England two thousand merks of silver as a yearly tribute.^ Under the year 1189 we find the same sum mentioned by Wynton : * — " Twa thousand marks of sic monfe, As oysed wes tlian in cure countre." .... In the " Chronicle of Mailros " it is stated that " Willelmus rex Scottorum dedit Eecardo regi Anglorum x miUia marcas auri et argenti propter dignitates et libertates ac honores suos quos habuit ante guerram et pro Berewic et Rochesburh quas Henricus rex per xvj annos violenter detinuit." ^ Shortly afterwards, according to the same authority/ WUliam sent from Eoxburgh two thousand marks as a contribution towards paying the ransom of Richard of England ; and still later in the same reign the Scottish king agreed to pay the King of England fifteen thousand marks as compensation for the destruction of the castle of Tweedmouth, and for "procuring his friendship and fulfilling certain conventions between them." ^ 1195. Under the year 1195 the "Chronicle of Mailros " gives the first historical record of 1 Act. Pari. Scot, vol. i., Appendix v. p. 376; * Chron., bk. vii., c. viii. 1. 537. (ii.p.) p. 740, c. 23. 6 Chron. de MaU., p. 98. 2 Act. Pari. Scot., vol. i. p. 338; (n.p.) p. 702", « Chron. de Mail, p. 100; Hailes, vol. i. p. 160. c. 29. 7 Rymer's "Foedera," t. i. p. 155; Hailes, vol. i. 3 Hailes, vol. i, p. 151 (3d ed., Edin., 1819). p. 164. INTEODUCTION. cvii the coinage : — " Willelmus Eex Scottorum innovavit monetam suam." ^ There is no doubt § 26. Annals of the reign of that this was what is now known as the second coinage of William the Lion." It is William the Lion. mentioned by Wynton in his " Chronicle " : — " Of Scotland then the Kjnig Willame Eenew'd his mon^ then at hanie." ^ . . . . Three years after this there was a great famine in Scotland ; and, according to Boece, a "modius of barley could hardly be purchased for five 'aurei.' " * Unfortunately, he does not state what he means either by " modius " or " aureus ; " so the reference is of no historical value as far as money is concerned. § 27. The long reign of Alexander II. affords very scanty materials for the annals of § 27. Annals of . the reign of the coinage. The chronicler of Melrose says that in 1247 ^ there was a great recoinage and Alexander ii. change of type in the national currency. Balfour ^ states that this was decided on in a Parliament held at St Andrews. Though this is the only historical reference in this reign it has a very important bearing on the appropriation of the coins, bearing the name of KLeXSNDGR. From the earliest period down to 1832,'' it was generally believed by numismatic enquirers that the type of the long double cross sterlings ^ belonged to the reign of Alex- ander II., and that with the long single cross ^ to his successor. Lindsay took a different view, and maintained that all the long cross coins, whether double or single, belonged to Alexander III. While fully admitting the almost insuperable difficulties which this arrange- ment presented, he adopted it, because he believed that the evidence of history could not be got over, and that it was clearly proved that the first change of type from the short cross was made in 1250. He cites four authorities in support of his view, the " Chronicle of Melrose," Fordun, Lord Hailes, and Sir James Balfour. The two latter derived their knowledge on this point from the earlier annalists, and cannot be considered as independent authorities. Lindsay's view therefore stands or falls with the statements of the earlier chronicles. And of the two original authors quoted it is singular that Fordun never alludes to any change of type in the coinage at all, wliile the " Chronicle of Melrose " directly 1 Chron. de Mailros, p. 102. ^ " Annals," vol. i. 56. 2 Plate i., figs. 4, 5, 6. ^ Transactions of the Royal Society, vol. ii. 3 Wyn., bk. vii. c. viii.; 579. Balfour, vol. i. p. part ii. p. 304, 30. 8 Plate i. figs. 10, 11, 12. •* Hailes, vol. i. p. 365. » Plate i. figs. 13, 14. * Chron. de Mailros, p. 177. " View of the Coinage of Scotland," p. 12. CVIU EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 27. Annals of contradicts Lindsay's view, and states most distinctly that the great " mutatio monete " the reign of Alexander II. took place ill 1247, before the close of the reign of Alexander II. 1247. ^ ° It must be remembered that the " Chronicle of Melrose "is an authority of the very highest value, for it was written almost immediately after the events it narrates ; and it may also be borne in mind that it had already mentioned the only other coinage in which a change of type took place. The only " mutatio monete " which was possible in 1247 was the substitution of the long double cross for the short double cross, and the former type is conclusively connected with the reign of Alexander II. by a curious fact which has not been hitherto noticed. Of all the early kings of Scotland, Alexander II. alone appears uncrowned on his Great Seal,^ and the only Alexander who appears uncrowned on the coinage, is the Alexander on the obverse of the short and also of the long double cross sterlings.^ Thus the evidence of history, far from supporting Lindsay's arrangement, com- pletely confirms the former appropriation, and clearly shows that the long double cross type belongs to the reign of Alexander 11.^ The only authority for Lindsay's statement is the Abbot Bower, who, alluding to the great coinage at the commencement of the reign of Alexander III., falls into the mis- take of supposing that it was the first in which the long cross was used. § 28. Annals of § 28. At the commencement of the reign of Alexander III. a new coinage was struck.* the reign of Alexander III. In the Scotichronicou ^ it is said that in 1250 "moneta etiam Scoticana renovatur." This 1250. was, in all probability, from the reasons stated above, the well-known single cross coinage, in which the single cross passed for the first time through the legend. In 1253 it is stated, in the Chartulary of Moray, that one mark was paid for the risk of conveying twenty marks from Badenoch to Berwick ; ^ a sufficient proof of the lawless- ness of the times. Macpherson, in his " Annals of Commerce," ^ says that Alexander III., in 1278. 1278, coined pieces of two pence ; but this is very doubtful, though a large coin of Alexander is figured in a MS. in the British Museum.^ Under the year 1283 a very interesting reference occurs in Wyn ton's " Chronicle " : — 1283. " Alysandre, owre kyng, That Scotland had in governyng, Come intil his Ryawt6, 1 Anderson's Dip. Scotiae, pi. xxx. * Plate i. figs. 13, 14. 2 Plate I fig. 10. s Scotichronicon, ii. 83 ; Balfour, vol. i. p. 57. 3 The arguments in support of the same view, ® Char. Moray., i. 22 ; Hailes, i. 371. derived from the coins themselves, are fully admitted ' Vol. i. p. 432. by Lindsay, and need not he entered on here. ^ Cotton MSS. Tib. d. ii. INTEODUCTION. cix Til of Sanct Andrewys the cit^, And in the kirk standand there, Devotly befor the hey Awtare In wytness of all that there wes by Gaddryde and standand, all frely Til God and til Saynct Andrewe he Granted the strykyn of mone Als frely, qwtly, and fullyly, As ony tyme befor gane by Ony Byschoj)e had sic thyng Quhen that his Fadyre before wes Kyng Or of his Eldrys ony before As mycht be herd or had memore, Sawfand the declaratyoun Of the Inquisityown, Of the feftment of that thyng To remain ay with the Kyng." ^ There is no reason to doubt the fact here recorded. It is alluded to in the Scotichronicon,^ and is referred to by Euding as a proof that the power of striking money was granted by the monarch publicly.^ In 1284 Scottish money was permitted to be current in England 1284. at its full value. § 29. From this period to the commencement of the reign of David II., there is almost § 29. Aunais of the reigii of an entire blank in the records of the coinage. For nearly seventy years we have little or Baiioi and Robert I. no historical trace of what was done in the matter of money. No Acts of Parliament relating to the coinage have been preserved, nor any records of the mint, nor any accounts of the moneyers ; nor are there in the annals, chronicles, and historical documents which are still extant, any notice or reference throwing further light on this obscure period. But though no historical evidence is at present available, it is evident from the coins that remain, that considerable coinages must have taken place. The pennies and half- pennies bearing the name of John* are comparatively numerous, considering the length of his reign ; and though no difficulty, or doubt exists, as to their appropriation, there are § 28. Annals of the reign of Alexander III. 1 Wynton, " Chroii.," bk. vii. c. .\. 405. ^ Scotichroiiicon, lil). x. c. 39. ^ Rudiiig, vol. ii. p. 137. Plate i. figs. 17, 18, 19, 20. cx RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 29. Annals of .several points on which it would be of the highest interest to have some light thrown by the reigu of .John Baiiol history. The mint of St Andrew's appears for the only time on the coins of this king and Robert I. (with one doubtful exception)/ and is the only mint which is named in this reign. The word QIVITAS ^ also is peculiar to this reign, and due probably to some English moneyer, though we cannot say so with certainty. That Robert the Bruce struck money is admitted by every one, and it might have been expected that such an important proof of the national independence, and the establishment of the Scottish sovereignty, woiild have been noticed by the annalists. But such is not the case, and, with the exception of a clause in the 1292. English Statutum de Moneta, in 1292,^ permitting the currency of Scotland to pass in England, and a note of the diminution in the currency between the time of David I. and that of Robert I., there is, in the meantime, no historical reference whatever, to illustrate the numismatic history of the reigns of John Baiiol and Robert Bruce. There is no doabt that many of the original records which might have been useful for this period were taken away by Edward I. In the inventory of documents carried off to England there are entries of various papers and accounts relating to the moneyers which, had they been preserved, would doubtless have thrown considerable light on the affairs of the mint. It is somewhat surprising that Edward I. did not coin money in Scotland. But though there has ever been a tradition that he did so, no satisfactory proof has as yet been obtained of it. An English sterling has been appropriated to Haddington, but it is now known to have been a misreading for RSDINErY.'* Another penny of Edward, long supposed to have been struck at Stirling, was in reality only a poorly preserved specimen of the Newcastle mint, in which the last syllable of NOVI<:]5\:8TRI and the first of VILLS came together, making 8TRIVILL, the rest of the legend being obliterated. § .30. Annals of § 30. Lindsay, in his "View of the Coinage of Scotland,"^ states that the first parlia- the reign of Davi.iii. mentary Act of the reign of David II. relating to money was passed in 1347. The statute which he gives of that date was not, however, passed till 1357 ; and the earliest recorded notice of the coins of this reign is found in a proclamation made in England in 1355. 1355 ^ forbidding any one to receive Scottish money except " ad verum valorem ejusdem." The reason for this prohibition is given in a precept directed by the English king to the Sheriff of Northumberland of the same date,'^ in which it is stated that the money lately 1 Lindsay, p. 14. ■ ^ P. 19. ^ See Riiding, vol. i. p. 180, ywte. " Ending, vol. i. p. 229. 3 Ending, vol. i. p. 198. ' Vol. i. p. 6, xiii. * Ending, vol. ii. p. 156. INTEODUCTIOK cxi coined in Scotland was less in weight and coarser in alloy than the old money of that § 30. Aunais of the reign of realm. Of this coinage (which was probably the sterlings now generally known as the David ii. first coinage),^ no other record has been discovered. Two years after this the parliamentary Acts, erroneously given by Lindsay in 1347, 1357. were passed. The first of these, dated at Scone in ]SI"ovember, prohibited the export of money without the payment«of a duty of half a mark on every pound weight of silver, and the second ^ permitted the money of England, both gold and silver, to be current in Scotland at its true value. During the reign of David II. a very great improvement may be observed in the style and workmanship of the coinage, and the position and privileges of the officials of the Mint were for the first time legally established. A charter was granted by the king to Adam Tor, a burgess of Edinburgh, of the privilege of exchange in Scotland.^ A grant of privileges was also given to the officials of the Mint, exempting them from all duties and contributions whatever, with the right to decide pleas and complaints in their own courts. Though the original of this grant cannot now be found, it is constantly referred to in instruments of a later date, and in the ratifications of privileges granted to the master and officers of the Mint.* Up to this time there is reason to believe that no silver coin larger than the sterling had been issued.^ In the Act of November of this year, " nostra moneta " is defined as " sterlingi," and in the agreement made for David's ransom in 1358, it is stipulated that the payment is to be " in sterlingis vel in moneta auri in Anglia jam currente." ^ From the Exchequer Eolls it is evident that a very considerable coinage took place at Edinburgh at this period, but there is nothing in the record to indicate what sort of coins were issued. Adam Tor is mentioned as the " custos monete," and there are entries of sums paid for repairing the residences of the moneyers, and for providing tools for their use. The following year David II. visited England, and if any reliance can be placed on i358. the statements made by Knyghton,® petitioned Edward to allow the money of England and Scotland to be current interchangeably in both countries on equal terms. This request was granted because, as the annalist states, of the great humility of the King of Scots, 1 Plate ii. fig. 1. 2 Vol. i. p. 1, II. * Robertson's "Index of Charters," pp. 31, 36. * Act. Pari. Scot., vol. vii. p. 227. 5 Vol. i. p. 2, IV. But see the " Book of William Wallace" by Blind Harry, bk. ii. 35, 38, where groats are mentioned. Rymer's " Fuedera," vol. iii. p. 394 (Record ed.) Vol. i. p. 3, VII. 8 Knyg. Col. 2619. Ruding, vol. i. 229. cxii EECOKDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 30. Annals of but more likely on account of the heavier weight and finer standard of the new the reign of David II. coinage. 1362. The Exchequer Eolls ^ of this and the preceding year stiU show extensive coinages 1364. going on at Edinburgh by Adam Tor, and in 1364 he rendered his account of receipts and expenses at Stirling before commissioners specially appointed for the purpose.^ The seignorage due to the king from the coinage for the three and a half years immediately jn-eceding the date rendering of the account, at the rate of seven pennies from each pound of silver minted (except during the last month, when the rate was eight pennies), amounted to five hundred and seventy-seven pounds, ten shillings, and twopence. Mention is made in this roll (as also in that of 1358) of Bonagius the moneyer, who received a payment for various designs made by him for the dies of late coinages, of " Magister Jacobus," of Johannes " aurifaber," and of Nicholaus, also described as " aurifaber." These moneyers were all of Italian origin, and the beauty of the coins of this period, and the excellence of their workmanship, bear ample testimony to the talents of the artists. " Magister Jacobus," described elsewhere as Jacobus Moulakyn, and Jacobus of Florence, had a charter from the king of the Cunyie house and its liberties along with Adam Tor.^ His brother (probably the Nicholaus mentioned in the same Roll) was employed in the Mint at this time, though afterwards he appears to have been employed in England.* Bonagius was also a Florentine, and probably some relation of the Franciscus Bonagius whose name appears in the Eecords of the Mint at Florence as " sententiator moneta argenti " in 1324.^ He was long connected with the Scottish Mint, and his name, or perhaps that of a son, occurs so late as 1393. Lindsay falls into an error in stating*' that he was a moneyer of Robert II. in 1364, as David 11. then occupied the throne. 1366. In May of this year an Act was passed which is erroneously given by Lindsay as enacted in 1365.'^ Ruding ^ places this Act in 1347, though one of the authorities he quotes (Snelling, p. 5) correctly states that it was passed in 1366. Cardonnel also gives a wrong date. Coinages of " Magister Jacobus " were noticed, and a new one was ordered to be equal to the current money of England in weight and fineness, on which a notable sign was to be 1 Vol. i. pp. 4, 5, VIII., IX. 2 Vol. i. p. 5, X. ; p. 6, xi., xii. 3 RoLertsoii's " Inde.x: of Charters." See also Reg. Mag. Sig., IX 23. f. 5. * Ruding, vol. i. p. 246. ^ Argelati, vol. iv. p. 36. * " View of the Coinage of Scotland," p. 22. Vol. i. p. 1, III. 8 " Annals," vol. i. p. 229. INTRODUCTION. cxiii placed to distinguisli it from the other coinages already struck ; and the Chamberlain and § 30. Annals of the reign of Master Moneyer and workmen were to agree as to the fees. David ii. In October of this year the king issued a precept/ following on an enactment by 1367. Parliament the month before, addressed to the " Gustos Monetc " and the " Monetarius" commanding the pound of silver to be coined into twenty-nine shillings and fourpence, but declaring that the coinage was to be of the same fineness as the last one, or that of Eng- land. From every pound coined, seven pennies were to be taken for the king's seignorage ; one for the Custos for his fee; and eleven for the " Magistcr Monetarius " and the workmen in the Mint. In spite of these enactments, however, it would appear that neither this coinage nor the former one was equal to the English ; for in this year, in consequence of so much light money being brought into England, proclamation was made that no money of Scotland should be current there, and that no one should pay or receive any money of the Scottish mint.^ Two years after, it was ordained that every one taking money, or gold, or silver out of 1369. the kingdom, without paying a duty to the king of forty pennies in the pound, should forfeit for every penny so taken, twenty shillings.^ § 31. At the commencement of the reign of Eobert II. an Act was passed by the § 31. Annals . of tlie reign of Parliament assembled at Scone in March 1371,* requiring the payment of certain duties Robert ii. (similar to those of the Act of 1369) by the exporters of money out of the kingdom. In this year we find from the Chamberlain PtoUs ^ that Andreas Pictor was " Custos Monete " at Edinburgh. A proclamation was made in England in 1372,« which is very interesting, as it 1372. mentions for the first time Scottish gold.^ It prohibited any one from receiving Scottish gold or silver money except as bullion, and ordered that if any should be found after a certain date, one-half was to be forfeited to the king, and one-half to the finder. If this does not refer to the nobles of David II., it implies a coinage of gold by Eobert II. much earlier than has hitherto been supposed. Lindsay « considers that up to 1385 no gold was coined by this sovereign ; but this distinct mention of Scottish gold in the 1 Vol. i. p. 1 ; IV. 4 Vol. i. p. 8, I. r Ruling, vol. i. 233. Vo . 1. p. 7, XIV. s Vol. i. p. 9, IV., V. 8 « View of the Coinage of Scotland/ 3 Vol. 1. p. 2, VI. 6 Vol. i. p. 9, VIII. p. 126. P cxiv RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 31. Annals proclamation referred to shows tliat a gold currency must have been in existence before of the reign of Robert II. 1372. 1373. jn this year Thomas de Stratherne was " Custos Monde " at Perth, and Andreas Pictor at Edinburgh ; and from their accounts, still preserved in the Exchequer EoUs, it appears that, both this year and the following, considerable coinages took place.^ But it is also evident that no improvement was made in the standard, for an English proclamation of this date ^ ordered fourpence of Scottish money to be equal to threepence English, and the same proclamation was made again the following year at Berwick.^ 1376. The Commons of England petitioned at this time to be relieved from the burden of returning forfeitures of Scottish money to the Exchequer.* Shortly after this, the connection of Jacobus Mulekyn with the Scottish Mint probably ceased ; for in 1377 a present of money was made him by the king, which is duly entered in the accounts.^ 1381. A coinage probably took place not long before this, as in the informations which were taken previous to the passing of the English Act of this year (and given by Ending),^ a new and evidently very light Scottish coinage is referred to. 1385. An Act of the Scottish ParKament was passed in J une of this year,'^ which authorised a new coinage to be issued similar to the former one. The price at which various foreign gold coins were to pass was also fixed, and the Act closes with even more stringent provisions than usual for preventing the export of money out of the kingdom. 1387. In this year again the money of Scotland was proclaimed in England, and the former valuation of one-fourth less than the nominal value more strictly enforced.® In the Parliament held at Scone in March 1389,^ one of the articles recorded relates to the matter of money, but nothing further has been preserved. This closes the reign of Eobert II., during which the money of the realm was gradually depreciating in value. § 32. Annals § 32. In 1390, the Commons of England petitiouedi'' that the money of Scotland of the reign of o j. ^°^'^1390^ might be utterly removed out of the kingdom ; but this request was not acceded to, though the value was reduced to one-half, which was again confirmed in the following year.^^ 1 Vol. i. p. 9, v., VI. ^ Vol. i. p. 9, vii. ^ Vol. i. p. 8, iii. 2 Vol. i. p. 10, IX. 6 Ruding, vol. i. p. 239-241. Vol. i. p. 14, iii. 3 Vol. i. p. 10, X. 7 Vol. i. p. 8, II. " Ending, vol. i. p. 245. * Vol. i. p. 10, XI. 6 Vol. i. p. 11, XII. INTRODUCTION. cxv In 1393 a very important Act was passed at Perth, in October, which is interesting as § 32. Annals being the first Act extant which authorised a gold coinage, and also for the full account RobeiUiL' " • 1393 given in it of the duties of the officials, and the general working of the ancient Scottish mint.^ A silver coinage was also ordered, of which the groats and half-groats were to be as fine as those of David, but the pennies and halfpennies were only to be viii"^ fine. In the reign of David II. we have the first mention of the " Gustos Monde," or warden ; and also of the " Ilagistei' Monetarius," or master coiner. This Act of 1393 defined the respective duties of these officers, and provided, in the first place, that Bonachius of Florence should make the money ; and next, that some one, " discretus fidelis suflficiens et potens in diviciis," should be elected as warden of the mint, who should be * sworn to perform truly his duties ; and these were, to accurately and carefully weigh all the gold and silver which was brought to the moneyer to be coined, and to take and keep an account of the same. Every evening, after the day's work was over, he was to receive the coining-irons, with which the moneyers struck the money, and was to keep them in safe custody, under lock and key, till next morning. And he was to receive the money which was made each day from the moneyers, and was to place it in a coffer (cista) under seal and key ; and every week, in the presence of sufficient witnesses, he was directed to take a note of how much, both gold and silver, had been made during the week, and was to select certain pieces, which were to be well and truly kept until a trial was made of them, which trial was to take place within forty days. And the warden was responsible for the correct weight of money coined, and was to receive from the king the fees which had been customary. And if the warden, or the person appointed to examine the money, or the moneyer, should fail to do their duty, or if they made false money, or used such, or per- mitted it to be used, they were to be punished as the law directed ; nor had the king himself power to grant to such any pardon or remission of their sentence. Scottish gold and silver money was forbidden in England in this year, except as bullion. - The Act of 1398 ^ was passed at Perth in the month of March. After enacting certain 1393. values for the foreign gold coins, it specified the various gold coins which were permitted to be current. Among those enumerated are Lions and Half-lions.* The Lion is probably the coin ordered by the Act of 1393, as it is there called " de bono auro una pecia vocata Leo;" but thatAct contained nothing aboutany coinage of Half-lions. It mentioned "mailles," > Vol. i. p. 12, 1. ^ Vol. i. p. 14, IV. 3 Vol. i. p. 13, II. ■> Plate ii. figs. 17, 18. CXVI EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 32. Annals and ordered tliem to be current at a given value. Some of the Lions usually appropriated of the reign of Robert III. to Ptobert II. correspond very closely in weight with what the half of the Lion of 1393 ought to be, and as these must have been in existence then, and cannot be included under any of the other gold coins mentioned^ the probability is, that the expression " Half-lion " covered all these smaller gold pieces of Eobert II. and III., even though their weights may not have exactly corresponded ; and this conjecture is strengthened by the fact that in the list of values given — though the Lion is fixed at five shillings — no sum is specified for the Half-lion, which was left to be regidated by the weight. Indeed, the weights of these earliest gold pieces are most perplexing, scarcely two being alike.^ 1398. Some time about this period a charter was granted to Thomas the Moneyer, appointing him Master of the Office of Coining. Whether this Thomas was the Thomas MelviU who had also a charter to the same effect along with Galfour Goldsmith in the same reign is uncertain.^ 1401. The Commons of England again enacted, in this year, that the money of Scotland should only have the value of the amount of good metal contained in it, or else that it should be " voided out of the realm." ^ 1402. During the reign of Eobert III. a billon coinage was introduced into Scotland. This word is derived from the French, and, according to one authority, included all silver below xd fine ; * according to another, all below vid fine.^ The pennies and halfpennies of 1393 were only viiid fine, but others are found which are much baser, though no record exists of their coinage. In this year we find mention of base " halfpennies " " of Scotland, in a petition from the Commons of England quoted by Ending.'^ Lindsay mentions,^ as a proof that Eobert III. coined billon, the notice of these coins in 1406, the first year of James I., and rightly conjectured that they were struck in the reign of his predecessor, but he has omitted to note this mention in 1402, which was three years prior to the death of Robert III. The introduction of this base coinage provoked remonstrances from the English Parliament, who petitioned that the importers of this base money should be liable to capital punishment, which was not, however, granted. These remonstrances were repeated in 1411, 1415, and 1423.^ ' Wingate, lUns. of Coin, of Scot., p. 41. 2 Robertson's Index, pp. 39, 142. ^ Railing, vol. i. p. 250. * " Reciierches Curiouses des Monnoys de France,' p. 142 (Paris, 1666). 6 Boizard, " Traite des Monnoyes " (Paris, 1714). 6 Plate ii. fig. 22. 7 Ruding, vol. i. p. 250. 8 P. 173. 9 Vol. i. p. 17, VI.; p. 18, viii. INTEODUCTIOK CXVll 1434. 1435. § 33. The first parliamentary Act of tliis reign relating to the coinage was passed in § 33. Annals u . 23. c. 7. 8 Vol. i. p. 16, III. » Vol. i. p. 22, VII. cxviii KECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 34. Annals of the reign of James II. 1436. ^flhetel^n'of ^^d most numismatists to assign them to James I., and. Anderson thinks this was the James I. ^^^^ ^^^^ coinage of his reign. But a contemporary account, c[uoted by Pinkerton/ states that James I. offered a reward of " iij ™ demyies of golde every pece, worth half an Inglis nobil " to whoever would slay Sir Eobert Graeme ; and as the trial of the Pix in 1438 ^ mentions gold coins, " vocatis vulgariter dimyis," it is thus evident that a considerable number of the lozenge lions ^ (which were long known as " demies ") must be assigned to James I. There is no record of any coinage of St Andrews* at all, and the workmanship of the type usually assigned to this reign is evidently of the same period as the groats of 1451. § 34. The first record of this reign is an account ^ of Robert Gray, moneyer, which is divided into two parts; the first beginning at the 12th September 1436, and ending on the 24th December 1437 ; and the second extending from that date to the 18th July 1438. According to Lindsay's view, the whole of the first period, and a part of the second, belonged to the reign of James I., whereas really only that part which extends from the 14th of September to the 20th of February 1436, can be appropriated to that king. In other words, the relative proportions of time given to each king are just reversed ; the whole period of twenty-two months being divided by Lindsay into five months to James II. and seventeen to James I. ; while it ought to be seventeen months to James II. and five only to J ames I. It is recorded in the Chamberlain Rolls that in July 1438 a trial of the Pix took place at Edinburgh, in which all the money struck by Robert Gray, both in the previous and the present reign, was carefully tested in the presence of special commissioners, and found to be true and good. Tliomas de Cranston was then the Warden of the Mint. This year, on the 2d September, Eobert Gray rendered his account at Stirling of all the bullion coined by him from 23d June 1440 to the date of the account. From this it appears that 1 lb. 8 oz. of gold was coined into demies ("in dimidiis") at Edinburgh, 26 lbs. 11 oz. of silver into groats, and 16 J lbs. of silver into pence and halfpence. The duty payable to the king was 16s. for each pound of gold, 5s. 4d. for each pound of silver coined into groats,^ and 5s. for each pound coined into pence and halfpence.^ It will be observed that half groats are not mentioned. Lindsay has alluded to the amount of silver pence and halfpence mentioned in the account of 1436-38, and another considerable 1438. 1441. 1 Hist, of Scot., vol. i., Appendix. Vol. i. p. 22, viii. ^ Plate iii. fig. 1. « Plate iii. fig. 17. s Vol. i. p. 22, VII. 6 Vol. i. p. 23, VII. 7 Vol. i. p. 24, IX. 8 Plate iii. fig. 8. 9 Plate iii. fig. 9. 10 u View of the Coinage of Scotland," p. 174. INTEODUCTION. cxix coinage of these smaller coins is again recorded in this account. Between December 25, § 34. Annals of the reign of 1437, and July 1443, 89 lbs. of silver were struck into pence and halfpence at the James ii. 1443. Edinburgh Mint alone ; and it certainly seems surprising that so few should have come down to us. The nioneyer's accounts from 1442 to 1448 are given in the Eecords,^ and show the i448. amounts coined in the different years. In 1449 the first parliamentary enactment ^ on the 1449. subject of money during this reign was passed at Edinburgh in the month of January. It refers to an " act " made some time before by four and twenty commissioners specially appointed for the purpose of looking into the regulations for the supply of bullion, and of considering the " new straik " to be made. Unfortunately no trace of this " act " can now be discovered, though in all probability it did not take effect till 1451, as Robert Gray's last account was rendered in 1450, with the usual charges and duties, while in 1452 new moneyers and new duties will be found. This Act of 1449 also contained the important provision that no one in time to come was to be allowed to strike money without the authority of the king under the great seal. On the 21st July of this year Eobert Gray and John de Dalrymple for the last time 1450. rendered their account ^ at Edinburgh of the gains and expenses of 1 lb. 14 oz. of gold coined into demies, and 54 lbs. 2 oz. of silver made into groats, between 7 September 1448 and the date of the account. In all these accounts the " gain to the king" is at the same rate, viz., 16s. for each lb. of gold, 5s. 4d. for each lb. of silver when coined into groats, and 5s. when coined into small money; but it will be observed that immediately after the passing of the Act of 1451 the rate is considerably lower in the silver coinage. The Act of 1451 is very important, and is headed in the original record, " The avise- i45i. ment of the Deputies of the thre Estatis tuiching the mater of the money, etc."* It begins by providing for a new coinage of groats (at eight to the ounce), with half-groats, pence, halfpence,^ and farthings in proportion. The course of the old coinage and of foreign coins was fixed, and a new gold piece called a lion was ordered, to be equal in weight to the half English noble. The pennies minted by the king's moneyers were allowed to be current till the new ones were issued. Among the moneyers mentioned were Robert Gray ; John de Dalrymple, 1 Vol. i. pp. 25, 26. 2 Vol. i. p. 19, I. ^ Vol. i. p. 28, XVII. * Vol. i. p 19, II. * Plate iii. figs. 12, 14, 15, 16. cxx EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. g 34. Annals Sen. and jun. ; and Alexander Tod. The John Spethy, whose name does not occur in the of the reign of James II. Rolls, was probably moneyer at some of the other mints of which, though the coins are preserved, the records are now lost. 1451. It was also provided that trusty men should immediately be sent to collect all the old coining irons, and also the letters of graving from the gravers, and these were to be destroyed in presence of the king and his council, and new ones given out withiu the Mint. The Act closes with some provisions for the payment of obligations incurred during the time of the course of the old moneys. Balfour ^ says that in this Parliament the king raised his money from 5s. the ounce to 8s., and the gold from £3 to £4, 19s. 1452. In the next Parliament,^ held at Edinburgh in August 1452, an Act was passed ordering the English penny to have course for three Scottish ones, until the next meeting 1453. of Parliament. The following year a new moneyer, John Laundale, rendered an account at Stirling on the 19th June of his gains and expenses since 17th May 1452.^ No coinage of gold is recorded, but 338 lbs. 12 oz. of silver were minted into groats and pennies. An important difference occurs in the seignorage, which is now stated to be 2s. 8d. per pound, instead of the 5s. 4d. formerly invariably found in the accounts. Though no gold is accounted for by Laundale, it is evident that some must have been coined,^ for in a memorandum it is stated that the auditors of the Exchequer delivered to Alexander Naper, Provost of Edinburgh, on the day preceding the rendering of the account, " vij assais of gold xxxiiij grotis of xij^. grotis and j*?. in a lokfast box quhilk was of the assais of siluer and of gold syn the xvij day of Mali the year M ?cccc lii." This and the follow- ing gold coinages were probably the Lions ordered by the Act of 1451, though the denomination of the coin is not stated. About this period a great amount of forged money seems to have been current. Certain false coiners are mentioned in the Act of 1451, and the towns where they carried 1455 on their operations are specified. In 1455 another Act^ was passed, to hold good for three years, ordering that whoever arrested a false coiner was to receive ten pounds from the king, besides the forfeiture. 1453. A Parliament was held at Edinburgh in October 1456, in which several provisions about the money were enacted. The new groat in particular was ordered to pass for 12? 1 " Annals," vol. i. 180. that these accovtnts record all the coinages which 2 Vol. i. p. 21, HI. took place. 3 Vol. i. p. 28, xviri. « Vol. i. p. 21, iv. * It is to be observed that we cannot consider ® Vol. i. p. 21, v. INTRODUCTION. CXXl notwithstanding that the Act of 1451 fixed it at 8d. ; and it was forbidden, on pain § 34. Annals The following year certain lords were nominated by Parliament in the month of March^ 1457. to convene in the next place where the " chekar " might be held, to commune upon the matter of the money, and in the meantime the striking of money was ordered to cease until other provision should be made for it. Immediately after this Alexander Tod rendered his account at Linlithgow of all the money coined by him from 15th November 1456, He accounted for lOf ounces of gold and 201 J ounces of silver.^ As it is not stated to have been struck at Stirling, and as Eobert Gray's name does not appear again, possibly Tod may have been transferred to Edinburgh. At Perth, on the 20th of July 1459,^ the same moneyer gave in his account of the 1459. coinages from August of the preceding year. Four ounces of gold were minted, and 270 lbs. of silver were struck into groats, and 204 lbs. 12 oz. of silver into small money ("m minuta jpcmnia "). No other notice relating to the coinage is found in the reign of James II. The burst- ing of a cannon at the siege of Roxburgh Castle in 1460, put a sudden and unexpected close to the life of a prince who had done much to correct the abuses under which the country suffered. §35. Five years elapsed before any notice occurs relating to the money. In June § 35. Anuais 1464 * Alexander Tod accounted for the coinage of 12 lbs. 2\ oz. of gold, but the denomina- James iii. 1464. tion of the coin is not stated. As will be afterwards seen, mention is made of gold coined m this reign " in Scutis." As both " Rydaris " and " Unicormjs " are also specially named in subsequent accounts, it is difficult to say what coinage is recorded here. A similar difficulty occurs with the silver coinage in this account. Three hundred and eighty-five lbs. fourteen oz. of silver were struck " in grossis duoclccim denariorum et sex denarionim" for which the seignorage was twopence the ounce. The coinage " in mimita pecunia " given in this account is very considerable, 94 lbs. 4 oz. being struck in pence and halfpence. The seignorage on the small money was fixed at Is. 4d, per lb., or half only of that payable for the groats and half-groats. In the minutes of the Parliament of 1464 ^ certain provisions were made for bringing in bullion, and 4s. 9d. per ounce was fixed as the price to be paid by exporters of wool, &c.. of death, for any coiner to strike either " demies " or " sixpenny groats. the reign of James II. the reign of 1 Vol. i. p. 22, VI. 2 Vol. i. p. 28, XIX. 3 Vol. i. p. 29, XX. * Vol. i. p. 43, XIX. 6 Vol. i. p. 30, 1. cxxii EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. §35. Annals oi who Were obliged to liriiig a certain amount of bullion to the Mint. The "lew" was pro- the reign of James HI. claimed to 14s. 4d., and searchers were appointed at every port to prevent the exportation of the moneys. 1465, In July of this year Alexander Tod rendered his account,^, from 14 June 1464, at Edinburgh. This account differs only in the quantities, from that last noticed. Four lbs. 6| oz. of gold were struck ; 69 lbs. 13 oz. of silver into 12d, and 6d. groats ; and 66 lbs. 12J oz. of silver into pence and halfpence. 1466, The next Acts about the money were passed by the Parliament ^ assembled at Edin- burgh in October 1466. In the first, a penalty of ten pounds was imposed on any who should take money out of the kingdom, besides the forfeiture of the money. Provision was also made for the trial and punishment of any " clerkis " who might be guilty of this ofience. The second provided that the exporters of wool or hides out of the kingdom should receive for every ounce of silver 4s. 7d., but that the exporter should bring two ounces for every " sek " taken out of the country. The last Act provided for the coining of copper money, which was to go at the rate of four to the penny. Though no coins exactly corresponding to the type given in this Act are known, there is little doubt but that the small copper coins ^ (usually called halfpence) were struck at this time, and under the authority of this Act. Three thousand pounds were ordered of this coinage ; and the rest of the money, both gold and silver, was to pass at the current rate except the new groat of Edward of England's coinage, which was ordered to be current for ten pence, and the new English rose noble, which was to pass for twenty-five shillings ; and the lords appointed by Parliament were to have power to make what rules they might deem proper about the sixpenny groat of the fleur-de-lis. The moneyer's account* from 3d July 1465 to 18th June 1466, rendered at Linlithgow by Alexander Tod, shows a coinage of 17 ounces of gold, 10 lbs. 14f oz. of silver in groats, and 121 lbs. 13 oz. in small pennies and halfpence. The duties, &c., were similar to the former accounts. In reference to the expression now found in the accounts " in minutis denariis," there is a statement by Pinkerton ^ that the penny was so diminished in this reign that it could not be cut into halves and quarters for small change, so billon farthings were introduced. This may refer to the copper money of four to the penny authorised by ' Vol. i. p. 43, XX. 2 Vol. L p. 31, II. 3 Plate iii. fig. 23. * Vol. i. p. 43, XXI. ^ "Annals of Scotland," vol. i. p. 257. INTRODUCTION. cxxiii the Act of 1466. Black money {cona nigrc monete) is for the first tirae mentioned in this §35. Annals of the reign of accoimt. No quantity is specified (or the sort of coin), but it is stated to have been made James lii. by an agreement entered into between the king (with consent of the Council) and the moneyers. In June 1467 George Grinlaw, Warden of the Mint, rendered the account ^ of Alex- 1^67. ander Tod at Perth, for the year from June 1466. Twenty-three and a quarter ounces of gold were struck ; 9 lbs. 3 oz. of silver were issued in groats, and 53 lbs. 15 oz. in small pennies. No change occurs in the other provisions. In October a Parliament ^ assembled at Edinburgh, and certain lords were appointed to prepare the articles and to look to the matter of money. More especially they were deputed to determine how many English, how many Scottish, and how many black pennies ^ were to be taken in the pound, and to fix the values of the English pennies and of the groats of the crown. The result of this commission is embodied apparently in the Act of 1467, which fixed the values of all the various coins, foreign and native, then current. All were raised in value except the white Scottish penny and halfpenny, which were to have course as formerly.* The black pennies were no longer to be issued, and as loss and annoyance had been caused throughout the kingdom by the continued change in the value of money, it was further enacted that payment of debts, contracts, &c., entered into before the passing of that Act, were to be made of the same value as the money was before the Act was passed, and that all obligations made in the past, which contained payments to be made in the usual money of Scotland, were to be jyaid as the money had course at the time of the passing of the Act. In January of the same year a Parliament^ was convened at Stirling, and Acts were passed raising the groat of the crown to fourteen pence and the half to seven pence, — the same values which were fixed by the Act of the preceding year. The old English penny was fixed at 4d., and the new penny of Edward IV. at 3d. The white Scottish penny was to have course till the next Parliament. Lindsay^ erroneously attributes to this Parliament an Act vs^hich was not passed tiU the following year. 1 Vol. i. p. 44, xxir. 2 Act. Pari. Scot., vol. ii. p. 88. ' These were probably tbe copper coins mentioned in the " Chronicle " at the end of Wyntoun. They had course originally for halfpennies, and the larger sort (now called placks, plate iv. figs. 1, 2) for three- pence. They were recalled in 1482. * Vol. i. p. 32, HI. ^ Vol. i. p. 33, V. ; Balfour's " Annals," vol. i. p. 194; Garden. App., p. 15 (where he says it was raised from 12 pence). 6 " View of the Coinage of Scotland," p. 31. cxxiv EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. §35. Aiinaisof In the Parliament of 1468, which assembled at Edinburgh, fourteen commissioners, the reign of James III. chosGu from the prelates, the barons, and the commissioners of burghs, were appointed for the articles and the money They recommended certain provisions which were embodied in an Act of the same year. The Act is given, but not with accuracy, in Cardonnel's Appendix, and Lindsay says that two shillings' worth of farthings, instead of three, were allowed to be taken in the pound. This Act is interesting as giving a list of the " Scottis money, that is to say, the demy, the lyone,^ the grot of the croune and the grote of the flour de lice and the small peny and the fardyng ; " and all these were to pass at the rate they went at before October 1467. At Edinburgh, on the 22d of June, Alex. Tod and William Goldsmyth rendered their statements from 2d June 1467, and accounted for the profits arising from the coinage of 2 lbs. 3J oz. of gold, and 83 lbs. 13| oz. of silver.^ From a memorandum in the account it would appear that by tliis time the black money had been reduced in value, as a sum of £45 was allowed the moneyers to make up their loss. The reduction seems to have been one half, as it is stated that at the commencement of the coinage the small black coin had passed for one halfpenny, but afterwards it was reduced to a farthing. The Act of October 1467, it will be remembered, ordered the coinage of the black money to cease, and the Act of 1468 shows that the black halfpence were then current only at half value. 1469. In the Parliament * of this year certain provisions were made against bringing in any foreign black money into the country. A commission^ was again issued to certain prelates, barons, and commoners to consider the importation of bullion, the keeping of money in the realm, and the course it ought to 1471. have. From the Act of May 1471,^ it would appear that these commissioners had not arrived at any determination, for the arrangements were delayed till next Parliament, though the " new allayed groat " of 7d. is reduced to 6d., and its half in proportion. What this coin was, is not satisfactorily settled. It was to run at very nearly tlie same value as the groat of the fleur-de-lis, and yet is called allayed, as if it were of billon. Lindsay ^ considers that it was equal in value to the haK of the crown groat. L473, In July of this year Parliament^ assembled at Edinburgh and passed certain Acts 1 Vol. i. p. 34, VI. 2 It would appear that the gold coins now com- monly called St Andrews were all formerly kiiown as " Lions " or " Scottish crowns." 3 Vol. i. p. 44, XXIII. * Vol. i. p. 35, VII. " Balfour's " Annals," vol. i. p. 196. " Vol. i. p. 35, VIII. " View of the Coinage of Scotland," p. 179. 8 Vol. i. p. 36, IX. INTEODUCTION. cxxv continuing the current values of the various coins, forbidding the further coinage of the § 35. Annais of the reign of placks and new pennies, and providing for the appointment of commissioners to see Ja™'^^ ni. whether they contained five shillings of fine silver in the ounce as had been ordered by the king. From a MS. of Sir James Balfour's in the Advocates' Library it appears that the price of silver at this time was 12s. the ounce. In May 1474^ Parliament again met at Edinburgh and passed an important Act, 1474. which is not noticed by Lindsay. After fixing the amounts of bullion to be brought in by the various exporters of wool, hides, salmon, &c., the Act continues — "And because the matter of the monh is ryt subtile and gret and may not haistely be set, It is thot speidfull that the three estates commit their power to certane wyse and discret personis to the nowmber of x or xij to awise and set the course of the monfe and to devise new mone as thai think maist expedient," That these " discret personis " did devise a new groat is probable from the tenor of the Act ^ passed at Edinburgh the next year, which ordered groats to be 1475. coined, twelve to the ounce, " of the samyn prent that the new grote is now," and of the same fineness as the new English groat. The other money Acts of this Parliament prohibited the melting of any coined money whatever, and raised the course of the current gold. The only Scottish coins mentioned, are the " Demy," of which the value is fixed at 13s. 4d., and the "Scottis crownep also fixed at 13s. 4d. Lindsay ^ thinks the latter is the same coin as the lion (mentioned along with the demy in the Act of 1467 and elsewhere). Sir James Balfour's MS. in the Advocates' Library says that in November of this year the ounce of silver was at lis. 8d. and the gold at £6. As neither " Unicorns" nor "Scottish Riders" are mentioned, they had probably not yet been struck, though from the entry about the latter in the moneyers' roll of the following year it is evident they were in circulation in 1476, when Alex. Levingston and Thomas Tod rendered their account* at Edinburgh. 1476. For at that time they accounted for the profits and expenses of 18 lbs. 5 oz. of gold coined " in scutis et novis denariis vidgariter dictis Rydaris ;" ^ of 273 lbs. of silver coined into groats, " ct in dimidiis grossis novis ; " and of 140 lbs. 8 oz. of silver coined into small pennies. With regard to the gold coinage it is evident that two sorts of coins were struck, part of the coinage being " in scutis" and the rest in Piiders. The question therefore arises. What were the gold coins called " Scuta ? " In the later accounts of the same reign, there is distinct mention of gold coined into Unicorns. It is therefore not likely that two names 1 Vol. i. p. 37, X.; xi. 2 Vol. i. p. 37, XII. 3 "View of the Coinage of Scotland," p. 135. * Vol. i. p. 45, XXIV. Plate iv. fig. 9. KECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 5 35. Anuais of would have been employed in the public accounts for the same coin, and, besides, the .Jam'es ni. shield is not so prominent on the unicorns as on some of the other gold coins. The discovery of this record shows that the appropriation of the Eiders to J ames III. is beyond any question.^ Half-groats of the Edinburgh mint are very rare, yet we have here a very considerable coinage of them, and apparently more than one type, as they are described as the new half-groat. Two years after this. King James III. caused a very fine medal in gold to be struck and sent to the shrine of John the Baptist at Amiens. It is particularly described by Du Cange in his " Traits Historique du Chef de St Jean Baptiste." ^ It weighed nearly 2 oz., and was 2-J inches in diameter. On the obverse was a beardless king with long hair, throned, and holding in one hand a naked sword, in the other a shield with the arms of Scotland ; on the canopy above the throne, in Gothic letters, the legend IN MY DEFFEN ; above the canopy, VILLA BERWICI. The legend is in Gothic letters — MONETA NOVA JACOBI TERTII DEI GRATIA REGIS SCOTIA. On the reverse is St Andrew on his cross, with the usual legend, SALVVGO FAC POPVLVOO TVVOO DOOOINe. This remarkable medal was stolen during the first French Eevolution. It was apparently the work of some artist of the Mint at Berwick, which was in operation ^ during this reign. In the month of June the Scottish Parliament * passed an Act which is not given either by Cardonnel or Lindsay, It began by stating that the money, both of the realm and of other countries, having course therein, having been taken away and melted into bullion to provide for the coinage ordered by last Parliament, great inconvenience and damage had resulted. For which reason the several Acts relating to the import of bullion and the keeping of money in the realm were to be put into " sharp execution," and in the meantime, until a sufficient quantity of bullion was gathered into the country, the king ordained that all coining and striking of money, " golde siluyr gret or small " should cease ; and the coiners were forthwith to deliver \;p their coining-irons ; and as soon as sufficient bullion was collected, the king, with advice of his Council, was to make regulations for the weight, fineness, and value of the gold and silver money, and was also to appoint a warden and master of the Mint to see these regulations properly carried out. This Act shows that between 1474 and 1478 an extensive recoinage had been ordered, but apparently not issued. 1 In the Acta Dom. Con. there is a case tried in ^ Pinkerton on Medals, vol. ii. p. 143. 1484 in which "Scottis Riders" are again mentioned. ^ Lindsay, p. 76 ; Wingate, p. 72. Ac. Dom. Con., p. 94* * Vol. i. p. 38, xiii. INTRODUCTION. cxxvii Later on in the same year^ the lords of articles were again recommended to look into §35. Annals of the reign of the matter of the money. James in. In 1482 Cochrane, Earl of Mar, the unworthy favourite of the king, was hanged over 1482. the bridge at Lauder. Permission had been given to him, as the chronicles relate,^ to strike base money, which were called " Cochrane placks," and this was one of the principal charges brought against him. Proclamation was made immediately after his death calling it in.^ This coinage was probably the billon placks and black halfpennies (afterwards reduced to farthings). They are referred to in the chronicle at the end of Wyntoun, and are there said to have been made of copper, and the placks to have been current for three pennies. The Acts against exportation of money were ordered to be put in force. In February 1483* Parliament ordered a piece of gold to be struck of the weight and 1483. fineness of the rose noble ; also the one-third and two-thirds parts of it ; and a groat of silver, ten to the ounce, and of the same fineness as the old English groat, which was to pass for 14d., with a half-groat corresponding. And the king was authorised to select a wise man for warden of th-e Mint, to assay the gold and silver. And the warden and coiners were to have the same fees they had in the two preceding reigns ; and the seignorage to the king was likewise to be the same. Lindsay^ doubts whether this Act was ever carried into effect, and it is certain that no gold coins of the weight of the rose noble have as yet been appropriated to this reign. He seems to think, however,® that the silver coinage took place, though the Act of 1485 14:85. (omitted both by Cardonnel and Lindsay), which recapitulates word for word the Act of 1483, renders it likely that the coinage did not take place at least for two years, and even then, as is apparent from the moneyers' account, not exactly in terms of the Act. After ordering a new coinage of gold and silver,^ the Act provided for bringing in bullion, and ordered one ounce in every forty of silver to be minted into small pennies. The duties of the warden of the Mint were also particularly specified. The latter part of the Act referred to the coinage of placks and half-placks, and directed that all the money should liave course as formerly ordained. Heavy penalties were directed against transgressors. This Act is of great importance for the billon coinage of this reign. 1 Act Pari. Scot., ii. 122. * Vol. i. p. 39, xv. 2 " Pitscottie Chron." (ed. 1814), vol. i. p. 84. ^ » yiew of the Coinage of Scotland," p. 138. 3 Vol. i. p. 39, XIV.; Burton's " Hist, of Scot.," p. « " View of the Coinage of Scotland," j). 35, 183 (note); Pinkerton's "Annals," vol. i. p. 316. Vol. i. p. 38, xv.; p. 40, xvi. (See also App.) cxxviii EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. g 35. Aimais of The placlcs last coine.d were called in, and a new coinage of groats ordered by an Act ^ the reign of James III. passed in May 1485. The following record relates to the change of value of the black money at this time : — xvii. — 26 Julij 1485 1 Julij 1486, Computum Jacohi Douglaci camerarii Morauie^ Mss. Gen. Et (allocatur) computanti de centum et quinque libris quas computans obtulit Thome Reg. Ho. E(iin. Symsoun tunc compotorum rotulatori in le plakkis debito et legali tempore ante decla- macionem earundem prout clare probatum fuerat coram Dominis ConcHij licet idem Thomas renuerat recipere easdem minus iuste et dicti Domini decreuerant eundem Thomam debitorem Domini Eegi pro dictis centum et quinque libris et pro eisdem respon- dere et si sibi placuerit dictos le plakkis a compotanti recipere ad utilitatem suam, ipso Thoma vocato et comparente pro defensione sua jcv ti pro quibus dictus Thomas respon- debit ut predictum est. 1486. Counterfeit black money appears to have been largely in circulation at this time, and was so well made that detection was almost impossible.^ 1487. On the 18th of August 1487 Thomas Tod and Alexander Levingston presented their accounts* from the 7th of October 1486. The gold coinage amounted to 8 lbs. 1 oz., issued in unicorns 5^ and the silver to 181 lbs. 1 oz., issued in 14d. groats and 7d. half- groats. The Parliament that assembled at Edinburgh in January passed some important Acts® that are not noticed either by Cardonnel or Lindsay. The king was recommended to appoint one responsible master of the money instead of two, as had formerly been the case ; resetters of false coin were to be punished in the same way as false coiners ; and the Acts against the exportation of money were ordered to be put in force. § 36. Annals of § 36. In October 1488 the first Parliament of the reign of James IV. was held at tlie reign of James IV. Edinburgh, and an Acf was passed ordaining a fine piece of gold to be struck of the same weight and fineness as the rose noble, with the f and J parts thereof Of this coinage no specimen is now known, and possibly it was never issued. The same Act authorised the coinage of a new silver coin to be equal in fineness to the old English groat ; ten of these were to be in the ounce, and they were to have course for fourteen pence. Thirty of these 1 Vol. i. p. 41, XVII. 6 Plate iv. figs. 10, 11. 2 Exchequer Roll, 289. « Vol. i. p. 42, xviii. 3 Vol. i. p. 41, XVII. Vol. i. p. 46, i. Balfoiir, vol i. p. 215. * Vol. i. p. 45, XXV. INTEODUCTION. CXXIX groats were to go for the largest of the gold coins above mentioned.^ The king was § 36. Annals of the reign of to settle what device and legend were to be on these, and he was also authorised to James I v. 1488 appoint Alexander Levingston as Moneyer and James Crichton as Warden of the Mint, who were to perform the same duties and have the fees that had been authorised in previous reigns. Provision was also made for keeping up the supply of bullion, for making a yearly trial of the pix, and for keeping an annual account of the amounts coined in each year. It was also enacted that all other money should stand at the former rate. In January of the same year another statute^ was made about the money, which i^^s. authorised the coinage of a gold coin to be of the weight, size, and fineness of the French crown, and to be current for fourteen shillings. The coin is minutely described in the Act, though no specimen has as yet been recorded. The description is interesting, because the word " quartus" is added on the obverse to the king's name — the first occurrence of a descriptive numeral in the Scottish series, with the exception of an uncertain penny of Alexander. The reverse of this piece was to bear the legend, " SSLVVOO F'AC\ POPVLVGO TVVGO DOOOINe." The silver coinage ordered by this Act was to have the same weight, standard, and value as that authorised by the previous statute ; but the king's face was to " stand cyxoyn" in the present issue. The usual provisions for the suj)ply of bullion and for carrying out more strictly the former Acts, were again enacted.^ It is very unfortunate that in this reign we have very little recorded about the coinage except in the Acts of Parliament. As has already been stated, it does not always happen that the coinage, authorised and described by a particular Act, was immediately issued. For the actual issue, the moneyers' accounts are much better authority, but none of these have as yet been discovered belonging to this reign. In the following year two statutes were passed at Edinburgh * relating to the coinage. 1489. The first provided that the Acts of the last Parliament were to be put into execution ; and the second that all who traded in gold or silver coin, were to suffer a year's imprisonment, and forfeit all their goods to the king. Towards the close of this year another Parliament was convened at Edinburgh in 1 Plate iv. figs. 18, 19. 2 Vol. i. p. 47, II. ^ TLe values of some of the Scottish money at this period may be learned from the following extract from a reversion in the "Westfield Charter Chest of date 8th March 1488: — "Thre scoir sex vuicornis of golde for auchten schelling ilk pace twenty tua pundis of halfjjenys quhilk wer umquhile pennys fyff scoir of pundis auchten jiundis ancle twe'f schel- ing of fourten penny grotis of siluer vsuale inony of Scotlande." * Vol. i. p. 47, III. cxxx EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. S 36. Annals of February, in whicli the former Acts about bullion were continued. The Lords of the the reign of James IV. Ajticles thought ^ it expedient that a Master of the Mint should be appointed who should 1489. print money for the use of the lieges. Groats of the same weight, fineness, and value as those already specified were to be coined. The coiners were to pay lis. 6d. per ounce for " burnt " silver, and the same rate for Paris work and for the new work of Bruges ; but for Scottish work of less fineness, the value only of the silver was to be paid for. And should any doubt arise as to the amount of silver, two goldsmiths were to be sworn to examine it, and their award was to be binding on both parties. The new groats were to be equal in weight and fineness to the Edward groat (of England), and were to have some sign of difference to distinguish them from the first coinage. No money was to be refused on the ground of being cracked or flawed, if it was of true weight and good metal. About this time a great quantity of cracked or flawed money must have been current, for several Acts are found referring to it. 1491. In 1491 the Act of 1487 was again enforced ^ as far as it referred to cracked coins, and it was ordered that any one refusing a cracked, but otherwise good, gold coin should forfeit the value of it. A curious document ^ of this date fixes the values of the Scottish current gold coins at the following rates, viz. : — Eider . , . . = 23s. Scots. Unicorn . . . . = 18s. „ Crown , . , . = 13s. 4d. „ Demy . . . . = 13s. 4d. to 14s. 1493. Xwo years after this another Act * was passed about the trouble caused by the refusal of the gold coins " of our soverane lordis prent " on account of their being cracked. The names of various moneyers are given in this Act — Gilbert Fish, who was appa- rently at Berwick, and probably issued money in the preceding reign ; the late Levingston and John Currour. With the exception of Levingston, whose name occurs in the rolls of James III., no record has as yet been found relating to the others. Cardonnel gives an Act in his appendix,^ under the year 1494, which is not found in 1 Vol. i. p. 48, IV. c. 18. * Vol. i. p. 49, vi. 2 Vol. i. 49, v. 5 Car. App. p. 24, c. 55. ^ Ty tier's "History of Scotland," vol. iv., Appendix. Lindsay, Appendix, No. 16. INTEODUCTIOK cxxxi tlie records of that date, but it occurs in 1496/ repeating the necessity of the king's § 36. Annals of the reign of appointing " ane famous and wise man " to be money er, who was to see that all the former James iv. 1496. Acts were put in force. Churchmen were again interdicted from taking money out of the kingdom.2 In 1496 and in 1497 coinages of pennies and of unicorns are noticed in the Lord Treasurer's accounts.^ A period of several years now elapses before any mention of the money was made in 1503. Parliament. In 1503 James IV. married Margaret of England, and in the contract of marriage * we find that £2000 sterling of English money equalled £6000 Scots of the money now current in Scotland. In March of the same year a Parliament was held at Edinburgh, and several enactments ^ were passed about the coinage. The Acts and statutes lately made for retaining money within the kingdom were ordered to be put in force, as well as those for bringing in bullion. The following note shows that a coinage took place about the end of this year : — " 2 January 1503 Item for mss. Gen.Eeg. the cunyie Jrnis and the punschionis of the samyne brocht hame be Johne Pennycuke and deliverit to Matho Auchlek xl. ti." No other Parliamentary enactment relating to the money is found in this reign. A coinage of small money and placks is noticed in the Treasurer's accounts at this 1504. time. Between August 1506 and September 1507 a considerable coinage of sUver took 1508. place, but the issue is not specified ; and during the same period a large coinage of gold was struck, the metal for which was obtained by melting down Erench crowns. In August 1508 the account shows a coinage of silver amounting to above 40 lbs. 1508. weight of bullion, but without any further particulars. The coinage of gold for the same time amounted to 16 lbs. 3i oz., but there is no indication of what sort of coin was struck. In the year preceding August 1512 a coinage of 12d, groats is recorded in the 1512. Treasurer's account,^ and also another coinage into " plakkis," ^ the metal for which was obtained by melting down certain silver vessels. Twenty-three links of gold of the great chain "domini regis" were melted down and struck "in le unicornis."^** During the next year Mr Cuthbert Bailye, treasurer, received from David Scot, at i5i3_ 1 Vol. i. p. 50, VIII. 8 Vol. i. p. 52, xv. 2 Vol. i. p. 47, VII. ^ Vol. i. p. 52, xvi. 3 Vol. i. p. 51, XII. xiii. 8 yo]_ 53^ xvii., xviii. * Rufldiman's Pref. And. Dip. (Eng. Trans.), p. 147. » PI. v. figs. 3, 4. * Vol. i. p. 50, IX., X., XT. 10 PI. V. figs. 1, 2. cxxxu EECOKDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. g 36. Annals that time " custos," the profits arising from a coinage made at that time, but no particulars of the reign of j.ames IV. are given,^ § 37. Annals § 37. The death of the king at Flodden, and the minority of his successor, threw of the reign of James V. the government of the kingdom into the hands of J ohn Duke of Albany. 1514. In this year Adam Boyd was appointed " Wardane principale and Keper of the Kingis Cunyie Irnis." 1615. On the 23d of June the matter of the money was brought before the Council,^ but because it " is wechty and greit and requires grete avisement," it was deferred till the meeting of Parliament. 1517. Two years after this, means were taken to detect the false placks, which were current in great numbers.' A special permission * was given to Bertoune, the comptroller, to coin 80 ounces of gold into Unicorns ; and the Earl of Arran was allowed to coin 30 ounces of gold " of the mynd " of the same fineness as it was got without any alloy. 1518. In March of this year, the " Irnis of the Unicorne " were delivered to the treasurer in order to coin 50 ounces of gold into Unicorns, to " be of the wecht of the Auld Unicorne," and of the fineness of the gold of the mine.^ But because the keys were lost and the said irons could not be got, another minute appears on the Books of Council, authorising the locks to be broken open and new ones made.® 1519. In the following year another authority, in similar terms, was given to James, Earl of Arran, to coin 50 ounces of gold.'' It would thus appear that Unicorns were coined in the reigns of three successive sovereigns, though, as the same dies were used and the same weights kept, it is impossible to distinguish this later issue. There is even some reason to suppose that a coinage of Unicorns took place during the minority of James VI. ; for it is stated that in the Eegent Morton's time a golden basin of the capacity of four English quarts was presented by him to the King of France filled with coins called unicorns ; ^ both the basin and its contents being made of the native gold of Scotland. 1523 In 1523 Queen Margaret applied for permission to coin money — gold and silver; but this was refused.^ ' Vol. i. p. 53, XIX. 7 Yol. i. p. 62, xxxi. Perhaps the Unicorns with ^ Vol. i. p. 60, XXVI. the ciutjuefoil countermark were issued under this ^ Vol. i. p. 61, XXVII. grant. ^ Vol. i. p. 62, XXVIII. 8 Nicolson, Scot. Hist. Lib. (1702), p. 305. * Vol. i. p. 62, XXIX. 9 Col. of State Papers, Scot., vol. i. p. 16. « Vol. i. p. 62, XXX. INTRODUCTION. cxxxiii In August of the following year an Act was passed which is not found in any of the § 37. Annals of the reign ol published collections. It is preserved in the State Paper Office (Hen. VIII., vol. ii. No. 63)/ Jamea v. and provided that certain French money, " sous tracentes and karolusis," being allayed with copper, had course in the country ; and as it was thought expedient that no allayed money should pass current in the kingdom except at a competent price, it ordained the " sou " and the " tracent " to go for five pence the piece, and the " karolus " for four pence and no more. In the same Parliament, " ye Scottis Croune of we' " was to go for " xvij s," and " ye S(;ottis demy " for " xviij s," and the other money as before. On the 16th November another Parliament^ was convened, and the Archbishop of St Andrews, the Bishop of Aberdeen, and the Earls of Arran and Argyll were appointed to look — inter alia — to the striking of money. A penny of gold and another of silver were to be coined, if the aforesaid lords should find it expedient. Native gold was to be used. In 1525 the Lords of the Secret Council authorised^ a new coinage of gold and silver, 1525. viz., "ane crowne of Gold and ane grote of silver." This crown* of gold is what is generally now called the " Ecu " of James V. It was to pass for twenty shillings, and nine were to be made out of the ounce of gold of 21 J carat fine. The groat was to be x d' fine, and eleven ^ of them were to be in the ounce, and they were to pass for 18 d. About this time the Pitscottie Chronicle ^ tells us that " the Earle of Angus .... caused stryk cunyie of his awin, to witt ane grot of the valour of xviij d. quhilk efterwards was callit the Douglas Groatt." An entry in the Treasurer's accounts,'^ of date 17th August, shows a coinage between 25th June and said day, which, in all probability, was the one referred to above. At this time the price ^ of native gold was seven pounds the ounce ; and the seignorage due to the king was twenty-five shillings on the coined ounce of native gold, and eighteen shillings for each pound weight of coined silver ; and the price of the ounce of fine silver was seventeen shillings. In June 1526 an Act^ was passed enforcing the previous Acts regarding the course of 1520. the money and the import of bullion. Arch. Douglass, Treasurer and Provost of ^ Col., vol. i. p. 18 ; vol. i. p. 54, i. ^ Pitscottie Chron., vol. ii. p. 314 ; plate v. ligs. 2 Vol. i. p. 54, II. 10, 11, 12. 3 Vol. i. p. 62, XXXII. ^ MSS. Com. Thes. Reg. H., Edin. * Plate V. fig. 7. They were sometimes called * Lindsay, View of Coin, of Scot., p. 232. " Abbey Crouns ;" vol. i. p. 95, L. ^ Vol. i. p. 55, ill. * The Hopetoun MS. gives the weight as twelve in the ounce. cxxxiv EECOEDS or THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. g 37. Annals Edinburgh, was appointed, either personally or by deputy, to search and apprehend in all of tlie reign of James V. parts of the realm, any one exporting money. He was to have for his pains one-haK of 1526. the money escheated ; the other half was to go to the king. In November of this year Parliament^ sanctioned the agreements entered into between Arch. Douglas and James Acheson, goldsmith, burgess of the Canongate. Another enactment - provided that "feigners and counterfeiters" of our sovereign lord's money should be severely punished ; and all provosts, baillies, &c., were to search for and apprehend forgers of the coinage that they might be punished. 1527. In the following year the " Cunyie hous " was erected at Edinburgh ; and a formal contract^ was entered into between the king and Joachim Hochstetter about the coinage. In the Lord Treasurer's accounts^ several entries occur about this period of profit arising from money; but as no particulars are given, the coinages cannot be specified. 1532. In May of this year Parliament ^ ordained that, with the view of keeping gold and silver coin within the realm, the former Acts made for that purpose were to be put into sharp execution. 1535. In June 1535 another Act*' was passed for the same purpose. It was ordered that searchers should be appointed at the various ports to see that none exported money from the realm. Certain commissioners were also authorised to consider and decide on the whole question of the coinage. Walter Grott was at this time Keeper of the Mint. 7 1536. In the following year Sir William Young and Sir Laurence Cowper were appointed Keepers of the Irons at an annual salary of ten pounds.^ 1538. Alexander Orrok of Sillebawby was appointed Master of the Mint in 1538, and 1539. immediately afterwards an entry in the Treasurer's account for 1539 ^ shows that the famous Bonnet Pieces (or " Braid Bonnets ") were first issued. The whole piece was to be current for three merks,^^ or forty shillings; the two-thirds for two merks, and the one-third for one merk. These coins were of admirable workmanship, and equal to any of the period in Europe. They were minted of native gold^^ from Craufurd Moor and 1 Vol. i. p. 55, IV. * Vol. i p. 56, VL ^ Vol. i. p. 59, xxiii. 2 Vol. i. p. 55, V. « Vol. i. p. 56, vii. Plate v. figs. 14, 15, 16, 17. 3 Vol. i. p. 64, xxxiv. 7 Reg. Sec. Sig. " Vol. i. p. 95, l. ■» Vol. i. pp. 58, 59. « Reg. Sec. Sig. '"■^ Vol. i. p. 60, xxiv. INTEODUCTION. cxxxv Corehead. From tlie Register of the Privy Seal it appears that John Mossman was warden § 37. Aunai.^ In the following year several statutes^ were passed forbidding the export of money, i540. and providing punishments for those who counterfeited the coins of the realm, and for those who took money for changing gold. In the account 2 rendered in August 1542 (from September 1541), one hundred and 1542. fifty-nine ounces " auri Scoticani " are entered as being coined during that period into Ducats. The date 1541 or 1542 does not occur on the Bonnet Pieces, though this entry shows that they were coined in these years. The Ptegister of the Privy Seal contains the appointment of Philip Quhitheid as " compter warden " of the Mint in this year ; and James Achesoun, the master coiner, having refused to coin " babeis," ^ now commonly called placks, Richard Wardlaw and Richard Young were appointed in his place, but were not able to perform the contract, and it was again given to Achesoun. These " babeis " (or bawbees) were first coined at the close of the reign of James V., and were so called from being coined of very base metal (1ms hillon). Another account derives their name from the mint master of the period, the Laird of Sillebawby.^ They were only iii d fine, and sixteen weighed an ounce. The author of the Hopetoun MS. states that they were coined owing to the wars and consequent scarcity of money.*' § 38. The coinage of these pieces was continued to the end of 1549, and another g .38. Amiais The first date which occurs on any coin of Mary's reign is 1543, on the rare gold piece,^ 1543. with the legend, ECCE . ANCILLA . DOMINI. Of this coinage the only record is found in the Hopetoun MS.^ It was xxiii carat fine, and each piece was current for twenty shillings. The Ecu, or Abbey Crown,^*' of this reign was also issued about the same time.^^ Bishop Nicolson mentions that Mr Sutherland — the founder of the collection of Scottish coins now in the National Museum of the Antiquaries of Scotland at Edinburgh — had seen a pattern of this coin, similar in size and weight to the pattern Ecu of James V. now in the collection ; but this piece is not now known to exist. At this period it appears, from an indenture preserved by Rymer,^* that one English 1 Vol. i. pp. 56, 57, VIII., IX., X. s Vol. i. p. 96, l. " Vol. i. p. 97, L. 2 Vol. i. p. 60, XXV. " Vol. i. p. 97, l. Scot. Hist. Library (1702), p. 301. 3 Plate V. figs. 18, 19. » pi^te vi. fig. 2. " Lindsay, pi. xii. f. 36. ♦ Vol. i. p. 96, L. 9 Vol. i. p. 97, L. " Foedera," vol. xv. p. 29. ^ Vol. i. p. 60, XXIV. i« Plate vi. fig. 1. at this time. of the i-eigii uf James V. coinage took place in 1553. of tlie reign of Mary. cxxxvi EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 38. Annals pound was equal to four Scottish pounds ; for in a contract entered into between ijf the reign of Mary. Henry VIII. and the Earl of Lennox in 1544, it is expressly declared that 6800 merks 1544. Scottish were to be held equal to 1700 merks sterling money of England. One of the causes of the comparative scarcity of the native coinage during this reign will be found in the quantity of French and other foreign money which was authorised to be current in the country. 1545. As early as 1545 we find from the Eecord of the Privy Council^ that foreign money was to be a legal tender at the following rates, viz.: — The " testoon" of the King of France for 5s. 6d. ; the "sous" for 6d. ; the " carolus " for 5d., with the parts in proportion. Shortly afterwards ^ the double ducat of Spain was to have course for forty-eight shillings. And it is curious to observe that while every encouragement was given to facilitate and authorise the coinage of France, an exactly opposite course was observed in the case of England. In the same year and month ^ it is minuted that the " new Inglis grote of Ingland callit the grote with the braid face is tane universale for xviij d. Howbeit the samyn grotis ar nocht siluir, and ar fals for the mare part," wherefore they were forbidden to have any course in the country. In this year William Hamilton was appointed Master of the Mint, with aU the powers, privileges, and emoluments which belonged thereto.* Base EngHsh money was prohibited in this year by an Act of the Lords of Council and Session.^ 1547. The Privy Council met at Glasgow on the first of May of this year, and ordered that the "bagcheik groat," which at the time was current for sixteen pence, should in all time coming have course for twelve pence only.^ Immediately after this a coinage of twelve stone weight of silver was ordered to be struck into pennies and halfpennies, " of the syes and wecht of the penny past of auld in this realme." Although these are called " pennies " in this record, it is probable from the entry in the Hopetoun MS.^ that the coinage consisted of " babeis." Penny was frequently used in a general sense for any piece of money. 1548. From an entry in the Treasurer's accounts it appears that twelve hundred pounds were received in 1548, "a Willelmo Hamilton de Sanchore milite pro proficuo cone sibi 1 Vol. i. p. 69, HI 2 Vol. i. p. 69, IV. 3 Vol. i. p. 70, V. * MSS. Gen. Reg. Ho., Edin. ^ 3d May 1547, vol. i. p. 71, vii. 5 Vol. i. p. 86, XLi. ^ Vol. i. p. 96, l. " Vol. i. p. 70) VI. INTEODUCTION. cxxxvii assedate:" — and similar receipts from William Commendator of Culross are found in 1549 § 38. AnnaU of the reign of and 1550.1 Mary. In July 1550 ^ the Lord Governor and Lords of Privy Council declared that it should 1550. be illegal for any one to give or receive clipped French billon money under the pain of death and confiscation of goods. These warnings against light foreign money are repeated more than once in the minutes of the Privy Council.^ The effect of these proclamations was to make people refuse to take any " sous " or " caroli " at all, and in consequence a further order was made making it highly penal for any one to refuse " sous " or " caroli " or other such money that will " nocht pas throw the Eyng maid and deuisit thairfor." * In December 1551 * the King of France having paid the wages of his soldiers in 1551. Scotland in " sous," " half sous," "caroli," and "liards," the same were refused by the common people, and not taken in payment of the accounts due by the French soldiers, for which reason it was ordained by the Lord Governor and Lords of Privy Council that the " sous " was to pass for sixpence, the " half sous " for threepence, the " carolus" for fivepence, and the " liard" for three-half-pence, provided always that twelve of the " sous " were equal to the ounce weight. In October 1553 John Achesoun was in Paris, and received permission to engrave portraits of the Queen of Scots for the coins.^ 1553. On the 11th January^ the Lord Bishop of Eoss was hastily sent to France, and a minute of the Privy Council provided for melting down and coining articles of silver plate for his expenses, and ordered the Lord Treasurer to deliver up the printing irons of the " babeis " to the master coiner, who was to mint the bullion into " babeis " notwithstanding any Act to the contrary. A similar order in favour of WiUiam, commendator of Culross, appeared a few days later. ^ In this year the Lion and half-lion of gold^ were minted. The Lions were to weigh 4 deniers, and were current for 44 shillings. Permission was given to Nicholas Emery to engrave, in Paris, the dies for the jetton with the initials of Mary and the Dauphin which has often puzzled numismatists The testoons " of this year were lo be current for four shillings. No half testoon is mentioned, 1 Vol. i. p. 81, XXV., XXVI., XXVII. 7 Vol. i. p. 75, xiv. 2 Vol. i. p. 71, VIII.; p. 87, XLii. « Vol. i. p. 76, xv. 3 Vol. i. p. 71, IX.; p. 72, x., xi.; p. 7.3, xii. » Plate vi. figs. 6, 7. * Vol. i. p. 72, X. 1" Lindsay, View of Coin, of Scot., p. 47. Vol. i. p. 75, xiii. ■ 11 Plate vi. fig. 8. " Proceedings Soc. of Ant. ■ Scot, vol. ix. p. 506. cxxxviii EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND, g :J8. Annals In 1554 the Privy Council authorised a new base coinage ^ to be called " Lions," ^ now of the reign of Mary. commonly called " Hardheads." The Privy CouncU Eecord says that thirty-two of these 1554. were to weigh an ounce, while the author of the Hopetoun MS.^ states that twenty-eight only were to be in the ounce. In December of this year the portrait pennies * of the queen were minted. They were coined at the instance of the French ambassador, who got all the profit by the queen's command. 1555. About this period it appears that John Misserwie,^ described as " Anglus," was employed in the Mint. The author of the Hopetoun MS. states that he was appointed master coiner, and that he minted testoons*' from January 1554 to February 1555 of ix d fine to pass for 5/ and to weigh six deneirs. Some of the gold portrait Eyalls^ of 1555 were also minted by him, and they are described in the Hopetoun MS. apparently from the original register now lost. They were to be xxij carat fine, six deneirs in weight, and to pass for three pounds. The portrait had been taken in Paris in 1533. In October 1555 ^ something appears to have gone wrong, for there is an entry of fifty shillings charged for the keep of "Misserwry Inglis man" for twenty days before his committal to the Tolbooth of Edinburgh ; and after this date his name does not occur in connection with the Mint. Lindsay ^ gives, in the first supplement to his " View of the Scottish Coinage," an extract from the Eegister of Privy Council, which is preserved in the Advocates' Library. This provided remedies of weight and fineness for the coinage of the gold EyaUs, with the portrait and date 1555, 1557, 1558. The silver coins were to be xi d fine instead of ix d. These must be the testoons of 1556-1558.^° Bishop Nicolson" says that the name " testoon " was not applied to the silver coins till the beginning of the next reign ; but on the 23d December 1555, an entry in the Treasurer's accounts ^'^ bears that a certain sum of money was delivered to the queen by John Achesoun, master coiner, " in new cunyit testouns," which shows that though this name is not found in the public Acts, it was at any rate used in the public accounts, and must therefore have been well enough known at the time. 1 Vol. i. p. 76, XVI. The Fnvy Council Record is Plate vi. figs. 11, 12. blank from 1553 to 1559, but the Acts quoted exist ' Plate vi. figs. 13, 14. in the Register House. * Vol. i. p. 83, xxsii. 2 Plate vi. fig. 10. * Vol. i. p. 89, xliv. ; Lindsay, supp. p. 56. 3 Vol. i. p. 98, L. 10 Plate vi. figs. 16, 17. * Plate vi. fig. 9. " Scot. Hist. Library (1702), p. 319. Vol. i. p. 98, L. 12 Vol. i. p. 83, xxxn. INTEODUCTIOK cxxxix It appears from the Hopetoun MS. that David Levison coined a part of the portrait § 38. Annais of tlie reign of Eyalls from April 1556 to March 1558. Mary. 1556. From March 1556 to June 1557 pennies^ of 18 grains fine, forty-two in the ounce, were coined, and testoons ^ of xi d fine, each weighing 4 deneirs 19 grains. During the year 1557 placks^ were coined of one deneir fine, sixteen in the ounce, having course 1557. for 4 d. This was followed in 1558 by a coinage of the base Uons * of 12 grains fine, thirty-two 1558. in the ounce, of which the following record remains. XVIII. — Register of the Billon Lions. This layit mony following prentit at the command of the queen's grace and my lord Miscellaneous of Cassillis thesaurair for the tyme — halpnyis caUit Lyounis be Dauit Leivinsone maister House, Edin. cunyeour for the time anno 1558. From 8 June to 30''^ June : St lb vs Printed , . . 93 8 1 ^ From 1=' to 30'" July : st lb vs Printed , .. 137 7 15 From 1^' to 31"' August : st lb vs Printed . . . 174 11 3 /3 From 1^* September to 26"^ September : st lb vs Printed ... 184 7 12 In December 1558 the inscription on the coining irons was altered to the full title of 1558. Francis and Mary ; ^ the coins struck in the earlier part of the year bearing only Mary's 1 Vol. i. p. 99, L.; plate vi. fig. 15. ^ Lesly's Hist, p. 268. This date is probably 2 Plate vi. figs. 16, 17. mcorrect, as the month of November is stated to be 3 Plate vi. fig. 18. the time in the Treasurer's accounts. < Plate vi. fig. 19. cxl EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. s 38. Annals name. The later coinage appears to have been called " Lorraines,"^ and is weU known as of the reign of Mary. the testoon with the monogram, F M, and the legend, " FECIT VTRAQVE VNVM." This name (Lorraine) may have been given from the cross of Lorraine which appears at each side of the monogram. These coins are so called in the treasurer's accounts,^ where payment is entered " to Monsieur de Faultre for the hale princepale siluer ressauit fra him and cunyeit in lorance;" and again it is said, in the month of February, ten pounds were given " to the quenis grace in loranis to play at the eartis with the Erie of Huntlie and zoung Lethiugton." 1558. In the following month (January) of this year the " Quenis Grace Dowerar of the Realme of Scotland and Eegent of the samyn " ordered the coinage of the rare king and queen's ducat. ^ Minute and particular directions as to weight, type, value, and legend are given in the record.* Both Cardonnel^ and Lindsay*^ considered this piece to be a medal; though the latter altered his opinion after the discovery of this record. The coinage cannot have been an extensive one, as the whole coins are excessively rare, and the half is not known to exist in any collection. We learn from the Hopetoun MS. that these were minted in May 1559 by John Achesoun. In March of this year^ there is a record of the coinage of the base silver pieces with the legend " lAM. NGN. SVNT. DVO. SED. VNA. CARD." These were to be vi d fine only, and ordered to pass for twelve pence. The type and legend are minutely particu- larised in the record.^ No fine silver pieces of this type are recorded. 1559. On the 13th day of July 1559 the Prior of St Andrews and the Earl of Glencairn, with the congregation, passed to the abbey of Holyrood House, and there " tuke and intromittit with the quenis irinis of the Cunyehous and brocht the samyn up to Edinburgh to his awin ludging quhairat the quenis grace regent was very discontentit." ^ But ten days later, in the articles agreed on between the queen's party and the Protestants, it was stipulated as one of the conditions that the latter should give up the coining irons to any one appointed by the Queen Regent to receive them. It is not stated that the Protestant party went the length of using the irons to issue any coinage with. 1 Plate vi. figs. 20, 21. " Vol. i. p. 77, xviii. 2 Vol. i. p. 83, xxxiii. 8 Plate vii. fig. 4. ' Vol. i. p. 76, XVII. 9 " Diurnal of Occurrents " (Mait. Club ed.), * Plate vii. fig. 3. p. 53. 5 Numis. Scot., p. 31. lo Vol. i. p. 89, XLVi.; Lesly's Hist. (Ban. Club), 8 " View of the Coinage of Scotland," p. 144. p. 277. INTEODUCTION. cxli Knox, in his History of the Eeformation, says that this interference with the royal § 38- Anuais of tlie reigii of prerogative by the congregation was made " because that dailie there war such numbers of ^^^^y- lions alias called hardheids prented that the baseness thereof maid all things exceiding dear." i The coinage of lions, however, was still continued, for in 1560 a precept of the queen 1560. ordered a stone weight of silver to be minted into " lyonis," which were to be only twelve grains fine. John Hairt was master of the mint, and some of the king and queen's ducats were minted by him. John Achesoun had been displaced and sent to France, but was shortly afterwards recalled. In February 1562 a Mint was erected in the castle of Edinburgh. Formerly it had 1562. been in the abbey of Holyrood ; but an entry in the treasurer's accounts imder this year authorises the payment of four hundred and sixty pounds paid to William M'Dougall " for expensis maid be him upon the bigging of the Cunyehous within the Castell of Edinburgh and beting of the cunyehous within the palice of Halierudhous." Two Acts of Parliament ^ were passed in this year relating to the coinage. One 1563. provided that no one should carry gold or silver out of the country, under the pain of forfeiture of their goods, which Act was to have effect for the next five years. The other statute prohibited the import of false, or light, or base money under the former penalties. Considerable quantities of bad money were apparently in circulation at present. It was chiefly imported from abroad (France or Holland), but a forger of Scottish money was captured in England, and there is little doubt but that no small amount of the base money was manufactured there.'' From the end of this year till 1565 no silver was coined, " because," says the author of the Hopetoun MS., " all men abstractit thair handis throu the downe crying of the pryees of silver from xxiiij to xxij s. An Act of Privy Council in 1564 fixed the price to be given for bullion at £10 the 1564. ounce for gold, and 23s. the ounce for silver. A very curious memorandum relating to the coinage, written in this yeai-, is given. It recommends a recoinage which was apparently not carried out.* The year 1565 is remarkable for the first introduction into the Scottish currency of the 1565- large silver pieces known as " Eyalls." ^ These were to pass for thirty shillings, and were to weigh one ounce troy (French standard). A much rarer type of the same coin was minted 1 Pinkerton, "Essay on Medals," vol. ii. p. 138 {note). ^ Vol. i. p. 68, II. Col. State Papers, vol. i. ji. 194. * Vol. i. p. 90, XLViii. Plate vii. figs. 8-11 ; vol. i. p. 7S, x.\. cxlii RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 3S. Annals earlier in the year. This has the king and queen face to face on the obverse, and bears of the reign of Mary. Henry's name before Mary's. It has generally been supposed^ to have been either a medal or a pattern piece ; but in a letter ^ from Thos. Randolphe, the English ambassador, to Sir Wm. Cecil, dated in December of this year, he states that " ther were lately cer- tayne pieces of monie coyned w* both their faces Hen. and Maria," these were called in and " other framed as here I sende y"^ H. one, wayinge v testons in sii and current for vj ;" which shows that these were really in circulation, though evidently to a very small extent. 1565. About this period a great quantity of false and light money was imported into the kingdom, and strict measures were in consequence taken by the Privy Council in the matter.^ 1566. In June 1566 it is recorded that as certain persons had been apprehended within the burgh of Aberdeen who had acknowledged that they brought false money from Flanders into the country, two commissioners, Robert Crichton of Elyoke, and James Millar, depute justice clerk, were appointed to go to Aberdeen and to take all possible means to discover 1567. ■ the facts of the case. In the beginning of the following year, Andrew Murray, burgess of Perth, and Patrick Ramsay, burgess of Dundee, were executed for importing false money — called hardheads — into the kingdom ; and an entry in the treasurer's accounts,* under the date of May of this year, records the sum of " xxiiij s' paid to ane boy passand of Edinburgh with the heidis, armis and leggis of Patrick Ramsay and Andro Murray justifiit to the deith for inbringing of fals hardheidis within this realme — to the townis of Dunde and Perth and otheris townis appointit." This was immediately followed by an Act of the Privy Council,^ on the 19th of May, forbidding the inhabitants of the Marches to take the light and false money said to be fabricated in large quantities in Newcastle and Berwick, under heavy penalties. On the 15th and 16th of July the last coins of this unfortunate princess were struck. On those days, " the Lords causit streik the Quenis wark in xx shilling xxx shUIing and x shilling pieces which extended to 8 stone wecht."^ Towards the close of the month King James was proclaimed, and his first coinage was minted in August, immediately after his accession. ' Cardonnel, p. 99 ; Lindsay, p. 1 06. 2 State Papers (Scot), Eliz., vol. il No. 103. 3 Vol. i. p. 78, XXI. * Vol. i. p. 85, XXXIX. 5 VoL i. p. 79, XXII. •5 "Diurnal of Occurrents" (Maitland Club Ed.), p. 117. INTRODUCTION; cxliii 39. The first coinage of this reign was authorised by an Act of Privy Council,i dated § 39. Aimais of the reign of in the month of August. This Act minutely specified the type, weight, fineness, and value James vi. 1567. of the Sword DoUar or " James Eyall," and the two-thirds, and one-third parts of it. Proclamation was made on the 1st September ^ commanding all and sundry to receive the new coins at their respective values of xxx/, xx/, and x/. The Scottish parliament in December ^ authorised the king, with the advice of the regent, to " prent and cunye gold and siluer of sic fynes as vtheris cuntreis dois," and prohibited the issue of any " layit " or billon money, except with the consent of the three - Estates of Parliament. It was also declared illegal to break down or melt coined money under pain of confiscation of the goods of the offender. Another Act * of the same session provided for the appointment of men of judgment in every town, before whom all sums of money were to be paid, and who were authorised to clip in pieces false money, One penny per pound was fixed as the fee for the clipper, and the provost and other municipal officers were required to furnish houses in which the examination of the money was to take place. Great frauds appear to have been practised at this time about the money, and vigorous measures were taken to repress them. A merchant of Dundee, named Eobert Jacke, was one of the principal offenders, and carried on his operations on a very extensive scale. He fabricated false hardheads in Flanders, and imported them into the country. This having been found out, it is noted in Birrel's " Diary" that he was hanged and quartered.^ An Act of Parliament ^ passed on the 22d December, provided that in consequence of the money of the realm having been made lighter than it ought to be by " rouugeing and clipping and wesching," the xxx/, xx/, and x/ pieces were to be weighed with weights oi cue ounce, two-thirds of an ounce, and one-third of an ounce respectively. These weights were to have a special stamp or device on them. In order to prevent the importation of foreign, or false, money another Act ^ provided for the sharp punishment of false coiners, and altered the values of the smaller coins. " Nonsunts," or the " twelff penny grote " of Francis and Mary, were to pass for sixpence ; " babeis " (placks of James V., and the Edinburgh and Stirling placks of Mary), for three 1 Vol. i. p. 138, XXXIX.; Balfour's " Auual.s," vol. i. p. 341 ; Cardonnel Ap., No. 2, p. 2; plate viii. fig. 1. 2 " Diimial of Occiirrents," (Maitland Club ed.), p. 120. 3 Vol. i. p. 107, 1. Vol. i. p. 107, II.; p. 108, v. 5 Dalzell's "Fragments," (1798), p. 14; Balfour'.s " Aunals," vol. i. p. 342. « Vol. i. p. 108, III. 7 Vol. i. p. 108, IV. cxliv EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 39. Auuais peiice ; "plakkis" (with the legend " SERVIO," &c.), for twopence; " hardheids," for half- of the reign of .James VI. pennies ; and " penyis " to remain unaltered. 1568. The treasurer's accounts ^ for this year show the names and wages of the officials of the mint, and no change appears to have taken place since 1564, except that Gray the " sinkar of the Irinis " gets a larger sum, probably owing to the new dies required for the " James Eyall." ^ A lease of the mint for ten years from February 1567 was entered into with Eobert Eichardson at a yearly rent of £333, 6s. 8d., but it does not seem to have continued more than three years. 1570. The measures for preventing the importation of base money seem to some extent to have failed, for in 1570 the Convention of Boroughs^ supplicated the Lords of Articles to make inquisition and punish those who were found importing false hardheads and placks, in order that innocent merchants might be cleared. 1571. The Privy Council ^ in this year authorised the coinage of the half merk and quarter merk, though the coins were not issued tiU 1572. From a "discharge of the cunye of half merkis and xl d pecis " ^ in the treasurer's accounts, it appears that the profit arising from every stone of sixteen pounds " passing the Irinis " of silver eleven penny fine was twenty pounds ; and the profit arising from the coinage of the half merk and forty penny pieces was fourteen pound ten shillings and tenpence per stone. Among the manuscript collections of the late Earl of Haddington preserved in the Advocates' Library, Edinburgh,^ is an Act of the Privy Council ordering two new silver coins to be struck, of xi d fine ; the larger of which was to weigh 11 den. 12 grains, and to pass current for 13/4. It was to have on the obverse the royal arms crowned, with the legend " lACOBVS DEI GRATIA REX 8COTORVM," and on the reverse a crowned thistle, with the legend, " NEMO IMPVNE LEDET 1571," and the value marked at the sides of the thistle. If this money was ever minted, it must have been in very small quantities, for no specimen of it has been recorded. Though this Act is not noticed either by Cardonnel or Lindsay, it is referred to by Euddiman in his preface to Anderson's " Diplomata Scotiae." ^ 1572. Towards the end of the month of March of the foUowiug year the mint erected in the castle of Edinburgh was employed, according to the author of the "Diurnal of Occurrents,"^ 1 Vol. i. p. 243, cxxxvi. 2 Vol. i. p. 244, cxxxvii. •* " Records of the Convention oi' Boiouglis," p. * Vol. i. p. 139, XL. ^ Vol. i. p. 244, CXXXVII. 6 Vol. i. p. 139, XL. 22. ^ " Dip. et Numis. Scot. Thes.," p. 74. 8 Maitland Club ed., pp. 261, 291. INTEODUCTION. cxiv in producing the xxx § pieces of the queen. If this was the case, either the old dies with § 89. Annals of the reign of the former date were used, or the quantity minted must have been very small, since no James vi. " Mary ryall " with that date is known. At the same time the following Act was passed : — XIX. 31 March 1572. — Act concerning the cumjeing of half mcrh steikis past in Leith last Marche. Apud Leith vltimo marcii anno &c. Lxxij My Lord regentis grace and thre estaittis of this realme in parliament vnderstanding Mss.Gen. Reg. Ho., Edin. that diuerss tratouris and vtheris malefactouris efter thair tressonabill dedis committit, not onlie in murthering of our souerane Lordis derrest fader gudschir and vncle, hot als doing that in thame lyis to pull the croun royall of his graces held, hes erected ane vther autoritie aganis thair faith aucht and maid to his grace, and massit thame selffis togidder within the toun and castell of Edinburgh and diuerss vtheris partis south north and west of this realme keepand garresonis of men of weir murtherand and oppressand his hienes trew liegis spulyeand revand and detenand fra him the patrimony propirtie and casualiteis of his graces croun in sik sort that his said regent nobilitie and faithful! subiectis to repress thair tratorie and tirannye ar forcit to hald and keip in garreson men of weir jonit with thame to the defence of oure souerane Lord and his just and lauchfuU autoritie ; And yit for fait of ingetting of the propirtie and casualiteis of his graces croun reft and detenit as said is, ar not of habilitie and substance to enterteng the saidis men of weir, Thairfore and for remeid heirof quhill thir ciuile seditionis may be pacifiet. It is statute and ordinit be my Lord regentis grace and thre estatis foirsaidis in this present parliament, that ane new pece of siluir be cunyeit of the fynes as is aggreit vpoun be my Lord regent with the maister cunyeour, to be caUit the half mark pece havand on the ane syde the Kingis graces armes, and without the armes, on the ane part the figure of 6 ; and on the vther part the figure of 8, to signifye the price of the samyn to be vj § viij d and the circumscriptioun of that syde to be Jacobus sextus dei gracia rex Scotorum, and on the vther side thairof ane croce havand within twa quarteris thairof foranent vther J. and E. and on the vther twa quarters twa thrissillis and the circumscriptioun on that syde to be Blank origin And als to cunye ane vther pece of the avale of the half of the said first pece of the samyn fynes and prent ffoure of the principale pecis with the half thairof weyand ane vnce, t cxlvi EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. g 39. Annals and the half pecis to aggre to the half of the samin weclit. The hale pece to half passage of the reign of James VI. within this realme for \j s viij d and the half for iij s iiij d, 1572. On the 12th of May an Act of the Privy Council ^ was passed at Leith ordering two new coins immediately to be issued, one to be called the half-merk piece ^ and to be current for 6 s. 8d., and the other to be known as the " forty penny " piece, and to be current for 3s. 4d. The type and legends were minutely specified, but the fineness is not mentioned. Other authorities, however, show that it was very base. In the " Diurnal of Occurrents " ^ it is mentioned that they Avere only vi d fine, and were proclaimed at Leith to have passage throughout the realm for good and lawful money.* This base coinage was minted at Dalkeith, as appears from a letter of Sir William Drury to Lord Burleigh preserved in the State Paper Office.^ The mint at Edinburgh was also in operation at the same period, but the money produced there was not recognised by the regent and his party, though one account says it was seized and broken down to be recoined into the half and quarter merks.^ The author of the Hopetoun MS. says that as soon as ever a coinage was issued by the regent it was counterfeited in the castle of Edinburgh. The mint at Dalkeith does not seem to have been in operation for any length of time, as in 1573 an entry occurs in the accounts of the treasurer of " xiij ti X § . . . payit ... for carrying and transporting of the haill necessaris and Avorklumis appertening to the cunyehous fra the casteU of Dalkeyth to the palice of Ilalyrudhous." In August 1572 an Act of the Privy Council was passed directing that, in consequence of the placks with the date 1557 having been counterfeited, as well as the half merk and forty penny pieces lately issued, no one was to take payment in these placks until Parliament took order in the matter, which did not take place till March 1574. No one, under pain of treason, was permitted to sell silver, coined or uncoined, to any one who counterfeited or adulterated the half merk or forty penny pieces. All bullion was ordered to be brought to the master coiner, and provosts and other officers of boroughs were directed to search for and imprison all who contravened this Act. > Vol. i. p. 140, XLi. 2 Plate viii. figs. 4, 5. 3 Maitliuicl Club ed., pp. 297, 298, ^ Craiifiird's Memoirs, p. 224 ; " Historie of James Sext," p. 274. ^ Col. State Papers, Scot., i. p. 343. " Col. State Papers, Scot., i. p. 357 ; " Diui-nal of Occurrents," p. 312. ^ Vol. i. p, 140, XLii. INTEODUCTIOK cxlvii Great quantities of false and adulterated money being imported into tlie country, § 39. Annals of the reigu of especially from Flanders, the Privy Council ordered, by an Act passed at Holyrood on the James vi. 12th July,^ that all importers of false coins were to be strictly punished. The regent applied in 1574 to the provost, bailies, and council of Edinburgh to supply 1574. him with fine silver for the use of the " cunyehous ; " but this request was declined.- Soon after, all the boroughs were summoned to pay up the arrears of bullion due by them. The convention offered to compound this for one payment of 10,000 merks, but the regent would not accede to their proposal. Shortly afterwards, however, " efter lang resonyng," he was prevailed on to take £10,000 in full of all arrears in time past, and for all sums payable during his reign. In October an Act of Privy Council ^ was passed at Dalkeith forbidding any one to transport gold or silver out of the kingdom till the next meeting of Parliament, under heavy penalties. On the 5th of March an Act of Parliament was passed, which is identically the same as a proclamation ordered by the Privy Council of the same date.* This Act provided that the placks of 1557 were to be current for two pence, and the lions or hardheads for one penny ; and that all persons having these were to bring them to John Carmichael, warden of the mint, who was directed to clip all that were false, and to countermark those that were good with a heart and star. The author of the " Diurnal of Occurrents " ^ notes a proclamation made at the 1575. beginning of 1575 forbidding any one to refuse any " mucats," or hardheads, or half merk pieces under pain of death. It is not certain what coin is referred to as " mucats." Another proclamation Avas made in April ^ calling down the Dalkeith money to its real value, or nearly one half of what it was formerly current for. It is said that these regulations about the coinage made the regent very unpopular.'' He had apparently some desire to improve the coinage, for in October he wrote to Walsingham for permission to get some tools for coining for one Michael Sim, whose name, however, does not appear in the Kecords of the Mint.^ In November, the fine and rare twenty pound piece,^ weighing one ounce Scottish, was struck in the castle of Edinburgh.i*' The author of the " Historie of 1 Vol. i. -p. 141, xLiii. 2 " Records of Conveution of Boroughs," pp. 28, 37, 43. 2 Vol. i. p. 141, XLIV. ; vol. i. p. 109, vi, * Vol. i. p. 142, XLV. ; Col. State Papers, vol. i. p. 385. 5 Maitland Club ed., p. 347. " Craufurd's Memoirs, p. 279. ^ State Papers, Scotland, Eliz., vol. xxvi. No. 74. 8 Col. State Papers, Scot., vol. i. p. 393. 8 Plate viii. fig. 6. 1" Craufurd's Memoirs, p. 285 ; " Historie of James Sext" (Maitlaud Chib ed.), p. 158. clxviii EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 39. Annals James Sext " expressly tells us that this beautiful piece was intended for circulation, and of the reign of .James VI. was not a medal, as some have supposed. He relates that " before that year (1575) was 1575 ended he (the regent) caused a new piece of gold to be imprinted of the weight of one ounce, and ordained it to have course in the country for the avaO. of 20 pounds in money." In Melville's Memoirs ^ it is stated that on one occasion the Eegent presented twenty- five of these pieces to some friend, which he would hardly have done had they been struck as medals. From the Hopetoun MS. it appears that these £20 pieces were 22J carats fine, and that 12 lbs. and 1 oz. of gold were issued in this form. False money was evidently still in circulation, for in November the Privy Council ^ took some action with Uthrid Macdowell, of Mondork, for issuing false money. 1576. The gold seekers in Craufurd Moor, Koberton and Henderland, were ordered, by an act of the Privy Council,^ to bring all the gold they found to the Eoyal Mint at the accustomed rates, and not to sell it for exportation. On the 5th of March a contract * " anent the cunye " was entered into between the Eegent Morton, John Acheson, Master of the Mint, and Abraham Petersoun, "flemyng," in which it was provided that Acheson should receive all the silver brought to him, and should hand it over to Petersoun to be reduced to the " fynenes of aucht deneiris," and thereafter it was to be forged and printed by the Master of the Mint into half-merk and forty penny pieces. Five shillings were allowed for each merk weight of coined money for the expense of coining, alloy, &c., to the master coiner, who was to give Petersoun two deneirs weight of silver for each merk melted and made ready by him for the coiners. All gold was similarly to be reduced to xxii. carats, or xxiij carats, as should be appointed, and 2 grains of remedy of weight were allowed on each piece containing 1 oz. weight, — another proof that the twenty pound piece was a coin, and not a medal. Mention is made in the contract of ten pound pieces and five pound pieces ; but it is probable these were never issued. Two shillings were to be allowed to Acheson for each ounce of coined gold, out of which he was to pay ninepence to Petersoun for his share of the work. 1577. lu May the Eegent and Privy CounciP directed a proclamation to be made, forbidding any one to transport gold or silver out of the kingdom. Towards the close of the year the king assumed the government himself, and sent 1 P. 151, ed. 1735. 2 MS. P. C. R. Gen. Reg. Ho. Edin. 3 MS. P. C. R. Geu. Reg. Ho. Edin. * Vol. i. p. 142, XLVr. ^ Vol. i. p. 145, XLVii. INTKODUCTION. cxlix certain commissioners to the Earl of Morton desiring him to give up the " irenis of the § 39. Annals of the reign of cunyiehous," which was accordingly done. James vi. Parliament met at Stirling in July 1578, and passed an Act^ ordering the coinage of 1578. a piece of silver of the fineness of eleven deniers, and giving full power to the Privy Council to give directions about the type, weight, and value of the said piece. It was also declared illegal to export Scottish money out of the kingdom. Accordingly, on the 29th of July,^ the Privy Council ordered all the silver pieces to be brought to the Mint before the first day of March, and delivered to the Master of the Mint, and 32s. to be paid for the XXX s piece, and so on at the same rate. All the good money was ordered to be counter- marked with a crowned thistle, and re-issued from the Mint at the rate of 36s. 9d. for the XXX § piece, and others at the same proportion. None were to be current at all unless they were countermarked. This piece could not have been of long continuance, and, according to Moysie,^ these alterations in the value of the money were altogether " mislykit be the commone pepill." On the 18th of September an Act of the Privy Council,* given at Stirling, referring to the Act of Parliament already mentioned, ordered the coinage of a piece of silver, of the fineness of eleven deniers, to be called the two merk piece,^ and to be current for 26s. 8d., with the half in proportion. The type is minutely described, and the coin is now known as the rare " Thistle Dollar." A new gold piece was also ordered by this Act. It was to be called the Scottish crown, and was to pass for forty shillings. The standard was to be twenty-one carats fine. The type is minutely described, both in the Parliamentary statute, which followed shortly after, and in the Act of Privy Council ; and the non-appearance of the coin in any collection has puzzled Scottish numismatists not a little. Lindsay ^ says, " Of the coinage described, and ordered by the Act of 1579 — if indeed it ever took effect — no specimens now remain." But it will be seen that a later Act of the Privy Council altered the type and value of the gold coinage, and it is now certain that the Scottish crown was never issued. A curious design for this coin has been lately discovered among the Hopetoun papers.^ The Act of the Privy Council authorising these alterations is almost identical in terms with the Parliamentary Act of 1579 immediately to be noticed. The ounce of gold was to cost £20 at the Mint, and the ounce of silver 3-4s. On the same 1 Vol. i. p. 110, VIII. 2 Vol. i. p. 146, xLviii. ^ Memoirs, p. 10; Records of Convention of Buighs, p. 560. * Vol. i, p. 147, XLix. 5 Plate viii. figs. 7, 8. " " View of the Scottish Coinage," p. 148. ' Vol. i. p. 251, cxLvi. EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 39. Annals date another Act of Privy Council declared that any one who refused to take the silver of the reign of James VI. coins, countermarked as directed by the Act already noticed, should suffer death and con- 1578. fiscation of goods. As the silver coinage was not coming into the Mint, a later Act of Privy Coimcil extended the time from the first of March to the first of May. 1579. At Stirling on the 15th of May of the following year, the Privy Council ordered a proclamation to be made extending this period still further, first to August, and then to the 20th of October. In the Eegister of the Privy Seal is a letter of this date confirming to the various officers of the Mint the privileges and liberties they had enjoyed from the very earliest period. In October ^ the Scottish Parliament passed an Act ratifying the Acts of the Privy Council as to the proposed silver two merk piece and the Scots gold crown. These two merk pieces, with the halves corresponding, were only coined in 1578, 1579, and 1580. Lindsay ^ is incorrect in supposing that the silver pieces with the crowned thistle and the date 1581 had any connection with this series. It will be seen that the coinage of 1581 was completely different both in type and value. Wingate ^ suggests some doubt about the commonly received names for these coins, though in describing the accurately-drawn plates of his work he erroneously calls the sixteen shilling piece of 1581 the half-thistle dollar.* The Act of this year fixes the price of the ounce of fine silver at 36s., and the ounce of fine gold at £21. 1580. An Act of Privy Council,^ dated the 28th day of April, altered the Act of Parliament of the preceding October, and ordered in place of the gold piece therein authorised another coin, double the weight and value, to be called the Scottish ducat ^ (now commonly called the bare-headed noble). The price of fine gold was fixed by this Act of Council at £21 "the ounce — the same rate as formerly. Shortly afterwards (4th May) another Act of Privy CounciF authorised the coinage of six hundred stone weight of silver into half merk and forty penny pieces, " beirand the like forme circumscriptioun wecht and fynes as they are presentlie currant within this realme." In October a payment occurs in the Treasurer's accounts ^ to G. Hay for some repairs 1 Vol. iii. p. 150, c. 31. 5 Vol. i. p. 152, liv. 2 " View of the Coinage of Scotland," p. 279. ^ Plate viii. fig. 9. 3 " Illustrations of the Coin, of Scot.," p. 110. ^ Vol. i. p. 152, lv. * "Illustrations of the Coin, of Scot.," p. 115. « Vol. i. p. 246, cxxxix. PI. 35, fig. 14. INTEODUCTION. cli on tlie " cunyehoiis/' but without stating the locality. From another entry ^ in the § 39. Atmais of the reign of same record it appears that James Gray was the graver of the dies of the new coinage of James vi. 1580. gold. On the 27th of February the Privy Council ^ and Estates convened in Parliament passed Acts ordering all the base money within the realm (except the stamped placks and pennies) to be reformed to the fineness of eleven deniers, with two grains of remedy as well under as above, and to be re-coined in such form as the Privy Council might order. It appears from an Act of Privy Council^ in 1581 that this coinage was struck in xvi s, viii s, iv s, and ii s pieces, of sterling standard. The weights and other particulars were fully given in a contract which cannot now be found. These pieces were not minted till 1581. The Act of Parliament also sanctioned the issue of the Ducat, and fixed the price of silver at the Mint at 44s. per oz. Authority was given to the Privy Council to let the Mint and its profits. The Privy Council in July ordered proclamation •* to be made in all the chief boroughs i58l. of the country to the effect that all should receive the J ate coinage of thistle two merk pieces and gold ducats, and that it was illegal to break down any coined money of the realm. Four months later an Act of the Scottish Parliament ^ put an end to the contract about the money which had been entered into with Alexander Clerk of Balbirnie and others (evidently the one above noticed), and recalled the silver coinage they had issued. It appears from a later Privy Council minute that this contract had been intended to last for three years, but it was annulled on account of the coinage being so unprofitable. ^ These coins are the crowned thistle series, with the date 1581.^ They are fully described in an abstract of the Act of Privy Council of 1580 prefixed to one of the following year. They were known as xvi s, viii s, iv g, and ii s pieces, and are of great rarity, more especially the smaller parts. As the original contract for this coinage cannot now be discovered, the conditions of it are not known ; but as the xvi § piece weighs generally 170 grains, silver must still have been at 44s. the ounce, the price fixed by Parliament in the previous year. This Act further sanctioned the coinage of x s pieces, each of which was to weigh a quarter of an ounce, and to be xi d fine. The type is minutely described, but no higher denomination is mentioned, 1 December 1580. * Vol. i. p. 153, lvii. Act. Pari. Scot., vol. iii. p. 402. 2 Vol. i. p. Ill, X.; p. 153, LVi. Vol. i. p. 113, xi. « Plate viii,, figs. 10, 11, 12, 13. 3 Vol. i. p. 153, LVII. Vol, i. p. 157, lxii. clii EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 39. Annals nor are the usual remedies of weight and fineness allowed. These omissions were corrected of the reign of James VI. by an Act of Privy Council ^ at the close of the year. The dies for this new coinage were prepared by Thomas Foulis from a likeness of the king drawn by Lord Seytoun's painter.^ These pieces were not struck at the Mint, which was then in a ruinous state, but in the house of Archibald Stewart in Edinburgh. In Moysie's Memoirs it is stated that a certain Thomas Eorestoun was forfeited for false coining in this year. 1582. Oil the 25th of March an Act of Privy Council ^ authorised Thomas Acheson, master coiner, to buy all silver of xi d fine for 37s. the troy ounce, and reissue it again in x § pieces. In April the Council * ordered pieces of an ounce weight, three-quarters of an ounce, and half an ounce, as well as the quarter lately authorised, to be struck. These were to be of the value of xl §, xxx s, and xx § respectively, and were in all respects, except weight and value, to be similar to the quarter ounce, or x s piece. ^ Specimen coins of each sort of this coinage were ordered to be given to the Clerk of Eegisters, Clerk of Privy Council, Lyon Herald, and various other officials. This seems to have been the general custom with every new issue at this period. It is difficult to account for the rarity of the xl § piece at the present time. It was evidently struck in con- siderable quantity, and was in ordinary circulation, as in 1593 an Act of Privy CounciF raised the current value to 42s. The other coins of the series are not rare, and there is nothing in the Records to show that the issue of the xl s piece was more restricted than the others. In July the Privy Council ^ especially released Alexander Clerk of Balbirny and the other partners in the late contract of the Mint from their obligations, on condition that they should reduce the coinage of xvi § pieces to the price of forty shillings the ounce. An Act of Parliament was ordered to be passed to this effect. A very carious " compt of the coynehous maid by Thomas Achesoun," preserved in the Register House at Edinburgh, shows the coinage of this year. From 1st April 1582 to 1st May 1583, 607 stones 7 poimds of silver were coined into xl §, xxx §, xx and x § pieces. The master coiner charges himself with the sum of £12,845, 16s. lid., and accounts for pajonent amounting to £17,928, 6s. lOd., so that, as the "compt" bears, the 1 Vol. i. p. 154, Lviii. 2 Vol. i. p. 248, cxxxix. 3 Vol. i. p. 156, LX, '» Vol. i. p. 156, Lxi. 5 Plate ix. figs. 1, 2, 3, 4. 6 Vol. i. p. 248, CXL. ^ Vol. i. p. 182, xc. ^ Vol. i. p. 157, LXii. INTEODUCTIOK cliii " compter is superexpendit in the sowme of v'^lxxxij'^ ixs xj'J." Among the payments we § 39. Annals of the ic'isii of find £2000 to John Eobertson and David Williamson " for clayth tane of to the king's James vi. maiestie." Presents of specimen coins to the various ofi&cials are duly entered, and also for the " Wairdens collis twa yeir, ilk yeir xl s." In December a proclamation^ was made calling in the twelve-penny pieces, babeis, ^^83. and placks, as well as the 3d. groats and half placks then current, and ordering them to be re-coined into groats ^ of three penny fine, at 8d. each, and half groats corresponding. The usual remedies were allowed, and one hundred and thirty-five of the groats were to be in the merk weight, with an allowance of eight, as remedy, in every merk. The type and legends are minutely specified in the Act. As very little of the billon money mentioned above was brought in by the time named, another proclamation^ was made in January, allowing twelve pence per ounce more. Even this does not seem to have produced the desired effect, for in February a third proclamation* was made, forbidding the course of the twelve-penny pieces and placks within the city and sheriffdom of Edinburgh and the constabulary of Haddington, though allowing them to be current in more remote districts in the meantime. Many of the common people appear to have doubted the new coinage, and to remedy this certain lords of the Privy Council, with the provost and baillies of Edinburgh and other skilled persons, were appointed to report as to whether the conditions of the contract were carried out. Accordingly, in the end of the year, a proclamation ^ was made, stating that these commissioners had found the coinage of placks conformable in all respects to the Act, and equal in fineness to the half merk and forty-penny pieces. The price of silver was raised, by a proclamation " of the Privy Council in April 1584, 1584. to 37s. 6d. per ounce of eleven penny fine ; and in May an Act of Parliament^ was passed ratifying and approving of the new coinage of placks proclaimed in the year preceding. This Act was immediately followed by another,^ authorising the issue of two new gold pieces of 21| carat fine, to weigh respectively 78f and 52J grains. The Lords of the Privy Council were directed to fix the type, legends, remedies, &c. These pieces were commonly called the Lion Noble ^ and Lion Crown ; the latter being two-thirds of tlie value of the former. There is no mention made in the Parliamentary enactment of the 1 Vol. i. p. 158, LXiii. * Vol. i. p. 160, Lxv. ^ Vol. i. p. 115, xm. 2 Plate ix. figs. 5, 6. Vol. i. p. 161, Lxvii. « Vol. i. p. 116, xiv. 3 Vol. i. p. 159, Lxiv. 6 Vol. i. p. 162, lxviii. o Plate ix. fios. 7, 8. cliv RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 39. Annals Half Lioii CrowQ (or one-tliird Lion as it is uow called). Tlie Lion Noble was to be of the reign of James vi. current for £3, 15s., and the Lion Crown for £2, 10s, In August a proclamation^ was made for the purpose of prolonging the time for receiving the old placks till the 15th of October; but this provision was only to apply places distant twenty-five miles and upwards from Edinburgh. A few days afterwards the Privy Council ^ considered the proposed new coinage of gold, and added to it the half lion .crown.3 The type is minutely described, and one-sixth of a carat is allowed on each piece as remedy for purity, and one grain for remedy of weight. 1585. During the following year the plague raged with great violence in Edinburgh, and the Privy Council, having convened at Dunfermline, ordered ^ the general of the Mint to pass to Dundee with all the furniture and coining tools, and there to continue the coining of gold, silver, and alloyed money. The legend on the placks was to be " Oppidum Dundie ' instead of " Oppidum Ediuburgi," and the coins were to be struclc " eikand ane ring within • the lettres as tliey have alreddy out with the same quhairevir it sail happin the said money to be wrocht." ^ Whether any money was ever strucic at Dundee or not, is uncertain ; but in October another Act of Privy Council ® ordered the Mint, with all its appliances, to be removed to Perth, as the plague was then raging in Dundee as well as in Edinburgh. Similar instructions were laid down for the j^lace of mintage on the billon coins being changed from Edinburgh to Perth. There is a probability that some money was struck at Perth, as a proclamation exists in the Ptecords of the Privy Council ^ requiring the ofticers of the Mint forthwith to proceed to Perth, and there to continue the issue of the alloyed money, as, owing to the former prevalence of the plague, " the oiiiciaris of his hienes cunyie hes bene constrainit to Ij ydile ... to the grite hinder of his maiesties profate." 1586. On the'lOth of May 1586 certain commissioners appointed by the king^ proceeded to the Mint, and there opened the boxes containing the assays of all the coinages issued while John Acheson and Thomas Acheson were Masters of the Mint. These commissioners appeared personally before the Privy Council on the 10th of December and reported the result of their trials. This report is interesting, as giving the dates of the various coinages. 1 Vol. i. p. 163, Lxix. 2 Vol. i. p. 164, Lxx. 3 Plate ix. fig. 9. ^ A somewhat rare variety of these placks is found * Vol. i. p. 165, Lxxi. with an inner circle. 6 Vol. i. p. 166, Lxxii. Vol. i. p. 166, Lxxiii. Vol. i. p. 167, Lxxiv. INTEODUCTIOK civ From it we learn that the half merk and forty-penny pieces were struck from April 1577 § 39. Annals of the reigii of to August 1580; the thistle two merk piece, from 16th December 1579 to 24th August J*^™es vi. 1580 ; the gold ducat, from 2d August to 29th ISTovember 1580 ; the lion noble, lion crown, and half lion crown, from the 2d November 1584 to 18th April 1586 ; the xxx s, xx §, and X s pieces, from 6th April 1482 to 18th May 1586 ; the xvi § and viii § pieces, from 25th June 1582 to 4th November of the same year ; and the 8 d and 4 d placks, from 13th January 1583 to 10th May 1586. From Thomas Achesoun's " Compt of the Cunyie Hons," it appears that between the 1st May 1583 and 21st April 1586, 303 stones 7 lbs. of silver were issued in xls, xxx s, XX §, and x s pieces, with a profit to the king, on each stone, of £22, 2s. 6d. From 18th January 1583 to the same date, 1925 stones 1 lb. of silver were issued in eight-penny and four-penny groats, with a profit of £17, 2s. 9d. on the stone. In lion nobles, upwards of 96 lbs. of gold were coined, the profit on each stone being £220. Thomas Foullis made the dies for the gold coins, and also for the billon pieces. In July of the following year the Scottish Parliament^ appointed certain commissioners 1587- to confer regarding the state of the current money, and to advise concerning a new coinage of gold of 22 carat fine, and a new coinage of silver of eleven denier fine. They were to come to a decision before the 1st of January, and whatever their determination might be, it was to have the full force of law. Other commissioners were appointed ^ to see how much bullion should be paid by merchants exporting gold out of the realm. The Privy Council in October ordered Thomas Acheson, master coiner, and his assistants, to coin all the bullion on hand, and to buy in as much more as would make up the whole amount to seven score stones weight. This year's coinage included 61 lbs. 5 oz. of gold issued in lion nobles and lion crowns. An unsuccessful attempt was made in this year to do away with the privileges granted from time immemorial to the officers of the Mint.3 On the 29th of March, Thomas Foullis, sinker, complained to the lords of the Tviyj 1588. Council * that James Acheson, son of John Acheson in the Canongate, " sinkis and makis Irnes instruments and matriceis albeit the complenare hes obtenit his maiesties gift of that office during aU the dayis of his lyftyme," and prayed that he might be restrained from so doing. An expedition was sent to the Northern Islands and Highlands under the Earl of » Vol. i. p. 116, XV. 2 Vol. i. p. 116, xvii. ^ Vol. i. p. 252, cxLVii. Vol. i. p. ] 69, Lxxvi. clvi EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. Jairies V\. 1588. g 39. Annals Bothwell ; and the officers of the Mint were directed by the Privy Council ^ to strike of the reign of 80 stone weight of 8 d and 4 d pieces, and the profits arising from this were to he given to provide necessaries for the " companeys of men of weir leuyed and appointit to accompany him." On account of the scarcity of small money, a new billon coinage was authorised by an Act of Privy Council in August. This new coinage was issued in two-penny and penny pieces of 12 grains fine, and forty of the penny pieces were to be in the ounce. The type of both coins (now usually called hardheads) is minutely described. The lion on the reverse of the two-penny is directed to be in a shield.^ This Act raised the value of the lion nobles from £3 15s. to £4. The Privy Council in September ^ ordered a new coinage, to consist of a piece of gold of the same weight (a quarter of an ounce) and fineness (23 carat 7 grains) as the English rose noble, and to pass current for £7, 6 s. 8d.* Thomas FouUis was the engraver of the dies for this coinage. A half, similar in type and fineness, was also authorised ; but this coin, if it was ever issued, must be very rare. Considerable coinages of the Scottish rose noble are recorded.^ In November it was reported to the Privy CounciP that the two-penny pieces authorised in August were often passed by designing persons on the unsuspecting as eight-penny pieces, from the similarity of type on the obverse of the one and the reverse of the other, and it was accordingly ordered by the Council that for the future the shield on the reverse of the two-penny pieces was to be omitted, and two dots placed behind the lion.'' The king was in debt to Sir Robert Melville, the treasurer depute, and, with the consent of his Council, assigned the profits of the Mint to him till the debt was paid. The Act authorising this is recorded in the Books of the Privy Council in March 1589.8 In June of the following year, a parliament convened at Edinburgh,^ and certain proposals about making the standard of the silver coins the same as that of England were considered. Nothing seems to have been determined, but the matter was remitted to 1589. 1590. 1 Vol. i. p. 170, Lxxvn. 2 Plate ix. fig. 10. ^ Vol. i. p. 172, Lxxix. * Plate ix. fig. 13. ^ Vol. i. p. 174, Lxxxii, Lxxxiii. 8 Vol. i. p. 173, Lsxx. 7 Plate ix. figs. 11. 12. * Vol. i. p. 173, Lxxxi. " State Papers, Scot., Eliz., vol. xlv. No. 65. I INTEODUCTION. clvii commissioners ^ to report to the following Parliament. According to Balfour, a pro- § 39. Annals of the reign of clamation was made on 6th September of a new coinage of silver.^ James vi. A trial of the Pix having been made in March, a dispute arose as to how the assay 159]. pieces should be disposed of.^ The General of the Mint claimed them by virtue of the privilege of his oifice, and the Master Almoner claimed them, by order of the king, for distribution amongst the poor. The dispute was referred to the Privy Council, who decided against the claim of the Master of the Mint. The report of the commissioners * appointed to make the trials of the money was laid before the Council in May, and every thing being found correct, the officials of the Mint were fully exonerated from any further action as to their former coinages. In August, Parliament met at Edinburgh, and passed an Act ^ " anent the cunyie." This provided that all the gold, except the thistle nobles, should be reduced to the standard of 22 carat fine, and that the ounce should be set out at £27. The gold was to be struck in coins each current for £4, and fifty-four pieces were to be in the merk weight. These were called Hat Pieces from the type.*' A half is mentioned in the Act, but it is doubtful if any were ever struck. Similarly all the silver was to be reduced to 1 0| deiiier fine, and set forth at forty-four shillings the ounce.'^ The merk weight was to contain 54f of the larger pieces, or double that number of the smaller. These coins are called now balance vicrhs, a mistake which first originated with Snelling, and has been copied without inquiry by every succeeding writer. They were, in point of fact, half merhs,^ being current for 6s. 8d., and the half for 3s. 4d. They were minted in 1591, 1592, and a few in 1593. Three years were allowed to reduce the whole coinage of the country to the above standard. Immediately after the proclamation of the new coinage. Sir Archibald Napier entered a protestation against the contract being given to the proposed partners, on the ground that his son was willing to undertake it on more advantageous terms. A long dispute arose in consequence between Merchiston and Thomas FouUis, each abusing the other, and 1 State Papers, Scot., Eliz., vol. xlvi. No. 13. 2 " Annals," vol. i. p. 389. ^ Vol. i. p. 176, Lxxxiv. * Vol. i. p. 176, Lxxxv. Vol. i p. 117, XVII. « Plate i.x. fig. 14. ^ Vol. i. p. 177, Lxxxvi. The agreement with Francis Napier for doing this will be foand; see vol. i. p. 253, cxLix. ^ Vol. i. p. 253, cxLViii. Lindsay was latterly made aware of this mistake (see Supp., p. 5), but continued the error (see Second Supp., p, 11). clviii EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. ? 39. Aimais maintaining his own proposals, and eventually the matter was referred to a com- of the reign of jMmesVi. mission.^ 1591. On the 8th day of March the Privy Council,^ finding that the allayed money under seven deniers fine which had been ordered to be called in by the Act of Parliament, could not be re-issued without great loss, commissioned Thomas Foullis to go to London and make a contract with Sir William Bowes to mint the coinage as directed by the Act. Minute directions are laid down in the contract as to the manner of proceeding. 1592. In 1592 an Act of Parliament^ was passed ordering that the borough dues, which had hitherto been paid in usual currency of the kingdom, should in future be paid in sterling money. 1593. Parliament met at Edinburgh,* and on the 3d of April directed certain commissioners to look into the coinage, with power to issue a new one if deemed advisable. The result of this commission was embodied in an Act ^ which provided for the coinage of a billon piece** of one denier fine (with the usual remedies), to be current for fourpence. The type is minutely described. Eight score were to be in the merk weight, with eight pieces as remedy. This would make the full weight of the coin about 23^ grains troy of the modern standard. As the aijiount coined was very limited, these four-penny pieces are very rare. On the 17th of January, an Act of Parliament^ was passed which ordered a new coinage of gold and silver. The provisions of this Act were embodied in the contract entered into immediately afterwards with the town of Edinburgh. On the 21st January, the General of the Mint, Sir A. Napier of Edinbillie, appeared before the Privy Council, and recorded his opinion that the price offered for the silver at this time was too little to make it profitable to coin money eleven penny fine. A few days later, a contract ^ was made between the king, with consent of the Privy Council, and the Provost and Town Council of Edinburgh, in which it was provided that all the gold was to be reduced to the fineness of 22 carats, and re-issued in pieces weighing six to the ounce, and each to be current for £5. These coins are now known as " Eiders," ^ and appear to have been issued down to 1601. The silver was to bemade xi d. fine, and re-issued in 10 s, 5 §, 2 s 6 d, and 1 s pieces,^" at 50s. tlie ounce. The profits of the Mint were let to the town of Edinburgh for two years and three months, from the 1st of February 1593, and 1 Vol. i. p. 256, CL., CLi., CLii., ■» Vol. i. p. 120, xix. ^ Vol. i. p. 182, xc. CLiii.. CLiv., CLV., CLVL ^ Vol. i. p. 120, XX. " Plate x. figs. 1, 2. '- Vol. i. p. 179, Lxxxvii. " Plate x. fig. 7. Plate x. figs. 3, 4, 5, 6. ^ Vol. i. p. 120, XVIII. ' Vol. i. p. 122, xxi. INTEODUCTIOX. clix the tacksmen were empowered to place their " cunyie house " within any town or place in § 39. Annals of the reign of the realm. One hundred and ten thousand merks were to be paid, at the weekly rate of James vi. 1593. one thousand merks, as rent. On the 22d of April, Parliament ratified and approved of the coinages ^ directed in the 1594, previous year, and of the tack of the Mint to the Provost and Council of Edinburgh, and further confirmed the former Acts relating to bullion. The Privy Council in July - prohibited the currency of the old moneys under heavy penalties, and in November ^ appointed certain commissioners to consult and advise regard- ing the form and order of the exchange of gold and silver, and to report to next Parlia- ment. Birrell notes * that the 4d. placks were proclaimed on the 7th January, which seems a long time after the passing of the Act authorising the coinage. He also says they were discharged by proclamation on the 19th, which, if it is the case, will be another reason for their great rarity. In January the Privy Council ^ again ordered, in more stringent terms than before, the former coinages no longer to be received as currency, and especially the old rose noble of England, which had been made current by a special proclamation (not preserved) in Aberdeen for the temporary purpose of paying the soldiers there. No change seems to have taken place in the coinage for some time. In May 1596 an i598. Act of Parliament is found against false coiners. A curious document,® with the date August 1596, is preserved in the Eegister House. It contains the prices at which all kinds of gold and silver coins were to be brought into the Mint, and the royal profit upon the coinages issued. From this it appears that every stone weight of gold coined of 22 carat fine produced to the king £563, 3s. 4d., or at the rate of 41s. per ounce. Every stone of silver of eleven penny fine produced £38, 18s. Out of every stone of gold, twelve pounds were to be minted into £5 pieces, and foi;r pounds into the halves. The amounts to be struck in each sort of coin out of the stone weight of silver are left blank in the original, except the 12d. pieces, of which one pound in every stone was to be minted. This table gives an idea of the coins current at the time, and supplies some blanks in the fineness of some of the native gold coins, of which the records have not been preserved. 1 Vol. i. p. 124, XXII. 2 Vol. i. p. 186, xci. 3 Vol. i. p. 188, xcii. * Dal. Frag. Bir. Diary, p. 32. 5 Plate X., fig. 7. « Vol. i. p. 188, sciii. 7 Vol. p. 124, XXV. * Vol i. p. 26(), CLIX. clx EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 39. Aimais It is curious to find the xl s piece current at this period, while the merk piece of 1578, of the reign of James Ti. 1579, and 1580, and the ii s i^iece of 1581 were even then out of common circulation. At the close of this year, on the 4th of March, an Act of Parliament ^ gave power to certain commissioners to confer regarding a new coinage, keeping the present fineness and value, but differing (if thought fit) in proportion and type. Commissioners were also appointed to treat with the commissioners of burghs regarding the payment of the customs. 1597. In April 1597, Ja. Acheson presented an overture ^ to the king, recommending a coinage of small money in pure copper. This paper is very interesting, for in it he states that he has discovered " a new forme of wirking and wark lumes thairto," so that " thair saU be na pece of money ather gold siluer or copper according to thair quantitie and wecht that sail he ane grane heavier or lichter thikker or thinner braider or naroer ane nor another .... And farder the money sail be sa weill prentit that na pece thairof sail want ony thing of the superscriptioun." He also recommended the king to repair his own Mint, and entreated him personally to inspect the work of coinage as he had formerly done. The following month the Scottish parliament met at Dundee, and passed several measures relating to the coinage. The first ^ of these appointed certain commissioners to frame a table of the prices of all the gold and silver according to their value, weight, and fineness, and to affix the same in the house of exchange that all might know. The next Act * laid down the values at which various coins were to be taken after the 17th of May. Silver of xi d fine was to be at 50/ the ounce ; the new xxx § pieces were to pass current for 37/6, as they weighed only three quarters of an ounce.^ The ounce of gold of 22 carat was to stand at £30. All foreign coin was to be brought into the Mint and exchanged, an ounce of coin xi d fine being given for an ounce of bullion of xii d fine, the difference being the profit. It was further provided ^ by the same parliament, that one hundred stone weight of copper, unmixed with any other kind of metal, should be issued in tAvo penny and penny pieces ; each penny was to weigh one denier and twelve grains, and sixty-four of the two penny pieces were to be in a merk weight. No one was bound to take more than twelve pence in copper coins. It is stated in Birrell's " Diary," ^ that the proclamation of these 1 Vol. i. p. 125, XXV. 2 Vol. i. p. 268, CLX. 2 Vol. i. p. 126, XXVI., XXVII. * Vol. i. p. 127, XXVIII. ^ Moysie's " Memoirs " (Mait. Club Ed.), p. 1.34. s Vol. i. p. 129, XXIX. 7 Plate X. figs. 8, 9. 8 Dal. Frag., p. 14. INTRODUCTION. clxi coins was made on the 23d of May, and on the 23d of June another was made for §39. Anuais of the reiKu oi' taking the " cunyie house." Almost immediately afterwards, the whole of the officials of '''''™''jg^g' the Mint were discharged by an Act of Privy Council,^ and the irons and other coining instruments were ordered to be delivered up to the Lord Treasurer. No cause was stated for this; but on the 18th of August ^ they were all reinstated, and the irons and instruments were returned to them. Parliament met at Edinburgh,^ and on 1st November ratified and confirmed the Acts made before at Dundee, and among others those relating to the coinage already mentioned. That these measures about the coinage were not popular is apparent from a letter preserved among the State papers relating to Scotland,* in which Nicolson, writing to Lord Burleigh, mentions the discontent among the people at this time in consec[uence of the Mint being set up again. ^ On the 22d of July, the Privy Council ^ passed an Act in which reference is made to this parliamentary measure of the previous June, giving a tack of the Mint for six years to Thomas Foulis and Eobert Jowsie. The Council ordered the half of all penalties for breaches of the laws about money to be paid to the aforesaid Thomas Foullis. Considerable quantities of false money were at this time in circulation. Several persons suspected of coining were apprehended in the North, and an Act of the Privy Council in August directed them to be brought to Edinburgh and there tried. On the last day of October Parliament met,^ and the first Act passed relating to coinage, permitted foreign coin to be current at certain rates specified. Foreign silver of eleven penny fine was to be current for 48/ the ounce, and foreign gold of 22 carat for £28, 16s. All native gold coins of 22 carat fine were to be current at £30 the ounce.^ In December, Parliament met at Holyrood, and passed another Act fixing the values of the various coins, which was followed on the 18th of the same month by a proclamation altering the previous rates very considerably.^" Foreign silver of eleven deniers fine was to be current for 50/, while the same weight and fineness of native currency was to pass for 53/4. Foreign gold of 22 carat was to be £30 the ounce, and Scottish gold of the same standard £32 the ounce. Such constant alterations in the value of money must have 1 Vol. i. p. 190, xciv. * Vol. i. p. 191, xcv. 3 Vol. i. p. 130, XXX., XXXI. * Eliz., vol. Ixii. No. 13.. 29th March. * Vol. i. p. 133, XXXII. « Vol. i. p. 191, xcvi.; p. 269, CLXI. ^ Vol. i. p. 192, xcvii. 8 Vol. i. p. 133, XXXIII. ^ Vol. i. p. 134, XXXIV. Vol. i. p. 192, scviii. clxii EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 39. Aimais seriously interfered with commerce, and it is no wonder that the people were dis- of the reign of James VI. Contented. 1599. On the last day of July, Parliament ^ gave commission to the Lords of the Privy Council and certain others, to advise concerning another proposed change in the value of money, by making the ounce of silver 60/, and gold proportionally higher. This was not carried into effect apparently, for in September an Act of Privy Council ^ continued the Act of Parliament of the previous December, but prohibited the course of any foreign coins for the future. 1600. The Parliament of 1600 passed an Act^ confirming the action of the Parliament and Privy Council of the preceding year, and directed measures to be taken for providing bullion for the Mint. 1^0^- On the 8th of May, a proclamation* was made by the Privy Council, warning every one against false money, which had been found in considerable quantity " in the querreU hollis besyd the Cannongait," and prohibiting any one from searching there any more. An Act of Parliament,^ dated 11th September of this year, ordered the coinage of Sword and Sceptre gold pieces.'^ These were to be current at the rate of £6 each, with halves corresponding. A new silver coinage was also ordered, and all the former coins were to be brought in to the Mint at 55/ the ounce of eleven deneir fine, and re-coined at 60/ the ounce, of the same standard, in merk, half merk, forty penny, and twenty penny pieces.'^ Nine half merks were to be in the ounce, with the usual remedies of weight and fineness. These coins were to be current after the first of January, and all others were prohibited. The type of this coinage was originally very different from what was finally adopted.^ By the same Act, 200 stone weight of copper was ordered to be minted into two-penny pieces at nine to the ounce. These were to have the same impression and circumscription as the former copper coinage, and no one was to refuse to take twelve pennies of this copper money in every twenty shillings of debt. On the 22d of September, the Privy Council ^ assigned the profits of the above coinage to the Master of Elphinstone and his son, till such time'as they should receive a sum of £41,000, owing by the king to the Master of Elphinstone. This assignation was renounced^" 8 Vol. i. p. 271, CLXII. » Vol. i. p. 196, CI. 10 Vol. i. p. 198, cii. 1 Vol. i. p. ] 34, XXXV. 5 Vol. i. p. 136, xxxvii. 2 Vol. i. p. 195, xcix. 6 Plate x. figs. 10, 11, 3 Vol. i. p. 135, xxxvi. 7 Plate x. figs. 12, 13, 14, 15. ^ Vol. i. p. 196, c. INTRODUCTION. clxiii in December, and on the same day a contract ^ was entered into between the king (with § 40. Aunais of the I'eign of consent of the Privy CouncU), and Sir David Murray of Gospertie and others to let to them James vi. the Mint for one year. The tacksmen were to have liberty to buy gold and silver at whatever price they pleased, and might place the mint where they liked. They were to pay £45,899, 9s. 6d. of the usual money of Scotland as rent. A proclamation by the Privy Council on 16th January prohibited any of the 1602. proclaimed money from having course, except the late coinages ordered by Parliament. On the 13th July 1602, Alexander Eeid, cutler in Edinburgh, was tried for false coining.^ It appears that he was employed as a " printer" in the Mint, and had got some false blanks, which he stamped with the true dies of the merk piece. From Birrel's " Diary " ^ we learn that he was hanged for this offence on the 20th of the same month. Another proclamation * was made in December against the course of the decryed money. On the 25th of January the Privy Council^ enjoined the strict observance of all the i603. Acts relating to bulHon, and immediately afterwards ® an assay was taken of the Pix, and all being found correct, the officers of the cunyie house were exonerated in all time coming. The contents of the assay box were given to the poor of Edinburgh, but the right of the General of the Mint to the assay pieces was fully acknowledged, and his consent to the gift recorded. § 40. Queen Elizabeth died on the 24th March 1603, and James the Sixth of Scotland was proclaimed Pirst of England in the course of the same day. On the 8th of April 1603, a proclamation was issued by the king^ making the six 1603. pound gold piece of Scotland current in England for ten shillings, and the merk piece for thirteen pence halfpenny. On the 10th of September of the following year, Napier of Merchiston, General of the 1604. Mint in Scotland, came up to London to confer regarding the coinage, and, according to Birrel, " the witt and knowledge of the general wes wonderit at be the Englischmen."^ Considerable negotiations followed, of which an account is preserved in the Cotton MSS.,^ and eventually the following arrangements were made. At Whitehall, on the 15th of November, a special grant of ratification of privileges was 1 Vol. i. p. 198, cm. * Vol. i. p. 205, cv. 7 Euding, vol. i. p. 360. - Pitcairn's " Crim. Trials," vol. ii. ^ Vol. i. p. 206, CVI. « Dal. Frag., p. 62. p. 399. e Vol. i. p. 208, cvii. 9 Vol. i. p. 272, clxiv. 3 Dal. Frag., p. 56. clxiv EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 40. Anuais made in favour of the officers of his majesty's Mint in Scotland. In this grant reference of tlie reign of Jam. 3 VI. was made to the confirmation of privileges made by James V.^ on the 23d of October in 1604. the thirtieth year of his reign, and to two others by James VI. under the Privy Seal, one on the 25th of June 1579, and the other on 22d April 1584. On the same day proclamation ^ of a new coinage for Scotland was made, and on the following, a contract was entered into with Thomas Achesoun regarding the coinage of Scotland. In consequence of a blank in the record of the Privy Council, the exact terms of this contract have long been uncertain. Very fortunately, however, a copy of the proclamation has recently been discovered among the Hopetoun papers, and a copy of the contract has been found in the collection at Gordonstone, and it is now certain that a most important addition must be made to the Scottish series. It has always been hitherto supposed that the Scottish coinages, after James' accession to the English throne, differed from the English, in having the Scottish arms in two quarters of the shield; but this discovery shows that till the close of 1609 there was no difference between the coins minted in Scotland and England, save in the mint mark and the thistle on the horse trappings of the silver crown and half crown.^ The contract was entered into on the 16th of November 1604. By it the king, with advice of his Privy Council of England, and of the Estates and Council of Scotland, considering that the reduction of the gold and silver coinage of both countries to a perfect equality was an essential preparation for the union of the kingdoms, ordered gold to be coined uf the fineness of twenty-two carats, and the silver of eleven deniers. Five sorts of gold coins were ordered to be struck, viz., the Unit * (or £12 Scots piece), the Double Crown ^ (or £6 Scots piece), the Britain Crown (or £3 Scots piece), the Thistle Crown ^ (or 48/ Scots piece), and the Half Crown (or 30/ Scots piece). Two grains of remedy of weight were to be allowed on the two larger pieces, and one grain on the smaller pieces. Out of every 20 lb. of gold coined, one pound at least was to be issued in the small gold pieces. The type was minutely described. On the reverse there was to be " his maiesties armes in ane new forme of schield quarterlie To witt in the first quarter Thrie floure de lycess croce with thrie libbertis croce and in the croce quarter als mekill, with ane lyoun in ane doubill Tressour in the uther quarter and the harpe in the ffourt quarter" .... The various legends for each piece were also given, and there was to be "ane littil thrissell at the ' Act Pari. Scot. vol. iv. p. 488. ^ Vol. i. jj, 277, clxv. » Plate x. fig. 17. 2 Vol. i. p. 210, cix. * Plate x. fig. 16. « Plate x. fig. 18. INTRODUCTION. clxv beginning of the said circumscriptiounes of ilk peice of the said gold respective abone § 40. Aimai^ of the reign of written, on athir syde." James vi. 1604. The silver coinage was to be issued in seven pieces, viz., the Crown ^ (or £3 Scots piece). Half Crown,^ Shilling,^ Sixpence, Twopenny,* Penny,^ and Halfpenny ^ pieces, with the usual remedies of weight and fineness. The type is in all respects similar to the English, save that on the crown and half crown there was to be " ane littill thrisseU in ane cheild on his hors's hip," and that there was to be a thistle at the beginning of the legend on each piece, except the halfpenny, which was uninscribed. On the 16th of November, a proclamation'^ was made, narrating the inconveniencg which had arisen from the proclamation of the 8th of April 1603, and authorising the new coinage of gold and silver to be current throughout Great Britain. The former six pound and three pound gold pieces, and the merk and other silver coins of that series, were minted up to the close of this year, though they are of rare occurrence, and were probably issued in small quantity. The new coinage began at the Scottish mint in 1605, the warrant being dated at 1605. Whitehall on the 13tli February.^ Registers of the amounts for that month are preserved, and have been noticed by Lindsay.^ The proclamation authorising the new money was made at Edinburgh, according to Birrell,^*^ on the 4th of March 1605. The Privy Council record at this period is unfortunately lost, but some notes regarding the assays of this coinage and other memoranda have been preserved, and are given in the Appendix. It was not till 1609 that the shield of arms on the reverse was altered, so that the i609. arms of Scotland occupied two quarters instead of one, and warrant was given in December of that year to the graver of the irons to sink new dies with this reverse, though in every other respect the coins, both of gold and silver, were to remain as they had been before and the officers of the Mint were ordered to make all future coinages according to the new impression. The series of gold and silver coins minted between 1605 and 1610 were exactly the same both in England and Scotland, except the mint marks and the difference in workmanship, the Scottish dies being engraved by Foullis. On the 16th of January Sir John Arnot appeared before the Lords of Privy Council,^^ leio. 1 Plate xi. fig. 1. 8 Plate xi. fig. 6. lo Dal. Frag., p. 63. 2 Plate xi. fig. 2. 7 Ruding, vol. i. p. 362. " Vol. i. p. 215, ex. 3 Plate xi. fig. 3. ^ Vol. i. p. 216, cxii. 12 pj^te xi. figs. 7 to 14. * Plate xi. fig. 4. » "View of the Coinage of Scotland," Vol. i. p. 215, csi. ^ Plate xi. fig. 5. Supp. page 60. clxvi EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 40. Annals and acknowledged the receipt of a piece of standard gold and three pieces of coined gold of the reign of James VI. from the Mint in London to be used for comparison with the gold coins in Scotland. 1610. ° This was followed in June by an Act of Privy Council ^ regarding a complaint which had been made to them by J ohn Achesoun, General of the Mint^ Thomas Achesoun, master coiner, and the other officers, setting forth that the late Sir Archibald Napier of Edinbillie was made General of the Mint in 1576 by a gift under the privy seal, and that he died on the 15th of May 1608. During that time considerable coinages in all the metals had taken place, the warrants for which were in his custody at the time of his decease. The Acts are particularly specified, and many of them have since been lost. Besides the Acts it is stated that he at sundry times borrowed from the Cunyie house letters of exemptions and grants of privileges made by his majesty and his predecessors, and certain weights and balances, which properly belonged to the officers of the Mint. AH these his representatives refused to deliver up. They were accordingly summoned before the Privy Council, and having appeared, they delivered up thirty-seven Acts, warrants, and letters, relating to the Cunyie house, and promised to hand over the other articles to the treasurer. An interesting inventory of the original writs of the Mint (taken probably at a later period, as it refers to Briot) is given in the Appendix. 1611. Thomas Achesoun died about this time, and on the 23d May 1611 George FoulKs was appointed maister coiner in his place.^ As there was no alteration in the coinage, the Lords of Council directed him to enter on his duties conform to the contract made with Achesoun till a new contract could be drawn up. All the gold coins were raised about one-tenth in value by a proclamation made on the 26th November,' and all former Acts against exporting coin were renewed. This raising of the value of the gold coins took place also in England a day or two earlier." A note of the remedies for the gold coins was sent from England to the Scottish mint. 1612. The Privy Council^ on the 16th of January directed that the price per ounce for gold of 22 carat fine, paid at the Mint,'' was to be at the rate of 32/l| per denier ; and that a table of prices for gold of every other standard was to be prepared and fixed in some public part of the cunyie house. The silver was to remain as it was settled by the Act of 15th November 1604. Foreign money was only to be received as bullion, and the officers of the 1 Vol. i. p. 216, cxii. ^ Vol. i. p. 231, cxv., cxvi. ^ Vol. i. p. 219, cxiii. A curious note on tlie transport of gold will be ^ Vol. i. p. 220, cxiv. found ; see vol. i. p. 286, CLXVin. * Ending, a'oI. i. p. 367; vol. i. p. 285, CLXVii. INTRODUCTION. clxvii mint were to regulate their accounts by the prices now fixed, though in other respects they § ^o. Annals ° of the reign ol were to adhere to the terms of the former contract with Thomas Achesoun. "^^"'^^oYI' The rates of seignorage were altered on March 5.^ For the future the coinage of each stone weight (Scots) of silver was to be £25, 6s. 8d. (Scots), and for each ounce of gold 19s. 8d, (Scots). The seignorage before this date had been £10, 6s. 8d. (Scots) on each stone, and 13s. (Scots) on each ounce of gold, and for these rates only FouUis and his heirs were to be held accountable. An Act of the Scottish Parliament^ in October confirmed and ratified all the privileges, exemptions, and liberties formerly granted by the king on the 15th of November ' 1604, and at present enjoyed by the officers of the Mint. On the 22d December, an Act of Privy Council ^ prohibited any one from passing foreign coin as currency, and ordered it to be brought to the Mint, where it would be paid for at the rates already set forth. On the 17th of March, commissioners was appointed* to open the Pix with the assays 1613. from 1605 to the date of the commission, and after having made the necessary trials, the usual exonerations were granted.^ On the 20th of May, the master coiner was authorised to print all the clippings which had been found in the unlawful possession of Walter Geddes of St Andrews," and on the same day an Act was passed forbidding the currency of any copper coins within the realm, except what passed by special warrant and authority from the king, with the advice and consent of the Estates and Council, and also interdicting the importation of any foreign copper coins into the country. In this year farthing tokens were made current in England on the 19th of May,^ and on the 27th a proposal to coin 10,000 stone weight of copper into tokens for circulation in Scotland was laid before the Privy Council.^ The proposer, whose name is not mentioned, offered £42 for the license and privilege. This overture having been carefully and " at grite lenthe " considered, the Lords " all in ane voice ffindis that the coyneing of suche ane quantitie of coppre vpoun the conditionis and offer specifiet in the said Lettres will infer far greitar hurte preiudice and Inconvenient to the commounweele nor ony proffeitt or commoditie that may thau'vpoun result " . . . . 1 Vol. i. p. 224, cxvii. - Act Pari. Scot. vol. iv. p. 488, c. 24. ^ Vol. i. p. 225, cxviii. * Vol. i. p. 226, cxix., cxx. 6 Vol. i. p. 229, cxxiv. 8 Vol. i. p. 228, cxxi. ^ Vol. i. p. 228, cxxii. * Ruding, vol. i. p. 369. 9 Vol. i. p. 229, cxxiii. clxviii KECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND, s 40. Annals The Lords then recommended that 200 stone weight of copper should be coined in two of the reign Archibald Lord Napier produced before the Privy Council a letter from the king, directing the Council to confer with the bearer regarding the abuses of the coin, upon which it was agreed to summon aU the counsellors, 1 Vol. ii. p. 71, cxii. 6 Vol. ii. p. 11, xix. 2 Vol. ii. p. 1, I.; p. 9, XVI. 7 Vol. ii. p. 11, XX. 3 Vol. ii. p. 2, II. 8 Yol. ii. p. 12, xxi. * Vol. ii. p. 2, III. 9 Vol. ii. p. 12, xxii. 5 Vol. ii. p. 3, IV.; p. 11, xviii. The form for Vol. ii. p. 12, xxiii.; p. 74, cxiv., cxv. summoning the commissioners will be found, vol. ii. p. 73, cxiii. INTEODUCTIOK clxxi and also tlie members of the former commission, to meet on the IGth, and to confer and § 41. Annals of the reign of reason on the subject. Charles i. • ' • • 1627 The meeting was accordingly held on the day appointed, and it was agreed ^ not to raise the course of the money, nor to restrain the course of foreign dollars till a more fitting opportunity. John Achesoun, general of his majesty's coin house, gave in, on the 20th of December, to the Lords of the Privy Council, an information ^ regarding the state of the money within the realm. In this he showed that the best money was exported by the merchants, and the worst imported, viz., a kind of dollar called the dog dollar, only ix deniers fine, which, though not worth more than 40s., yet passed for 48s. The Lords ordered this matter to be considered on the 10th of January, on which day a committee was appointed to give in a report. This was followed by a proclamation forbidding the importation of any more of these dollars, and reducing the value of those in the country to 46s. each.^ Another proclamation* was made on the 23d of December 1628 prohibiting the 1628. dollars of Ferdinand IL to have course in the country. Several meetings of the officers of the Mint and the commissioners appointed to look into the matter of the coinage took place ^ about this period, and eventually it was agreed that the Eex and Lion Dollars should be current, and that some other sorts should be assayed at the Mint, and their fineness ascertained before any determination was come to. On the 15th of April 1629 it was ordered" that five hundred stone weight of pure i629. copper should be issued in two-penny and penny pieces,^ of the same weight and type as the coinage of August 1623, save only the name CAROLVS instead of lACOBVS, and it was further ordered that the export of copper should be restrained in the meantime ; and that some repairs in the machinery and buildings of the Mint should be made.^ On February the 8th a letter ^ from the king to the Council was read, directing their leso. attention to the course of foreign coin, and requiring them to take measures for remedying this abuse. The consideration of this letter was delayed to the 23d inst.,^" when certain commissioners were appointed to confer with the Master of the Mint and some of the leading merchants, regarding the evils complained of. ^ Vol. ii. p. 13, XXIV. 6 Vol. ii. p. 18, xxxiv. 2 Vol. ii. p. 14, XXV. 7 PL xii. figs. 13, 14. ^ Vol. ii. p. 14, XXVI., XXVII. * Vol. ii. p. 19, xxxv., xxxvi , xxxvii. * Vol. ii. p. 15, xxviii. » Vol. ii. p. 21, xxxviii. * Vol. ii. pp. 16, ,17, xxix., xxx., xxxi., xxxii., Vol. ii. p. 21, xxxxi. XXXIII. clxxii EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 41. Annals John Acliesoim, General of the Mint, appeared in person before the Lords of Council of the reign of . i t i • Charles I. on the 18th of November, and gave m an overture^ regarding the coinage. He maintained tliat all the abuses complained about, arose from foreign coins being current by the piece and not by weight and fineness only, as they used to be in the time of J ames VI. He proposed to remedy this by reducing all the foreign coins then current in Scotland below the fineness of the Eex dollar to small money of base alloy, while the Kex dollar, and other pieces of similar fineness, were to be melted down and re-issued in native currency. A copy of this proposal was given to Mr Alex. Guthrie, town clerk of Edinburgh, that he might lay it before the burghs, and report their opinion and judgment in the following March. 1631 Accordingly, on the 3d of March,^ David Aikenhead, late Provost of Edinburgh, with other commissioners from the burghs, appeared before the Privy Council, and expressed their disapproval of the overture presented by the General of the Mint. They apprehended great inconvenience if the course of the foreign doUars was discharged before any new national coinage had been issued. They thought the importation of these dollars should for the future be prohibited, and recommended that the merchants ought to be allowed to pay the bullion due by them direct to the Mint, and not to the farmers of the customs, and not before it was reaUy due. The matter was further delayed till the meeting of the Convention of Burghs ; and in the meantime Aikenhead and Guthrie were requested to put their opinions and reasons in writing. This they accordingly did ; and on the 8th March,^ they again appeared before the Council, and gave in the recommendations of the Convention, which agreed in substance with those of the commissioners. The Privy Council, on the 28th of July,* issued a proclamation giving these proposals the force of law, and interdicting the currency of all foreign coins, except a few specially permitted to be current. A new coinage of farthing tokens was authorised by the Privy Council on the 26th of August.^ These are described in the minute. They were to weigh eight grains (Scots) each, and to be current for three pennies (Scots). On the obverse were to be two C s, interlaced thus— ill, crowned, with the legend, CAR . D . G . MAG . BRIT . FRAN 1 Vol. ii. p. 21, XL. 2 Vol. ii. p. 23, XLi. 3 Vol. ii. p. 23, XLI. ^ Vol. ii. p. 24, XLiiL ^ Vol. ii. p. 26, XLiv., xLV.; p. 116, CXXXVIII. INTIIODUCTION. clxxiii ET . HIB . R ; and on the reverse a thistle, with NEMO ME IMPVNE LACESSET.i § 41. Annal of the reign The Council ordered fifteen hundred stone weight of pure copper to be issued in Charles i. these tokens, and ordered all the copper money called turners to be called in. It is specially mentioned that Briot was to be engaged in the Mint on these tokens, i63i. and it is recorded that the General and Master of the Mint protested against any stranger being employed in working the farthings. A commission was also appointed to make all the arrangements for issuing this coinage before the time appointed in the warrant, viz., the ]st of January 1633. On the 10th of November, a proclamation ^ was made prohibiting the course of base farthing tokens, and their importation into the country. By an Act of the 10th January of 1632, the type of the faxthing tokens was changed, 1632. and a new one ordered in place of that authorised just before.^ The coins were now authorised to be of two sorts, current respectively for 2d. and Id., the latter still to weigh eight grains. The obverse of the 2d. was to bear an imperial crown, with C E at the sides of it, and I- I- beneath it ; and the penny the same, except only one I-. The legends and reverse were the same as at first sanctioned. The proportion minted between the two sorts of coins was to be fixed from time to time by the Treasurer or his depute. This coinage was to be ready before 1st January 1635. Considerable confusion exists as to these coinages. From a memorandum in the Hopetoun Papers,* it appears that the farthing tokens ^ were the next copper coinage after the " turners with the three thistles." ^ In June, Nicholas Briot made an overture to the king regarding the abuse of the foreign money in Scotland,'^ and proposed that it should be called in, melted, and re-issued from the Scottish Mint in small money, of which there was then great need. Eex dollars he proposed to buy in at 4s. 8d. sterling, and other silver coins proportionately, to the rate of 5s. 4d. sterling per ounce of xi d fine. After a certain period, the dollars were to be reduced to their proper value of 4s. 5d. The small money he proposed to issue in 4d., 2d. and Id. pieces of x d fine, rather than of xi d fine, in order to pay the expense of refining the foreign money to that standard, ' A pattern of this coinage is now in the British * Vol. ii. p. 76, cxvn. Museum, from Sir J, Twisden's collection. See PI. " PI. xii. fi-j,. 16. xii. fig. 15. 6 PI. xii. fig. 13. 2 Vol. ii. p. 29, XLVi. 7 Vol. ii. p. 80, cxix. ^ Vol. ii. p. 30, XLVii.; p. 75, cxvi. clxxiv EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 41. Annals of To this proposition is appended the king's letter to the Privy Council, of date 6th of the reign of fniaries I. June, directing them to consider Briot's overture, and also any which might be made by 1632. John Acheson. Briot apparently determined soon after this to go to Scotland, for in October another letter from the king was directed to the Privy Council, stating that he had sent Briot to Edinburgh, and directing them again to consider his proposition and any other overtures submitted to them, and authorising them to take whatever course they might judge most expedient. On the 20th November, the commissioners from the boroughs, and the ofl&cers of the Mint, appeared before the Council, and were ordered to give in their opinions in writing by the 29th, but this proving too short notice, it was further adjourned to the 10th of J anuary.^ On the Cth December, Nicholas Briot — described in the minute as the Chief Graver of the English Mint — appeared in person before the Privy Council at Edinburgh,^ and gave in writing, explanations necessary to understand the propositions made by him for reform- ing the abuse of foreign coin already noticed, with many arguments in support of his views, which, having been heard and considered by the Lords of Privy Council, they ordered copies to be given to the town of Edinburgh and the ofi&cers of the Cunyie house, to be considered by them, and answers lodged by the 10th of January next, along with the answers to the other propositions already alluded to. In the meantime it was evident that this interference of the chief engraver of the English Mint, in the matters more properly belonging to the Scottish one, was not favour- ably received by the officers of the Cunyie house. On the 11th December, the Privy Council^ was made aware that the General and officers of the Mint had seized some quantity of the copper coin, as being not according to the Act of Council, and that Briot wanted to have this delivered to him. The Lords of CouncH recommended the General of the Mint to use the said Briot with all courtesy, and favour him as far as he could. 1833. The Privy Council met on the 10th of January, and appointed the 15th of that month for the answers and overtures to be given in. Accordingly, on that day* a commissioner for the town of Edinburgh, the General of the Cunyie-house, and George Foullis, master coiner, appeared personally before the Privy Council, and each gave in answers and overtures anent the proposition made by Nicholas 1 Vol. ii. p. 32, XLix. L. 2 Vol. ii. p. 32, m. 3 Vol. ii. p. 34, Lii. * Vol. ii. p. 35, Liii. I>^TRODUCTIOK clxxv Briot. The consideration of these was adjourned/ and in the interim a warrant was granted^ § 4i- Annals oi the reign of to the deputy treasurer and the king's advocate to pursue importers of foreign dollars and ^^'^'^'l^^ggg exporters of native coin. On the 29th, accordingly, the Council met,^ and having first heard Briot's proposition, they then heard the answers to it, and the overtures by the various parties above mentioned. The borough's answer was brought up by Mr John Sinclair.* It began with a repeti- tion of Briot's propositions, and after a very unnecessary sneer at him as " ane strainger,' it proceeded to show that the remedy proposed would be worse than the disease. Briot's arguments were discussed in detail, and it was averred that his proposal about the rex dollars would be a greater burden on the people than any tax that had ever been granted. The boroughs objected to the proposed coinage of small money of x d fine — first, on account of the excessive gain to the proposer, and consequent loss to the people ; and also because it would be a different standard from that of England. They pointed out that the consent of Parliament ought to be got before any coinage below the legal standard could be issued. The document is very lengthy, and not a little of it is taken up with unnecessary personal abuse of the proposer. An information for the boroughs is also preserved.^ Acheson's answer ^ is shorter, and he brings prominently forward the fact that Briot had not succeeded with the copper coinage, not less than 30 stone weight having already failed to fulfil the conditions of his contract. Foullis answers ^ very clearly, and briefly points out the results which would follow the adoption of Briot's overture. The Master Coiner proposed that the amount of bullion brought in by merchants under the present law should be temporarily trebled ; next that the price paid per ounce should be raised from 55/ to 58/ ; that exporters of goods and stock to England should bring back a certain proportion of the price in native currency or foreign money of equal fineness,for which they should have payment at the Mint in dollars at £3 the ounce ; and that a somewhat similar course should be taken with foreign purchasers of coal and salt. These regulations were to continue in force for two years, and then, with the consent of England, he proposed to call up the money to £3, 6s. 8d. Scots the ounce of xi d fine. In an additional overture * of same date he adduces further reasons in support of his propositions, and other objections to Briot's. To this overture of the M'lster Coiner's,^ Mr John Sinclair, on behalf of the boroughs, produced a very lengthy reply, in which many objections are urged against these proposals. ' Vol. ii. p. 35, Liv. 2 Vol. ii. p. 35, Lv. ^ Vol. ii. p. 35, LVi. * Vol. ii. p. 84, cxxii. 5 Vol. ii. p. 99, cxxvi. Vol. ii. p. 82, cxx. 7 Vol. ii. p. 88, cxxiii., cxxiv. ^ Vol. ii. p. 92, cxxiv. 'J Vol. ii. p. 93, cxxv. clxxvi EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 5 41. Annals of the reign of Oliarles I. 1633. Acheson's overture^ has been also preserved. He proposed to bring in 500 stone weight of the dollar called the dog dollar at the present price, and to re-issue them in alloyed money of vi d fine, in half merk, forty, and twenty penny pieces. These were not to have course in England, and any profit arising from them was to be employed in defray- ing the expense of coining the rex dollars into standard pieces. All money for coal and salt exported beyond sea was to be paid for in gold. These various documents having been read, the Lords resolved ^ to continue the con- sideration of them to a future meeting, and directed the boroughs to depute a representative from Edinburgh to appear in their behalf, and confer with the Privy Council when required. Warrant was granted by the Lords on the 21st of February ^ to examine certain persons charged about the copper coins ; and on the 25th of May they received a missive * from the king, requiring them to consider certain overtures made to him, and enclosed for their opinion, to be given to him at his coming, which matter was left by the Council for the consideration of Parliament. On the last day of May, the Privy ^ Council ordered the copper coin sequestrated to be delivered to Briot. In June, the Estates convened at Edinburgh,^ and the commissioners of the shires presented an article touching the scarcity of gold and silver coin, and the course of dollars and foreign base money in the country. It was remitted to the Privy Council to take such steps in the matter as they deemed advisable, and it was ordered that what they resolved on should have the force of law. In the same Parliament, the king sitting in person, protested that, though he had for sundry reasons consulted the Privy Council in matters of money, it was not to prejudice his royal prerogative of managing such matters without the consent of the Estates — an assumption lieretofore unknown in Scotland. Commission was also given in this Parliament to the Privy Council to regulate the rate of interest due on loans to be advanced on exchange on London.'^ The Privy Council,^ on the 1st day of February, required Mr William Gray and Alexander Guthrie to meet and confer with the commissioners of boroughs anent the coin, and to report their opinions on the following Thursday ; and they ordered the officers of the Cunyie-house to be present then. ' Vol. ii. p. 83, cxxi. 2 Vol. ii. p. 35, Lvi. 3 Vol. ii. p. 36. LVii. * Vol. ii. p. 36, LViiT. 6 Vol. ii. Y>. 36, Lix. « Vol. ii. p. 3, V. ^ Vol. ii. p. 4, VI. « Vol. ii. p. 37, Lx. INTEODUCTIOK clxxvii No minute of this meeting appears in the Eecords of the Privy Council, but amongst § 4i. Amiaifi of the reign of the miscellaneous MSS. relating to the coinage preserved in the Eegister House there is an ciiaries i. overture ^ by the burghs, which seems to have been produced to the Privy Council on the 6th of February by Mr Alexander Guthrie. It was proposed to lower the currency of the dollars gradually ; every six months they were to be reduced 12 d till they reached the value at which they were then current in England. All foreign gold and silver money was to be converted into his majesty's coin at the same rate as it was then in England, viz., £3, 7s. Id. per ounce English, free of charge, for gold of 22 carat, and 5s. per ounce for silver of xi d fine. They desired, further, that, till the scarcity of small money should be alleviated, all the bulKon should be issued in 16 d, 20 d, 2 s, 32 d, 3 s, 40 d, 4 s, 5 and one plack pieces, and half merk pieces, in order that the mode of reckoning might be a little different from the English, and so " make some impediment in the transporting thereof." Warrant was granted, on the 13th of March, by the Privy Council,^ to coin 1500 stone weight of copper, in addition to that ordered in January 1632, but of the same type, weight, and value. A letter from the king to the Lords ^ was read on the 4th December, ordering them to take measures to punish the importers of English farthing tokens discharged by an Act of Council in that country, and also to prevent the importation of false and counterfeit farthings and turners. On the same day, there was minuted in the Eecords of the Council * an Act of Exchequer, bearing date 6th November 1634, in favour of the Earl of Stirling, granting him for nine years, or longer if necessary, the profits of the copper coinage in Scotland in payment of some monies due to him. Six thousand stone of copper was to be issued immediately after the fifteen hundred stones already authorised. It appears from another record ^ that the Earl of Stirling was at all the expense of Briot coming to Scotland to strike this coinage. The Earl of Haddington having caused some persons, charged with uttering false coin, to be imprisoned, the Privy Council approved ^ and directed all magistrates to look out for false coiners. An Englishman, named Henry Eubank, having been apprehended with a quantity 1635. 1 Vol. ii. p. 101, cxxvii. 3 Vol. ii. p. 38, lxii. 6 Vol. ii. p. 103, cxxix. 2 Vol. ii. p. 37, Lxi. * Vol. ii. p. 39, LXiii.; p. 103,cxxvni. « Vol. ii. p. 40, lxiv. z clxxviii EECOPtDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 41. Annals of Counterfeit turners and farthings in his possession, they were ordered by the awHes'^L " Lords of Privy Council ^ to be taken to the Cunyie-house, and there defaced or melted 1635. 1 down. A proclamation was made on the 17th of February, ^ prohibiting the course of false farthings and turners, and the importation of all such, and of foreign copper coins, under severe penalties ; and declaring that forgers and counterfeiters of coin should be punished with death. In spite of all this, however, the importation of false and foreign money was actively carried on, and on March 17th, the Privy Council^ granted a commission to certain persons to take steps for finding out the guilty persons, with full power to apprehend them and bring them before the Council. On the 1 st of April a similar commission * was granted to the Bishop of Moray, and to such others as he should nominate and appoint, to search for and seize all persons making false dollars. A letter from the king to the Council ^ regarding the coin was read at their meeting on the 2d July, in which he announced that he had ordered Briot to repair to Scotland, and directed the Council to call him before them, along with any others interested, and hear and report their propositions and answers. The Council met again on the 9th July,'' and adjourned the consideration of the money to their next meeting. On the 9th, they met again, and had before them one Leonard Leslie, accused of having in his possession false dollars. Proclamation was made on the 7th Augxist^ anent the coin, setting forth that all merchants were to pay the bullion due by them to the Mint in coin brought from beyond seas, the produce of their exports, that it might be made into his majesty's own coin, and that merchants and drovers were not to exchange the king's money for foreign. Coalmasters and owners of salt-works were to receive payment only in native currency, or ryalls and quart d'ecus. On the same day, Nicholas Briot was appointed Master of the Mint,^ in the room of Geo. Foullis, recently deceased. He was ordered to make pieces of gold and silver conform to the contract between the late king and Thomas Achesoun, until a new contract could be arranged. 1 Vol. ii. p. 41, Lxv. 2 Vol. ii. p. 41, Lxvi. ^ Vol. ii. p. 42, Lxvii. * Vol. ii. p. 43, Lxviii. 6 Vol. ii. p. 44, LXix. ^ Vol. ii. 1). 44, Lxx. ^ Vol. ii. p. 44, Lxxi. ^ Vol. ii. p. 45, Lxxii. INTRODUCTION. clxxix Briot was accordingly sworn in to perform the duties of his office, and all the officials § 41- Annals of the reign of were commanded to obey his orders. . Charles i. 1635. Geo. Fonllis, son of the late master, was ordered to hand over all the things belonging to the Mint, in the charge of the late master, upon inventory. The inventory is dated 11th August, and bears that, in the presence of John Achesoun, General of the Mint, and the other officials and workmen, sundry articles were handed over, including weights, balances, shears, casting implements, ladles, hammers, and a long list of other implements and necessaries. Shortly after this,^ in December, the Lords determined to take action in the matter of the dollars in February next. On the 11th of February, the Lords of Privy Council absolutely prohibited ^ the 1636. course of any foreign dollars, of whatever print, weight, or fineness they might be, above 56 s Scots the piece, and the halves in proportion. Certain commissioners were appointed in June^ to confer with Briot anent the conditions of the contract to be made with him, and as to the management of the Mint. Accordingly, on the 11th of that month, the commissioners convened, and, having carefully inquired into the office of master coiner, not only at the officials of the Mint, but also at several of the chief merchants, found that the master coiner should, in the first place, find sufficient caution for the faithful discharge of his office, and that he should reside within the country. To both of these conditions Briot (being present) objected, on the ground that he was already the king's officer in the Mint in London, and that, if he resided permanently in Scotland, he would lose the £300 per annum he had in England. The officials of the Scottish Mint, on the other hand, objected, to his being appointed both master coiner and also graver of the irons, as being neither convenient nor according to precedent ; and they further pointed out that Briot intended to introduce a new species of coining mill, which might make some difference not authorised either by the Estates of Scotland or the Parliament of England. Accordingly, the commissioners reported to the Council that they would petition the king not to introduce any novelties into the Mint of Scotland. On the 23d of June, the Council were obliged to authorise the Lord High Treasurer to arrange temporarily with Briot, until such time as the king should make known his ^ Vol. ii. p. 48, Lxxiii. 2 Vol. ii. p. 48, Lxxiv. 3 Vol. ii. 13. 49, Lxxv.; -p. 108, cxxxi. •* Vol. ii. p. 50, Lxxvii. clxxx EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 41. Anuais pleasure about the appointment of master coiner, for coining some small money on the best of the reign of Charles I. conditioHS he could make ; but it was specially provided that this should in no way 1636 strengthen his pretension to any office in the Mint. Tlie result of these negotiations is minuted in the Record of 21st July.^ The whole bullion at present owing in the merchants' hands was to be brought to the Mint and struck (according to the manner of striking used before) into half merk, xl d, and xx d ^ pieces of xi d fine, of which the type is minutely described. One-fourth of all the bullion was to be issued in half merk pieces, and the remainder equally divided among the other sorts. This coinage was to be issued as quickly as possible ; and it was expressly provided that, as Charles Dickeson, the graver of the Mint, had " not beene in use to graue his majesties face, and that the said Nicolas Briot being cheife grauer to his majestic in the Mynt of England is best experienced with such livelie impressions," therefore he was ordered to " grave " the " effigies " for the above three coins, and give them to Dickeson to sink ; and a warrant ^ was granted to Dickeson to sink the irons accordingly. This coinage has never hitherto been properly appropriated. In July, commissioners were appointed by the Privy Council * to make a trial of the assay box, and to report to the Lords thereanent. Shortly afterwards, a proclamation was made,^ informing all and sundry of the new coinage, and providing that no dollars should have course for more than 54 s Scots the piece. And on the same day an Act*' was made regarding foreign copper coinage, interdicting every one from importing it into the country. Briot was evidently still desirous of trying his new machinery in the Mint, for on the 14th September ^ it is expressly minuted that the new coinage was to be made in the old way, with the hammer, at least until his majesty should make his pleasure known about the matter. In November, further discussion on the subject of the coinage took place in the Privy Council,^ a,nd it ended by Briot's being called in before the Council, and asked if he would convert two parts of the dollars at present in the kingdom into 12 § and 6 s Scots ^ pieces, paying back to the bringers 54 s Scots for each dollar — which he undertook to do if he was allowed to coin them in his mill, and if the king would dispense with any profit from the coinage. 1 Vol. ii. p. 51, Lxxviir. 2 PI. xii. figs. 17, 18, 19. 3 Vol. ii. p. 52 LXXix. * Vol. ii. p. 53, Lxxx. * Vol. ii, p. 53, Lxxxi. * Vol. ii. p. 54, Lxxxii. Vol. ii. p. 54, Lxxxiii. 8 Vol. ii. p. 55, Lxxxiv., lxxxv. 9 PI. xiii. figs. 1, 2, 3. INTKODUCTION. clxxxi Certain prisoners were to be examined about the false dollars, and, if necessary, they § ^i- ^""^^'^ were to be tortured to confess their accomplices.^ In January of this year, Briot succeeded ^ at last in getting a trial for his new machinery, on the terms indicated above, but it is not certain whether he received a direct permission to use the mill and screw for the small coins. At any rate, it was to be tried for the two larger pieces (the 12 s and 6 s Scots), and Dickeson was empowered to sink dies similar to what were used in the time of the late Thos. Achesoun, and Briot was directed to assist him when necessary. On the 14th of February, the Council^ considered a proposition made by the Lord Alexander about coining some copper money in the Mint, and some other matters ; and on the 1st of April, they formally permitted Briot to use his mill * till the 15th day of June. ■ Eighteen hundred stone weight of copper were ordered to be coined by an Act ol' Council, on the 6 th of June,^ the profit of which was to go to the Earl of Stirling. It will be seen later that this grant caused great popular dissatisfaction. On the same day, warrant ® was granted to commit an individual to prison charged with having clippings ol' the coins illegally in his possession, and to search the premises of a burgess of Glasgow charged with the same offence. Several other parties about this period are recorded as charged or found guilty of various offences against the coinage. Considerable attention seems to have been given at this time to the coinage, and reports for the information of the Privy Council were furnished by Achesoun.^ Commission under the Great Seal was given to certain members of the Privy Council to consider the state of the Mint,^ and the Town Council of Edinburgh Avere requested to choose some "understanding persons" from among themselves, or from the burghs, to attend the meeting of the commissioners. The officers of the Mint and some others were also ordered to attend. In the meantime, proclamation was made that no change would take place in the rate of currency of the dollars.^" The same day, the Town Clerk of Edinburgh and certain members of the Council appeared before the Privy Council," and stated their opinion that the crying up of annual of the reign of Cliarles I. 1637. 1 Vol. ii. p. 55, Lxxxvi. s Yo\. ii. p. 57, xc. » Vol. ii. p. 109, cxxxii., cxxxiii. 2 Vol. if. p. 55, Lxxxvir. " Vol. ii. p. 58, xci. '<> Vol. ii. p. 60, xciv. Vol. ii. p. 57, Lxxxviir. i Vol. ii. p. 59, xcii. n Vol. ii. p. 61, xcv. * Vol. ii. p. 57, Lxxxviii. ^ Vol. ii. ix 59, xciii. clxxxii EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 41. Annals reuts and tlie encouragement of trade by easing tlie customs would greatly increase the chark's I. stock of money in tlie country. On the 2d of August, Briot presented a missive ^ from the king, requiring the Council to set the Mint to work at once upon the gold and silver coins, and to settle the copper coinage as was formerly directed. The Privy Council ordered this letter to be given up to the burghs, and their opinion on it to be given in the next day. On the 3d, therefore, the conference took place,^ and in the minute it is recorded that the Lords, in obedience to his Majesty's commands, had made choice of Nicolas Briot, a native of the duchy of Lorraine, to be Master of the Mint, and had joined with him in that office his son-in-law, John Falconer, and had conferred on them all the powers, privileges, immunities, and casualties enjoyed by the holders of the said office. This was followed in October by a warrant ^ to continue the iise of the mill (of which the former licence had expired) till November, an-d to coin with it xxx s pieces (Scots), xii s pieces, half merks, xl d, and xx d pieces.^ On the 19th of the same month, a warrant^ was granted for coining the gold from Guinea (Ijrought home by certain adventurers) in the pieces, and of the weights, values, and fineness as expressed in the contract of 15th April 1625, and preceding contracts passed between the king and the late master coiners. This was, however, to some extent altered on the 14th of December," when it was minuted that the legend on the one side of the greater pieces should be HIS PR^SVM VT PROSIM, and on the lesser j)ieces, VNITA TVEMVR.'' On the same day, Briot received a general licence, without any restriction of time, to use his machinery for the coinage.^ The copper coinage was ordered to cease in t\e meantime, and the warrants for it were to be produced.^ 1639, In June,^° the crown (60 s Scots) and sixpence (6 § Scots) were ordered to be coined, and the price of gold was fixed at £30, 6s. 8d. the ounce, English silver plate at £2, 17s. 9d. the ounce, and Scottish plate at £2, 15s. 6d. the ounce. By an Act of Parliament on the 16th of September, the importation of copper money was prohibited, on the pain of death ; and on the 25th of the same month, an Act was of the reign of ' Vol. ii. p. CI, XCVI. - Vol. ii. p. 61, xcvii.; p. 64. cm. Vol. ii. p. 62, xcviii. PI. xiii. figs. 9, 10, 12, 13, 1-1. Vol. ii. p. 63, xc'ix. « Vol. ii. p. 63, CI. " PI. xiii. fig.s. 1, 4, 5, 6, 7. * Vol. ii. p. 64, cii. '•> Vol. ii. p. 63, c. Vol. ii. p. 112,i.'xx.\iv.,cxxxv. " Vol. ii. p. 4, VII. lOTEODUCTIOK clxxxiii passed discliargiug the Master of the jNIint and others from taking the bullion before hand; § 41. Aimnu ol' the reign of and it was proposed in the same Parliament to coin no more copper money, and to alter Charles i. 1839. the value of the turners. In the following month/ the barons wished to reduce this coin to one halfpenny, but this did not pass. On the 2d of November, a special proclamation ^ was made against false "turners," and the currency of those lately printed was reduced to one penny (Scots). The evils arising from the great quantity of these small copper coins, struck probably under the Earl of Stirling's licence, were loudly complained against, and it is related by Spalding that trade was almost at a standstill. On the 7th of November;^ the Privy Council, at the earnest recommendation of the Town Council of Edinburgh, rescinded their proclamation of the 2d curt, as to the reduction of the turners to a penny Scots, and permitted them to be current for the same value as formerly. The Privy Council sent a long reply to some queries addressed to them from i64i, England regarding the course and value of the gold currency.* It was represented to the Parliament convened at Edinb-urgh^ in August 1641, that immediate steps should be taken about the copper money, but nothing is recorded. An Act" about the payment of the bullion due by the mierchants was passed on the 10th of September; and on the 30th, Sir James Hope was appointed General of the Mint. On the 24th February, a new copper coinage was authorised by Act of Privy Council.' 1642. Fifteen hundred stone weight of pure copper was ordered to be issued in two penny pieces, of which ten and two-parts of a piece were ordered to be in the ounce weight, and fourscore and five and one-third were tO' be in the merk weight. On one side, this two penny piece ^ was to bear an imperial crown, with C R at the sides, and the legend CAR . D . G . SCOT . ANG . FRA . ET . HIB . R ; and on the other, a thistle, with NEMO ME IMPVNE LACAS&ET (sic). These coins were to be issued before the 1st of January next, and no one was obliged to take more than sixpence of them in a pound. The old copper coinage was discharged, and the Master of the Mint authorised to pay 13s. 4d. per pound for it, if presented at the Cunyie-house. Dollars, ryalls, and cardecues (quart d'ecu) were prohibited being current^ below 1 Vol. ii. p. 4, vin. «• Vol. ii. p. 113, cxxxri. Vol. ii. p. 67, cvi. '■^ Vol. ii. p. 66, CIV. = Vol. ii. p. 5, ix. « PI. xiii. fig. 17. 3 Vol. ii. p. 66, cv. 1 Rudiiig, vol. i. ji. 393. '■' Vol. ii. p. 68, cvii. clxxxiv EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 41. Aimais certain weights, and the value was fixed at 54 s (Scots) for tlie piece of fifteen drop, 53 s of the reign of Charles I, 4 ^ for fourteen drop, and 9 s for the cardecues. 1642. A warrant for a new coinage was issued on the 28th of March 1642.^ It prohibited, in the first place, any further coinage of the half merk, forty, or twenty penny pieces, and ordered in their stead two new coins, one to be current for 3 s (Scots), and the other for 2 s.'^ The latter piece was to bear the king's portrait on the obverse, with "II" on the right side thereof, and the usual legend ; and on the reverse, the lion within a double tressure, crowned with the legend IV8T . THRONVM . FIRMAT. The three shilling piece was to have the king's head on the obverse, with the head of a thistle behind it, with the usual legend ; and on the reverse, his majesty's arms, with the legend, SALVS REIP. SVPREMA LEX. These coins were to be of the same standard as the former issue. Dickeson was to grave the irons, but there is nothing said about Briot giving him any assistance. This very important record corrects an error which will be found in every work on Scottish numismatics, and shows that the piece with the thistle behind the head is part of a distinct coinage, and not a new variety of the half merk, as has been always hitherto assumed. On the 15th of April ^ the Lords of Privy Council ordered that no foreign coin should be current except rex dollars of 15 drop weight for 54/, and others particularly specified. 1644. Some dissatisfaction existed in reference to the fees payable to the officials in the Mint for the copper coinage, and various papers bearing on the matter are pre- served.* Sir James Hope presented an overture to Parliament anent the money, in which he proposed a new coinage of xx d pieces.^ This was not favourably received, and shortly afterwards " he made another attempt to impress on parliament the necessity for some change in the currency. This met with no better reception, and a final attempt'' was equally unsuccessful. In November of this year a further coinage of copper was ordered, which was extended in May 1646 to the following November.^ In August 1645, Parliament*' raised the value of the coin, and fixed the rex dollar at 58/. 1 Vol. ii. p. 68, cviii. 2 PI. xiii. figs 15, 16. 3 Vol. ii. p. 69, cix. * Vol. ii. p. 116, cxxxix.,cxL. ^ Vol. ii. p. 119. cxLii. " Vol. ii. p. 122, cxLUi. Vol. ii. p. 127, cxLiv.; p, 128, cxlv. 8 Vol. ii. p. 70, ex. 9 Vol. ii. p. 6, XI. INTRODUCTION. clxxxv § 42. On the 5tli of February 1649 the Estates of Parliament^ ordered all the irons of § 42. Annals of the reign of the Cunyie-house to be delivered to John, Earl of Loudoun, in order that they might take diaries ii. order for altering or changing them if they saw fit; and on the 12th June a committee was appointed ^ to consider the rates of money, and to take measures for getting a supply of bullion. The result of their deliberations is not stated. In the following year, a letter^ was sent by the Estates to the conservator to get the king's portrait, in order to make matrices for striking the coin. In July, Sir John Falconer was authorised ^ to mint three score stone of copper and no more. There are no details of this coinage given, nor any description of the dies, so it is impossible to say whether it differed from the former issue or not. In December a paper was presented to the Estates ^ about a warrant given to the Master of the Mint to coin gold and silver, which was remitted to the various bodies, but the particulars and the result are not specified. A committee was named on the 21st March 1651 to consider the rates of the money ,^ 1651. and to take steps to prevent the exportation of the coin, and to report their opinions to Parliament ; and on the following day another committee^ was named to consider the paper given in about the coinage. Parliament considered the question on the 31st March at Perth, and raised the shilling to 13/4, and the Double Angel to £15 Scots, and all other pieces to corresponding prices. On the same day certain commissioners were appointed ^ to examine the Mint at Dundee, and to apply a sum not exceeding 2000 merks in repairing it. A committee of the English Parliament met the deputies from Scotland on November 1652, 16, 1652,1° confer regarding the money. The deputies complained of the great scarcity of money in the country, nothing being current but ryalls and cross dollars, and those for the most part counterfeit, and urged the committee to bring the matter before Parlia- ment. A further conference took place on the 25th November,^^ and on the 21st December the deputies proposed to Parliament to set the Mint going again, and to call in the ryalls and re-issue them, and to apply £10,000 (besides the repairs) for this purpose. It was proposed to issue £5000 worth of bodies for Scotland, and the committee i658. recommended this to be done, but the Council i- thought nothing was required. » Vol. ii. p. 133, I. 6 Vol. ii. p. 133, iv. » Vol. ii. p. 134, viii. 2 Vol. ii. p. 133, II. « Vol. ii. p. 134, v. i« Vol. ii. p. 135, ix. 3 Vol. ii. p. 174, Lxv. 7 Vol. ii. p. 134, vi. " Vol. ii. p. 135, x. * Vol. ii. p. 133, III. * Vol. ii. p. 134, vii. ^'^ Vol. ii. p. 135, xii. 2 a clxxxvi EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 42. Aunais of On tlie 4tli of December of tliis year, Charles Maitlancl of Halton was appointed the reign of Chalks 11. General of the Mint. 1660. 16G1. On New Year's day 1661, Parliament solemnly ratified and confirmed the liberties, privileges, and immunities of the officers of the Mint,^ which had been granted to them from the time of David XL, and often confirmed by his successors, and especially by James V. in the thirtieth year of his reign, and by James VI. in 1584, and at other times. This Act recites fully all the privileges and liberties claimed and enjoyed by the officials of the Mint, and refers particularly to the grants formerly made. The Provost of Edinburgh, Sir Piobert Murray of Cameron, protested, in name of the municipality, against any encroachment on the rights of the burgh of Edinburgh by this ratification, and his protest is entered in the records of Parliament. On the same day a warrant was given ^ to Charles Maitland, General of the Mint, to search for and seize any tools or articles belonging to the Mint, and carry them there for his majesty's use. On the 12th of June, three thousand stone weight of copper were ordered to be coined into turners.^ The General of the Mint and the master (Sir J. Falconer) were to furnish the copper equally between them, and it was specially ordered to be good, pure copper, without any mixture of brass, and of the same intrinsic value as the last. Each turner was to weigh one drop and a half, with an allowance of four grains more or less for remedy. Two thousand stone weight was to be coined within the space of three years, and the remainder when the Lords of Privy Council should think fit. To them was also referred the impression and legend.^ As soon as the Mint was in readiness to issue this new coinage, the Privy Council was to prohibit the importation and currency of all foreign copper coin ; but any copper which was reqiiired for the coinage was to be imported free of duty. A stock of 20,000 merks Scots was also provided for the Mint/ and it was ordered that any silver or gold found in Scotland was to be taken to the Cunyie-house, and paid for at the rate of one ounce of coined gold of 22 carat for the ounce of bulHon of 24 carat, and similarly the silver ounce of 12 denier fine to be paid by an ounce of minted silver coin of xi d fine. A coinage of four-merk pieces,^ with half,^ quarter,^ eighth,^ and sixteenth was also authorised, and it was remitted to the Privy Council to fix the type and legends. 1 Vol. ii. p. 135, xiir. ^ Vol. ii. p. 138, XIV. 3 Vol. ii. p. 138, XV. * Plate xiv. fig. 1. s Vol. ii. p. 139, XVI. 6 Plate xiv. fig. 2. ^ Plate xiv. fig. 3. 8 Plate xiv. fig. 4. " Plate xiv. fig. 5. INTEODUCTION. clxxxvii The Privy Council on the 2d of October considered a report^ given in to them by the § 42. Annals of the reign of Lord President of Session and the Provost of Edinburgh, re^ardinpr the petition presented Charles ii. 1661. by the General of the Mint, in which they recommended that letters be granted at the instance of the General or Master of the Mint against any one contravening the Acts about bullion ; and they advised that Sir John Falconer should be sent for to come home with the stamps, and that the receivers were to pay the three hundred pounds ordered by Parliament, immediately. On the same day a letter to the secretary ^ was read and approved of, proposing to raise the value of the gold coins in proportion to the late rise in England, and also requesting that the new dies might be delivered as soon as possible to Sir John Falconer, that he might return to Scotland and get the coinage commenced without delay. A proclamation^ was issued against turners made of mixed metal and one-third less in weight than they ought to be. These were represented as having different legends. About the thistle there was DEVS PROTECTOR NOSTER, and about the crown and capital letters C.R. NOMEN DOMINI SIT BENEDICT.* These were altogether prohibited, and the importers of them were to be punished. The Lords of the Privy Council approved, on the 14th of November, of a letter to the king,^ asking that in future his royal commands concerning the coinage should be sent direct from himself to the Privy Council, and not through the Lord Secretary. This request was apparently complied with, for on the 2Gth of November a proclamation^ was made raising the gold coinage to the same rate as it was current in England, or about one shilling and four pence on the xx/ piece. The Lords of the Privy Council, on the 24th of ^pril, caused a proclamation to be i662. made forbidding the importation of any foreign copper coin, but seeing that the Mint was not yet in readiness, they permitted temporarily the currency of French " doits " at one penny Scots each. On the 10th of July, the bond of caution for Briot and Sir John Falconer was again produced ^ by the Lord Eegister, and registered in the Books of the Council. On the same day a report was given in by certain commissioners ^ about the difference which had arisen between the General and the Master of the Mint, chiefly regarding tlie expenditure of the £300 already mentioned, and the lodgings in the Mint. Sir Jolni 1 Vol. ii. p. 142, XXI. « Vol. ii. p. 143, XXII. ' Vol. ii. p. 143, XXIII. « Plate xiii. fig. 18. ^ Vol. ii. p. 144, XXIV. ° Vol. ii. p. 145, XXV. " Vol. ii. p. 146, XXVI. * Vol. ii. p. 147, XXVII. " Vol. ii. p. 148, xxvm.; p. 176, lxvii. clxxxviii EECOEDS OP THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. Inhe rei'"if of "'^^^^"^^^^ '"'^^ ^^"^^ whatever rooms lie required for himself and his family, aud any uot ^^^'^16*62' I'equired by him were to be given up for the General's use. Lord Tarbett was added to the commissioners of Privy Council ^ formerly named, and they were appointed to meet on the 9th August and report regarding the Mint and the copper money. The King, on the 14th of November, commanded Thomas Simon to make puncheons ^ with his majesty's effigies thereon, and the royal arms, for the Mint in Scotland. These were to be for one gold coin of 20 merks, for silver coins of 4 merks, 2 merks, 1 merk, ^ merk, and xl d pieces. These dies, with the exception of the one for the gold coinage, were delivered to the General of the Mint on the January following. In the British Museum Library ^ there is the account for these stamps. The xl d stamp is included, but not the four merk piece. The whole charge made by Simon for these was only £100. 1663. This was followed in June by a minute of the Council* appointing certain lords to meet and consider the propositions given in by the General of the Mint regarding the coinage, and to make inquiry for certain articles belonging to the Mint, which were at one time in the possession of the late Sir James Hope of Hopetoun. On the 2d of July, an Act ^ was passed anent the Mint ordering the delivery to the graver of the puncheons for the 4 merk piece, 2 merk piece, merk, half-merk, and xl d. piece, in order that dies and matrices might be prepared forthwith. Another Act,'' on the 20th October, gave the types, &c., of this coinage. It ordered the issue only of two-merk, merk, and half-merk pieces, and the type was to be the same as on the puncheons produced by the General, and since graven by the graver of the Mint, The weights aud purity, with the remedies, were also fully specified. It will be observed that this only authorised the coinage of three out of the five species of coins noticed in the Act of Parliament. Joachim Harder was the sinker of the irons. On the 1st of December, the Council wrote to the Lord Secretary,'^ stating that the standard pieces furnished by King James to the Scottish Mint had been lost during the time of the late troubles, and requesting others to be sent, as they were necessary for the 1 Vol. ii. p. 148, XXIX. •* Vol. ii. p. 148, xxx. " Vol. ii. p. 149, xxxii. 2 Ruding, vol. ii. p. 10. * Vol. ii. p. 149, xxxi. ' Vol. ii. p. 150, xxxm. 3 Add. MSS. 18.762, f. 10. INTRODUCTIOK clxxxix coinage which was about to go on in the Scottish Mint. Three separate standards were § ^2. Aimais of the reign of required — one for Exchequer, one for the General, and one for the master worker. *"'^'^^i664 On the 9th of February, the Lords Justice-Clerk and Register were recommended to speak to Sir John Falconer and his son anent the Mint matters, and report to the next Council day. Accordingly, on the 16th of February, the Masters of the Mint were required to find sufficient caution ^ for the faithful performance of their duties, and on the 23d of the same month their bond of caution ^ was entered on the minutes. The standard pieces requested by the Privy Council ^ were sent down by the English Exchequer, and delivered over to the officials of the Scottish Mint on the 24th of March;* and on the same day an Act ^ was passed authorising the issue of 4 merk pieces,*^ in addi- tion to the coins sanctioned the previous year. The type, legends, purity, and weight were all specified. The General of the Mint presented to the Lords of Council, on the 2d of June, a letter ^ from the king regarding the coinage of copper formerly ordered, and extending the three years allowed for coining the first two thousand stone till ten months after June 1664, seeing the coinage had not begun till the end of July 1663 ; and further ordered the last thousand stone to be coined within fourteen months after the end of the first coinage. A commission was appointed on the 28th of November 1667 to report concerning the 1667. leg dollars and the laws made against the exportation of money. To this committee the General of the ]\Iint was added in December, and on the 19th of that month their report** was laid before the Privy Council. The committee found that the foreign dollars were current at too high a rate, and recommended that they should be reduced in value, or that the coin of the realm be raised in the proportion of a merk for each shilling sterling. A careful report as to the fineness, weight, and value of those coins, prepared by the officials of the Mint, is appended. On the 16th of July 1668, a royal waiTant was produced to the Privy Council by the 1668. General of the Mint prolonging the copper coinage till August ; but he having intimated that it was now finished, the dies were produced and broken.^ A proclamation was made in January 1670 reducing the value of the leg dollars to 1670. 56/ Scots.i" ' Vol. ii. p. 151, XXX. IV. 5 Vol. ii. p. 153, xxxviii. * Vol. ii. p. 15.5, XLI. xlii. xliii. 2 Vol. ii. p. 151, XXXV. « Plate xiv., fig. 2. ^ Vol. ii. p. 157, xliv. ^ Vol. ii. p. 151, XXXVI. 7 Vol. ii. j). 154, xxxix. '♦'Vol. ii. p. 158, xliv. ^ Vol. ii. p. 153, XXXVII. cxc EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. ? 42. Annals In August of the saiuB year Parliament ratified the gift^ of General of the Mint to of tlie reign of Charles J I. Charles Maitland of Haltoun and his eldest son, and the longest liver of them, with all 1670. ^ the privileges and advantages thereto belonging. The various immunities and liberties enjoyed by the members of the Mint were also confirmed by an Act of the same Parliament. 2 1671. The importation of foreign copper coin, such as French doits, was prohibited by a proclamation, dated the 20th day of July 1671.^ 1673. On the 2d of December 1673, the Eaii of Dulnfries gave in an overture touching the coin,* to be considered by the Lords of Articles. He proposed that a certain number of persons of every estate should be appointed to look into the whole matter of the coinage, and report to Parliament.^ 1674. lu January 1674, a commission was given to certain lords to try the assays from 1664 to 1673 ; and their report was rendered on the 27tli of January.^ At a meeting of Privy Council on the 30th of March,'^ a letter was re^d from the king requiring them to grant full exoneration to the officials of the Mint for the coinages from 1664 to 1673, of which an assay had lately been taken. The report of the commissioners is given at full length,^ and their procedure approved of by the Council. 1675. On the 11th of February 1675, a letter from the king was recorded in the minutes of Privy Council,^ ordering a change in the reverse side of the coins of silver; and an Act of Privy Council of 25th February,^*' after minutely rehearsing the type, weight, and value of the former coinage, authorised the issue of the new one, with the changes ordered by the royal warrant. All the particulars regarding these new pieces are minutely given in the Act." 1676. A committee was appointed in November to report on the affairs of the coinage,i^ and their report was given in on the last day of February 1677. They recommended that the finer of the foreign coins, such as the French crown and Spanish and Dutch ducatoons, 1677. should be current, as well as some foreign gold coins. On the same day, the General and other officers of the Mint were authorised to coin 3000 stone weight of copper in six penny and two penny pieces.^^ 1 Vol. ii. p. 140, XYiii. 6 Vol. ii. p. 160, XLViii. Vol. ii. p. 166, LVii. 2 Vol. ii. p. 141, XIX. 7 Vol. ii. p. 163, Lii. " Plate xiv. figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. 3 Vol. ii. p. 159, XLVi. f Vol. ii. p. 163, LIII. Vol. ii. p. 168, Lviii. ■* Vol. ii. p. 142, XX. 3 Vol. ii. p. 165, lv. lvi. Vol. ii. p. 168, Lix. lx. * Vol. ii. p. 159, XLVii. INTEODUCTIOK cxci The copper for these coinages was partly obtained from Sweden ; and the contracts § 42. Annals of the reign of between the Master of the Mint and various parties for importing it are preserved.^ Charles ii. A proclamation on the 4th of March, quoted by Ending/ raised the current value of 1680. the coins. The ounce of silver was raised to £3, 4s. Scots, and the 4 merk piece to 56/ Scots, and the Mint price of bullion of xi d fine to 58/ Scots per ounce. At this period the Mint seems to have fallen into a very deplorable state. From 1682. statements made in a note preserved amongst the Gordonston Papers,^ it would appear that the standard of the coins had been depreciated ; that more coj)per had been minted than was warranted ; that the officers of the Mint had appropriated to themselves money to which they had no right ; that the salaries of officers had been drawn though the office had not been filled up for years. It is not surprising that these charges resulted in the appointment of a commission to investigate the whole subject. The report of this commission has been preserved at Gordonston.* It sets forth at great length the charges, and finds that they were substantially proved. On the last day of August 1682, a letter from the king was read, in which, referring to the report of this commission,^ he informed the Council that he had seen fit to remove the Lord Hatton, Sir John Falconer, Alexander Maitland, and Archibald Falconer, not only from their places in the Mint, but from all places of public trust, and the Lord Advocate was instructed to prosecute them before the competent judges. All coinages were ordered in the meantime to cease. Sir Patrick Hume was appointed,^ on the 23d of November, to assist the Lord Advocate in the prosecution of the officials above named before the Session. The Commissioners of the Mint, having met on the 18th of May 1683, reported^ to 1683. the king that there should be no further mintage till the next meeting of Parliament, but in the meantime the bullion was to be collected as formerly, either in specie, or commuted at the rate of 12/ per ounce. The commissioners also recommended a free coinage,* a common standard with England, and that an assay master should be appointed to test the fineness of the bullion paid in specie. Pieces of eight, or Spanish, Seville, and Mexico dollars were ordered to be current at 56/ Scots. 1 Vol. ii. p. 178, Lxviii.; p. 180, LSix.; p. 181, ^ Vol. ii. p. 171, LXi. Lxx. " Vol. ii. p. 172, Lxii. 2 Rudiug, vol. ii. p. 18. Vol. ii. p. 172, lxiii. 3 Vol. ii. p. 182, Lxxi. « Vol. ii. p. 172, lxiii.; p. 200, lxxvi., lxxvii., * Vol. ii. p. 186, Lxxiii.; p. 197, lxxiv.; p 199, lxxviii., lxxix., lxxx., lxxxi., lxxxiii. LXXV. cxcii EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. S 4^5. Auiials ol the reigii oC James VJ (. 1685. 1686. Proclamation ^ to this effect was made on the fourth of July. § 43. On the 20th of May 1685, a proclamation was made at Edinburgh, forbidding the importation of foreign copper coins,^ and declaring that none should pass except those bearing the royal stamp. In the following year, an Act of the Scottish Parliament was passed which throws 3 considerable light on the affairs of the Scottish Mint at this period.^ After offering to the king 12/ Scots for each ounce of bullion, imposed by the late Act of the lirst session of the second Parliament of King Charles the Second, for supporting the charge and expense of a free coinage, and for paying the salaries of the officers of the Mint, this Act declared that in future any one bringing to the Mint bullion of the standard fineness should receive for it .the same weight in current coin, without any charge for melting, assaying, or coining. A clerk or book keeper was to be appointed, who was to enter in a " fair parchment book " a register or record of the several quantities of bullion given in by the merchants, and in another of the amount of coin minted from time to time. The species of current coin were declared to be sixty, forty,* twenty, ten,^ and five shilling pieces, and these weights were minutely specified in the Act. Provision was made for the due and proper trial of the pix, and it was expressly noted that the edges of the 60/ and 40/ pieces were to be lettered, and the edges of the others to be grained. The particular impressions and inscriptions were to be decided by the Privy Council', who were also empowered to order a coinage of gold. If a copper coinage was required, it was to be issued in six penny and two penny pieces. The salaries of the Mint officers were fixed as follows, viz : — General of the Mint, Master of the Mint, Warden, Assay Master, Counter Warden, . Sinker, Clerk, Clerk of the Bullion, Master Smith, £3600 Scots. 2400 „ 1200 „ 1200 „ 720 „ 600 „ 480 „ 333 6 8 „ 360 „ ' Vol. ii. p. 172, LXiv. ' Ruding, vol. ii. p. 22. 3 Vol. ii. p. 208, I. * Plate XV. fig. 1. * Plate XV. fig. 2. INTRODUCTION. cxciii Besides these salaries and the allowances fixed by the Act, £1106, 13s. 4d. were to §43. Annals of tlie reign of be paid to the General and Master for maintaining the fabric of the Mint. James vii. ^ 1687. In February of this year a general ratification of privileges of the officials of the Mint was granted. § 44. In November 1689, Henry, Lord Cardross, was appointed General of the Mint § Annais of the reign of in Scotland,^ with all the honours and privileges thereto pertaining, and an allowance of ^^iJ.'j'.'^'" "'"^^ £300 sterling per annum, and free lodgings for himself and his family in the buildings of the Mint. It is to be noticed that this appointment was during the royal pleasure only, not as formerly " ad vitam aut culpam." Some difficulty seems to have been experienced about removing tlie former officials of the Mint.2 On the 21st of January, Sir Wm. Shairpe of Scots Craig, late Master of the Mint, and leoo. the other officials, were ordered, at the instance of Wm. Denholme of West Sheills, the present Master, to remove from the lodgings in the Mint occupied by them, and to deliver up whatever articles or writs belonging to their office which they might have. The Lords Yester, Cardross, and Eevilrig, and the Laird of Ormistoune, were appointed to see this done. To these were added ^ on the 6th of February, the Lairds of Blackbarony and Brodie. Mr Wm. Spence was appointed warden on the 11th February, though the gift in his favour was not recorded till the 18th of April, nor the oaths administered to him till the 21st of June.* The Mint Committee was still further increased^ by the addition of the Earls of Argyle, Lothian, and Leven, Lord Yester, the Master of Burleigh, the Lord Justice Clerk, the Duke of Hamilton, the Earl of Crawfurd, the Lord Secretary of State, the Lord Advocate, and the Provost of Edinburgh, and a trial of the Fix was ordered to be taken." On the 11th of April, the Lords of the Privy Council received a warrant from the I^ng and Queen, authorising them to give orders to the officers of the Mint to coin the 60/, 40/, 20/, 10/, and 5/ pieces.^ They also, on the same day, ordered the provisions of the Act of Parliament of 1686, anent the money raised for the free coinage, to be put in force, the salaries of the officers to be paid, and one hundred pounds sterling to be advanced to the Master of the Mint.^ » Vol. ii. p. 217, IV., v., VI. Vol. ii. p. 221, x. Vol. ii. p. 219, VII. " Vol. ii. p. 221, xi., xii. 3 Vol. ii. p. 219, VIII. 7 Plate xv. figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. ' Vol. ii. p. 220, IX.; p. 224, xvii. ^ Vol. ii. p. 222, xiii., xiv., xv., xvi. 2 h cxciv EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. S Annals In August, the Mint officers were required to subscribe the certificate and assurance of of the reign of William and jj^g l^^e Act.^ Mary. 1690. 26th of September, a new Pix was ordered to be provided for the Mint. On the same day, a proclamation ^ was ordered to be made, declaring the Mint to be opened from and after the 16th of October, and the royal warrant for the new coinage was recorded. At this time a good deal of feeling was excited by the late appointments to the Mint and bills of suspension ^ were brought in by several of those who had received their appointments formerly " ad vitam aut culfam" to try the point of the legality of their deprivation of office. In all cases, however, it appears that their pleas were rejected, and the new appointments sustained. Permission was also given about this time to Lord Cardross to name a clerk to the Mint, and the silver standard piece was ordered to be delivered to him.* A copper coinage was authorised by Act of Parliament.^ It was not to exceed 3000 stones of metal, and to be spread over six years. Two pieces, one of two pence and another of one penny, were to be issued. The rate had been fixed by the Act of 1686 at 20/ Scots in the pound, but this was raised for the time to an amount not to exceed 30/. Another Act ° of Parliament raised the rate on the stone weight of silver from £18 Scots to £20 Scots. 1691. On the 27th of January, the opinion of the Privy Council^ was asked regarding the necessity for keeping pieces of money for the Pix which had been already found of true fineness, but the Lords thought it right that in every case two pieces should be kept in the Pix, one for the fineness and one for the weight,^ though in the next month they reconsidered their decision, and found one piece enough for weight. Authority was given on the 29th of January to the Master of the Mint to give out some money which had been found finer than the legal standard. In August, the new copper coinage was authorised.^ The " bawbee " was to bear the king and queen's heads on the obverse, and the monogram of their initials was to be on the obverse of the two penny (Scots) piece.^° On the reverses of both, a leaved thistle, with the king and queen's titles, abbreviated as usual. 1 Vol. ii. p. 225, XIX.; p. 226, xx. ^ Vol. ii. p. 216, I. ® Vol. ii. p. 235, xxxi. 2 Vol. ii. p. 226, xxi., xxii. " Vol. ii. p. 216, ii. " Vol. ii. p. 236, xxxm. ^ Vol. ii. p. 228, xxiii., xxiv., xxvi. " Vol. ii. p. 234, xxix. Plate xv. figs. 8, 9. * Vol. ii. p. 231, XXV.; p. 233, xxvii. INTRODUCTION. cxcv Dr Christie, counterwarden, died this year in November, and the Master of the Mint § Annals of the reign of applied to the Privy Council ^ for permission to nominate Mr Patrick Mowbray to that ^^^j."^!^™ ^"'^ office, until a new appointment was made. « 2 The dies and puncheons of the silver coins were delivered to Lord Cardross in August. In June, a new committee of the Privy Council ^ was nominated to see to the affairs of the Mint, who were to meet in July and December. On the death of the Lord Cardross, Lord John Hamilton was appointed General of 1694. the Mint, and, by an order of the Privy Council in December, was empowered to receive from the widow of the late G-eneral the keys of the Pix and other property belonging to the Mint then in her custody. On Christmas day, the Dean of Guild was ordered ^ to make weights for the 60/, 20/, and 5/ pieces, conform to the English standard.^ § 45. On the 2d of January, the Privy Council^ ordered the dies of the coins with the § 45. Annals of the reign of portrait of the late queen to be disused ; but on the following day the Master of the Mint was ^^"'j^ggg permitted to coin a certain amount of copper in blank until the new stamps were ready. Certain trials of the Pix were made in March,^ and the Council determined to ask Parliament to alter the provisions of the Act of 1686 so far as they required a trial of every journal before a committee of Council ; and this was accordingly done in the follow- ing session. The base money coined in Ireland was forbidden to have ^ course in Scotland, and a proclamation to that effect was made at this time. A change in the rate of money was now contemplated, and a letter written from the Council to the king requesting his authority to do this. This was granted in April f and after consulting the Convention of Burghs in July, a general rise of about ten per cent, was proclaimed in the coinage, and foreign money then current. The clipped money of England was only to be taken by weight. New dies for the copper coinage were prepared, which differed from the old ones in having the king's head and style only on the obverse ; and on the reverse of the Turners or two penny piece, the crown and sceptre instead of the monogram.^^ The new dies for the 40/ and 10/ pieces of silver were authorised by the Privy Council to be used from and 1 Vol. ii. p. 237, XXXIV. « Vol. ii. p. 244, ^ Vol. ii. p. 237, XXXV. 7 Vol. ii. p. 345, Vol. ii. p. 238, XXXVI. « Vol. ii. p. 245, * Vol. ii. p. 238, XXXVII., xxxviii. ^ Vol. ii. p. 246, ^ Vol. i. p. 239, XXXIX. XVIII., XIX. 1" Vol. ii. 247, xxv., xxvi,, xxvii., XX., XXI. p. 250, XXXIII. XXII. " Vol. ii. p. 249, xxx. XXIII. , xxiv. 12 Plate xvi., figs. 1, 2. cxcvi RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 45. Annals after Julv of this year. A difficulty arose about the figures under tlie bust signifying the of the reign of o ./ o ^'"'i695^ value ; but the Lords decided^ that the figure 40 should still be kept on the coins though the value was raised to 44/. In November, another proclamation ^ was made forbidding the melting down or exportation of the money. On the 10th of December, three score stoneweight of silver were ordered^ to be issued in 40/ pieces, and one hundred and twenty stone in 20/, 10/, and 5/ pieces. The Act raising the 5/ pieces to 5/6 was ordered to be printed.* 1696. Clipped money was allowed to be received by the collectors of shires for the pole money under certain restrictions ; and on the same day,^ the old merk piece and unclipt English broad money were ordered to pass current. The Committee of the Privy Council ^ appointed to consider the affairs of the Mint, made their report in May, and the Council approved of the alterations proposed. The tacks- men were to give in their " abbreviates " quarterly ; and as the amount of bullion presented at the Mint to be coined was so much greater than what was expected, it was ordered that the amounts returned to the offerers should be in sums of money according to the order of time, but commencing again with the first after eight days. A tenth part of every journal was to be in small money, and these were to be weighed in quantities, and not singly as hereto- fore. " Cobbs " were to be bullion, and £200 were to be paid for the new dies to Mr Clerk. In May, a new committee was appointed, and the operations at the Mint stopped until this committee should make their report. Great inconvenience having arisen from the English crowns and halfcrowns passing current in Scotland at a higher value than they were in England, they were recalled to tlieir former rate by a proclamation, on the 21st of May.^ This was followed, on the 2d day of June, by another proclamation," calling down the Scottish pieces of 60/, 40/, 20/, 10/, and 5/ to the values they were current for in 168tj. On the 9th of June, the stop^*' put upon bullion being received at the Mint, was taken off, and it was to be taken in as formerly. In September, an Act of exoneration was passed, including all the operations at the Mint from September 1694 to August 1696. - Vol. ii. 251, XXXV. 2 Vol. ii. p. 252, XXXVI. ■• Vol. ii. p. 253, XXX vii. * Vol. ii. p. 254, xxxviu. •'' Vol. ii. p. 254, XXXIX., xi.. « Vol. ii. 255, XL. ^ Vol. ii. p. 256, XLii. * Vol. ii. p. 256, XLiii. '■> Vol. ii. p. 259, XLiv. 10 Vol. ii. p. 259, xlv. 1' Vol. ii. p. 559, XLVi. IJ^TEODUCTION. cxcvii This important record contains a full minute of all the proceedings of the committees § 45. Aunals of the reign of during this period, with a note of all the coinages, trials of the Fix, &c. wiiiiam ii. ° ^ ° 1696. The committees had gone most minutely over all the journals, and reported all which were exactly conform to the various Acts. The mistakes were very few and trivial, and the Privy Council granted full exoneration to all the officials in the Mint. In October, an Act of Parliament ^ was passed regarding the copper coinage. It had been provided that no copper should be coined without an express warrant from the king ; and it was now enacted, that if the quantity allowed by former Acts were exceeded, it should be considered, and punished as false coinage. The old merk and half merk pieces of James VI. 's reign were ordered by the Privy CounciP to be brought into the Mint as bulHon, and received at the rate of £3, 4/ Scots per ounce, and this was further sanctioned by an Act^ of Parliament in the same year. Another Act of Parliament was passed in this year against false coiners. Some difficulty in working the Act of 1686, in regard to the supply of bullion, occurred at this period ; and in November, the Privy Council considered a petition * from the Master of the Mint on the subject, and remitted the same to the Commissioners of the Treasury to amend. The old merks and halves of the late reign, and the clipped English money, were allowed to be taken at the Mint as bullion ; but no money was to be taken for the re-coinage of these except as formerly directed. In November,^ the Duke of Queensberry delivered to the Lord Cliancellor the key of the Pix, which belonged to the Treasury. On the 28th of December, the Privy Council made a curious order,^ regarding two soldiers of the Earl of Tullibardine'a Eegiment, who had been suspected of false coining, but against whom no evidence could be found. They were ordered to be handed over to the officers from Flanders to be transported there, never to return to Scotland ; and the officers were to give to the captains in Lord Tullibardine's regiment two recruits in place of them. A proposal to call up the money at this time was negatived.^ On the last day of this year a proclamation was made enforcing the late Act of Parlia- 1 Vol. ii. p. 241, VIII. 2 Vol. ii. p. 267, XLVii. 2 Vol. ii. p. 243, xiii., xiv. ■* Vol. ii. p. 267, XLvm. Vol. ii. p. 268, XLix. " Vol. ii. p. 268, L, " Vol. ii. p. 268, LI. cxcviii RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 45. .'Vnuais ment about the old 14/ pieces and their halves,^ and declaring the weight to be judged by of the reign of William II. the stone weight of Lanark. Similarly "Cobbs" and the old xl d pieces were to be received at the same rate when below the legal weight. 1697. In January 1697 it was decided by the Privy Council ^ that the broad English money should be current only by weight, at the rate of £3, 4/ Scots the ounce, and that the milled money should be raised to £3, 5/ Scots for the crown piece, and the others in proportion, and proclamation made accordingly.^ The importation of foreign copper or brass money was forbidden by a proclamation made in May under the pain of £10; but, in December, another proclamation legalised the currency of the French three-sous piece at three shillings Scots, and the French crown at 58/ Scots, and raised the xl d piece to 3/6 Scots.* 1698. In August 1698, an overture for an Act anent the copper coin was remitted to the Committee of Parliament for security. Eobert Millar,^ merchant in Edinburgh, was appointed iaterim clerk to the Mint in December of this year, in room of WiUiam Bonar, lately deceased. The petition, asking his appointment, was presented by " John, Earl of Euglen, General of the Mint," and Sir William Denham of Westsheils, the Master. 1699. John, Earl of Lauderdale, was appointed to be General of the Mint in the year ^ 1 699, with all the honours, privileges, and liberties enjoyed by his predecessors. William Spence, the principal warden, died this year, and in September ^ Alexander Ogilvy of Forglen was appointed to succeed him. At the close of the year a committee of the Privy Council was appointed to consider the exchange rules, and if necessary to recommend any alteration. A committee was appointed in December to consider the rule for the exchange of money.^ 1700 In July of this year the Company of Scotland,^ trading to Africa and the Indies, presented a petition to the Privy Council, praying that money might be coined out of the gold dust and other bullion imported by them, with a suitable mark upon it to distinguish it from the other coin. The Privy Council granted the request so far, and ordered a new gold coinage of £12 and £6 (Scots) pieces.^° The Company were to have 10 per cent. 1 Vol. ii. p. 269, Lii. ^ Vol. ii. p. 271, XV. « Vol. ii. p. 275, Lxm. - Vol. ii. p. 269, LII., Liii., Liv., * Vol. ii. p. 243, xv. ^ Vol. ii. p. 275, lxiv. LV., LVi. 6 Vol. ii. p. 273. lxi. Plate xvi. figs. 3, 4. 3 Vol. ii. p. 271, Lvii., Lviii. ' Vol. ii. p. 273, lxii. INTEODUCTION. cxcix profit on the gold coined. The coins were to be 22 carat fine, each £12 piece to weigh § Anuais of the reign of 129f grains, having on the obverse the king's head and titles, with the crest of the Wiliiian ii. Company beneatk It may be noticed that in the minute it is said the legend is to be GVLIELMVS SECVNDVS, while in the coins it is only GVLIELMVS. The reverse to have the arms in a shield between W and E crowned. A petition^ having been presented to the Privy Council by Gilbert Stewart in regard 3701. to some gold dust in his possession, the Privy Council, in January 1701, ordained the officers of the Mint to obey the former Act, and to provide matrices, puncheons, &c., and recom- mended the Treasury to allow the expense. In June,- the committee anent the Mint was recommended to meet immediately, take trials of the money, and consider any overtures or proposals which should be made to them. A -difficulty arose in connection with the coinage of gold for the African Company ; and in July the Master of the Mint presented a petition asking for the expense of refining the gold dust, which the Council decreed the merchants should pay. A committee was appointed, in September, to confer with the Town Council and the goldsmiths of Edinburgh * anent the standard of fineness of the gold which was to be coined, and eventually. the matter having been remitted to the General of the Mint and the Lord Advocate, they made a new standard out of three guineas of the late reigns, with which the new coinage was to be tried. The regulations made in 1696 regarding the old 14/ Scots pieces and others, were enforced anew by a proclamation in November of this year.^ No report of the committee lately appointed to meet is given, but they were 1702. requested to meet again at the Mint for the same purposes. In February, some new members were added to the former committee. Several apprehensions were made at this time of false coiners, and £50 sterling was ordered to be paid to the chamberlain of the Duchess of Buccleuch for his pains in the matter. The silver found on the persons of the coiners was to be melted down and assayed in the Mint to test it.^ § 46. King William died on the 8th of March 1702, and the first recorded Act of § ^<5. AmmU of the reiaii of Privy Council in Anne's reign was a warrant,^ on the 21st of May, to again publish and ^""^"^ 1 Vol. ii. p. 277, Lxv. s Vol. ii. p. 280, Lxxi. 2 Vol. ii. p. 278, Lxvr. Vol. ii. p. 281, i.xxii., lxxiii., lxxiv. ; p. 282, * Vol. ii. p. 278, Lxvii. lxxv., lxxvi., lxxvii., lxxviii. * Vol. ii. p. 279, LXViii., lxix., lxx. ^ Vol. ii. p. 285, viii. 702. cc EECOKDS or THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. § 46. Annals print the proclamation of 4th May 1697, against the importation of foreign copper or brass In July, it was officially notified ^ that the standards of gold, which had been amissing, had been found again, and they were consigned to the custody of Sir Thomas Moncrieff. 1703. The Earl of Lauderdale's commission from the queen, as General of the Mint, was ordered by the Privy Council to pass the Great Seal, " per saltum," without passing any other register.^ The draft of an Act aneut the copper coin was read in Parliament.^ A committee was appointed,* on the 3d of February 1704, to inquire into the export of money, and the import of foreign copper or brass, and to report any determination they might come to. Another committee was named on the 2d of May, and again on the 9th, specially for the same purpose, and a proclamation made, strictly forbidding the exportation of the current coin.^ More false coiners were discovered, and in November of this year a committee ^ was named to consider a report made by the magistrates of Dumfries on the subject. In December, the Privy Council appointed a committee to inquire specially about the growth of Popery and false coin, and added some new members to the old committee about the export of the coin.^ James Clerk was also ordered to prepare dies for a new coinage of silver about to be issued.^ 1705. In January, the formal warrant ^ to James Clerk for dies for a new 10/ and 5/ Scots piece was granted, and in March ^'^ the Mint was ordered to be opened, and the trials taken of the gold in the Pix, to see if it was conform to the standard made by the Earl of Lauderdale.^^ In July an attempt was made in Parliament to raise the coin, but it was not carried. 1706. The negotiations for the Union were actively carried on in this year, and it was finally agreed that the coin should be of the same standard and value throughout the United 1707. Kingdom. Arrangements were made for changing the Scottish coinage into English, and a proclamation was made in February, requiring all to keep the just value of the coinage in of tlie reign of Anne. money. 1702. 1 Vol. ii. p. 286, IX. 2 Vol. ii. p. 286, XI. 3 Vol. ii. p. 283, L. * Vol. ii. p. 286, XI. 8 Vol. ii. p. 289, XX. 9 Vol. ii. p. 289, XXI. w PI. xvi. figs. 5, 6. 8 Vol. ii. p. 288, XVI., xvii. ^ Vol. ii. p. 289, XVIII., xix. " Vol. ii. p. 289, XXII. 12 Vol. ii. p. 283, II. 13 Vol. ii. p. 283, III, IV, " Vol. ii. p. 284, v. Vol. ii. p. 287, XIII., xiv., xv. Vol. ii. p. 290, XXIV. INTKODUCTION. CCl payments. All the English silver money was called in in April ; ^ and in August,- all § is. Aunais foreign and Scottish money was called in, and re-issued as the coinage of tlie United Aime. The threatened invasion in 1708 caused another proclamation,^ in which the currency i708. of the Scottish coins was temporarily permitted. In April, however, they were finally called in, and re-minted at the Mint in Edinburgh. In the meantime, preparations had been made to carry out the re-coinage exactly after the methods of the English Mint. For this purpose, David Gregory received a warrant * from the queen to go to Edinburgh and remain there for three months for the purpose of instructing the officers of the Scottish Mint. At the same time, a clerk was sent to frame the accounts similar to the English Mint. Three moneyers, from the Tower of London, accompanied these officers, and remained in Scotland till the re-coinage was finished. A warrant^ to the Master of the Mint in Scotland ordered the silver coins minted there to have the letter E beneath the bust. 1 Vol. ii. p. 271, XXV. ■ ^ Vol. ii. p. 305, xxxvii., xxxviii. 2 Vol. ii. p. 296, XXXI., xxxii., xxxiv. * PI. xvi. fig?. 8, 9, 11, 14. 3 Vol. ii. p. 300, XXXIV. of the reign of Kingdom. 1707. RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. DAVID II. A.D. I329-I37I. ACTS OF THE PARLIAMENTS OF SCOTLAND. I. — 6 Nov. 1357, Sterlings not to he exported ivithout a duty of half a mark for each pound. Item, quod moneta nostra, videlicet sterlingi, non deferatur extra regnum per mer- Vol. i. p. 134: catores regni nec extraneos, clericos aut alios quoscunque, nisi soluant domino nostro Eegi tron,^p.%92. de qualibet libra dimidiam marcam II. — 6 Nov. 1357, English Money to he current in Scotland. Item, quod omnes mercatores extranei, vndecunque venientes, pacifice admittantur ad emendum et vendendum, prout alias legitime fuit consuetum. Et quod omnis bona moneta Eegis Anglie, auri vel argenti, recipiatur per regnum Scocie ad verum valorem, prout in Anglia potest dari. III. — 8 May 1366, A new Coinage oi^dered. Item, quod fabricetur moneta de materia jam allata in regnum talis, qualem fecit Vol. i. p. 1.39; magister Jacobus in pondere et metallo, ita quod in hiis equipolleat monete currenti in tion, p!"497. Anglia. Et fiat in ipsa signum notabile, per quod possit ab omui alia prius fabricata euidenter cognosci, quousque in proximo parliamento possit super hoc maturius auisari. Et interim, super mercede monetarii et operariorum, conueniat camerarius pro parte Eegis cum ipsis, prout melius poterit conuenire. . . . IV. — 7 Oct. 1367, The pound weight of silver to he struck into three hundred and ffty-tivo sterlings. David, Dei gratia Eex Scottorum, Custodi monete nostra et monetario nostro qui pro Vol. i. p. 144; tempore fuerint, salutem. . . . Quia, propter raritatem pec uniedeargento ad presens in regno tion,^!!°502. A 2 PtECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [DAVID II, Acts of nostro, per tres communitates in parliamento nostro tento apud Sconam, vicesimo septimo ^'isTr"*' mensis Septembris vltimo preterite, quo ad fabricacionem monete extat per modum qui sequitur ordiiiatum, videlicet, quod libra argenti minuatur in pondere decern denariis ponderis, sic scilicet quod de libra ponderis iam fiant viginti nouem solidi et quatuor denarii numerales, de quibus percipientur ad vsum nostrum septem denarii, et habeat custos monete pro suo labore vnum denarium, ac Magister monetarius pro se et suis operariis, ac ceteris omnibus que sibi facienda et subeunda incumbunt, vndecim denarios ; et sic per- cipiendi remaneant mercatori de libra ponderis viginti septem solidi et nouem denarii numerales : Volumus igitur quod, secundum dictam ordinacionem, monetam a modo fabricetis, quousque super hoc cum nostro consilio duxerimus aliter ordinare : Et vobis firmiter precipimus et mandamus quod ipsa moneta fabricanda sit de adeo bona et pura materia sicut moneta nunc facta in regno Anglie, sine sicut ilia que in regno nostro vltimo ordinata fuit fieri ante ordinacionem presentem V. — 18 Feb. 1369, Exportation of Money forhidden except on the pay- ment of forty pennies of duty on every pound. Vol. I. p. 150; Item, quinto, ordinatum est et deliberatum, ut supra, quod nullus intraneus vel extra- ticm, p.^sos. neus, cuiuscunque condicionis, status vel gradus fuerit, asportet monetam aliquam auri scilicet vel argenti extra regnum, prefer moderatas expensas illorum quos licebit a regno transire, nisi soluat de libra quadraginta denarios ad custumam Regis VI. — 18 Feb. 1369, Exportation of Money forhidden. Vol. I. p. 174; Item, quo ad punctum de moneta, deliberant quod quicunque asportauerit pecuniam t'irm p'^534 b. ^ I'^gno, siue intraneus fuerit sine extraneus, soluet de libra quadraginta denarios, prefer moderatas expensas illorum quos licebit transire extra regnum Et quia istud fuit a longo statutum, et similiter in parliamento vltimo tento ante presens renouatum, deliberant, quod Cancellarius scribat vicecomitibus et balliuis burgorum indilate, quod compellant omnes et singulos huiusmodi asportatores pecunie, custuma non soluta, de toto tempore preterito, tam intraneos quam extraneos, vt premittitur, ad dictam custumam plenarie persoluendam, prout melius verificari poterit, quam cito poterunt appreliendi. Et quia visum est quod huiusmodi asportacio pecunie auri, scilicet, vel argenti intole- rabilis est, in tantum quod, nisi restringatur et omnino cessetur per omnes, non poterit haberi moneta ad solucionem redempcionis nec ad necessarios sumptus Regis et communitatis, deliberant et ex communi deliberacione requirunt dominum nostrum Regem quod tales, tan- quam contra statutum facientes, tam de preterito tempore quam futuro, puniri permittat, nec cuiquam huiusmodi custumam remittat, minuat aliqualiter vel relaxet, et quod super isto puncto capiatur indictamentum, et fiat calumpnia per justiciarium quo ad commorantes infra regnum. Et deliberant quod, si qui concelauerint j)ecuniam asportandam, incurret eandem DAVID II.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 3 penam quam de iure debet incurrere aliquis mercator lane vel aliarum mercandisavum pro Acts of custuma concelata, videlicet soluendo xx. § de denario concelato; excepto quod, si quis ' 1369. extraneus apportauerit aliquam pecuniam in regnum, quam probare poterit se asportasse de alio regno, ipsa pecunia tantum gaudebit et reportabit libere sine aliqua custuma soluenda. EXCHEQUER ROLLS. VII. — 20 Mar. 1358, Adam Tores account for profits and expenses of Coinage. Compotum Ade Tore, custodis monete domini nostri Eegis, de nouo factum apud Roll 35. Edinburgh, redditum apud Dunde xx die Marcij anno supradicto, et coram auditoribus predictis, de omnibus receptis suis et expensis de dicta moneta, a xix die Februarij anno Domini etc. quinquagesimo septimo, vsque in xix diem Marcij anno Domini etc. quinqua- gesimo octauo. In primis onerat [se] de cviij ti v s ij d, dominum nostrum Eegem contingentibus de fabricacione trium millium septinginta vndecim librarum sexdecim solidorum et vndecim denariorum, fabricatorum per tempus compoti, capiendo videlicet de qualibet libra fabricata septem denarios penes Regem. Summa recepte patet Expense eiusdem : In primis computat in solucione facta domino comiti de Fyff, per literam Regis de precepto, xvi ti x § : Item, J ohanne de Cony, pro conduccione domorum suarum pro vno anno per tempus compoti pro monetario, v ti : Item, magistro Nicholao medico, per literam domini nostri Regis de precepto, v ti : Item, Johanni de Camera, pro vno equo empto ab eodem de mandate Regis, v ti vj § viij d : Item, Johanni aurifabro, pro diuerso opera facto ad vsum domini nostri Regis, xlvj § viij d : Item, domine Isabelle de Dunbar, per literam domini nostri Regis de precepto, ostensam siiper compotum, iij ti vj s viij d : Item, pro expensis Johannis medici de Anglia, perhendinantis apud Edinburgh de mandate regis per septem septimanas, xlix s : Item, computanti, iij ti xviij s viij d, per literam domini nostri Regis de precepto ostensam super compotum : Item, allocantur computanti, pro triginta sex lampridis emptis ad vsum domini nostri Regis per Willelmum de Vany, nunc senescallum domus domini nostri Regis, vt patet per literam dicti domini Willelmi ostensam super compotum, iiij ti : Item, pro tectura et reparacione domorum monetariorum de mandate Regis, ix ti x § : Item, pro instrumentis monetariorum pro impressione monete per tempus compoti, 1 s ij d : Item, Johanni aurifabro, pro quinque nobles auri ad deaurandum vasa Regis, xxxiij s iiij d : Item, pro qi;inque nobles auri, liberatis domino nostro Regi per magistrum Jacobum monetarium, xl s : Item, Andree Broyse, de mandate domini nostri Regis, vj s viij d : Item, operariis monete de mandate Regis, vj s viij d : Item, Hectori medico de mandate Regis, xij s : Item, Patricio clerice Patricius liberacionis domus domini nostri Regis, iiij ti, de quibus respondebit : Item, eidem respondebit. Patricio, pre quinque celdris frumenti emptis ad vsum Regis, x ti vij s : Item, Johanni 4 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [DATID II. I358. Colonia inpressori, de mandate Eegis, xiij ii vj s viij d: Item, magistro Jacobo — monetario, vj s viij d , quos mutuauit domino nostro Eegi : Item, Ade Tore, pro vino del Eyn empto ad vsum Eegis, xv s : Item, pro auro et argento pro cultelis Eegis, vij § iiij d : . Item, eidem Ade, pro octodecim laginis vini liberatis Patricio clerico ad vsum Eegis, xxxvj s: Item, predictis Ade Tore et Johanni aurifabro, pro feodis suis per tempus compoti, videlicet, de qualibet libra fabricata vnum denarium capiendo, xv ti ix s iiij d : Item, eidem Johanni aurifabro, pro feodo suo pro claua, a festo Pentecostes vltimo preterite vsque in diem huius compoti, capiendo videlicet de duabus milibus iiij'= xliij ti x § x d post dictum festum fabricatis, de qualibet videlicet libra capiendo vnum obolum, v ti xxij d Summa totalis expensarum cxiiij ti xvij § iiij d Et sic superexpendit viij ti viij s et ij d VIII. — 2 June 1361, Adam Tore's account for profits and expenses of Coinage. Roll 42. Compotum Ade There, burgensis de Edynburgh, custedis menete infra regnum de neue fabricate, redditum die, loco et anne prenotatis, de omnibus receptis suis et expensis a none decimo die Marcij anno etc. quinquagesime none vsque in diem huius compoti, videlicet secundum diem mensis Junij anne predicto. Idem onerat se de c. xlv ti receptis de moneta fabricata per tempus supradictum. Summa patet. De qua allocantur eidem, pro superexpensis vltimi compoti sui, viij ti viij § ij d. Et allocantur computanti, pre duobus doliis vini emptis et cariatis vsque Dunbretane ad vsum Eegis, vij ti. Et in liberaciene facta domino nostro Eegi, vt patet per literas de precepto ostensas super compotum, iiij ti xiiij s iiij d. Et allocantur eidem, in liberaciene facta Jehanai aurifabro pre diuer[sis] artificijs domini nestri Eegis, vt patet per quatuor paria literarum domini nestri Eegis de precepto ostensarum super compotum, xxvij ti et xvij §. Et Eeginalde de Crawfurd, pro tribus vlnis panni, x s. Et Patricio clerico liberacionis demus domini nestri Eegis, vt patet per literas ipsius de recepto estensas super compotum, ciericus V ti XV § et vj d, de quibus [respendebit]. Et Jonete de Curry, de precepto domini nestri respoiSXt. Eegis per literas ostensas super compotum, xiii ti vj s et viij d, Et in liberacione facta sculptoribus diuersis instr[umentorum] menetarii, vt patet per literas domini nestri Eegis de precepto ostensas super compotum, xxx ti. Et in calibe et ferro pre instrii- mentis monetarii faciendis iij ti E[t in] firma demus predicti menetarii per tempus huius compoti, videlicet pro duobus annis et vne quarterio anni, xv ti. Et aUocantur com- putanti, tam pro pecunia liberata domino nostro Eegi quam pro aliis rebus et panne liberate ad vsum domini nestri Eegis, et in solucione facta Anglicis pre residue debiti lane, xlix ti ix s viij d, vt patet per literas domini nestri Eegis ostensas super compotum. Summa expensarum clxx ti et xvj d. Et sic superexpendit xxv ti et xvj d. DAVID II.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 5 IX. — 1362, Profits received from Adam Tore, Warden of the Mint. Idem onerat se de xl ti receptis per Adam Tore custodem monete. Exchequer Rolls, 1362. Roll 43. X. — 2 Dec. 1364, Adam Tore's account. (Compot. Camerar. Scot. Vol. I. p. 391.) Compotum Ade Thore, burgensis de Edinburgh, custodis monete, redditum apud ibid. Roll 45, Striuelyne, secundo die mensis Decembris anno Domini M°.ccc™°. lxiiij'°, coram venerabili bVot,%oL"i. in Christo, patre Patricio Dei gratia episcopo Brechinensi, cancellario Scocie, domino Roberto ^'^^'^ de Erskyne, camerario Scocie, magistro Waltero de Wardlaw archidiacono Laudonie, domino Waltero de Bygar rectore ecclesie de Erole, domino Johane de Carrie canonico Glasguensi et Johane Gray clerico rotulorum domini nostri Regis compotorum, audi- toribus specialiter ad hoc deputatis, de omnibus receptis suis et expensis de custodia dicte monete Regis de Edinburgh, a secundo die Junij anno etc Ix™" primo vsque in diem huius compoti ; et sic per tres annos et sex menses. Idem onerat se de v<: Ixxvij ti x § ii d, receptis de dicta moneta ad opus Regis per tempus huius compoti, computando ad Regem de qualibet libra fabricata apud Edinburgh septem denarios, excepto vltimo mense dicti compoti, quo Rex recepit de libra octo denarios. Surnma recepte patet. De qua allocantur computanti pro superexpensis vltimi compoti sui xxv ti xvi d ; Et in liberatione facta Waltero de Bygar tunc camerario, vt patet per duo paria literarum ipsius camerarii de recepto ostensarum supra compotum, cx ti, de quibus respondit in vltimo compoto suo ; Et in solucione facta magistro Jacobo monetario, pro diuersis debitis per dominum nostrum Regem, vt patet per literam ipsius Regis de precepto et dicti Jacobi de recepto ostensas super compotum, xxxix ti. Et Reginaldo de Crawfurd, de mandato domini nostri Regis, vt patet per literas domini nostri Regis de precepto, et dicti Reginaldi de recepto, ostensas super compotum, xij ti xiij § iiij d ; Et Johanni aurifabro, operario domini nostri Regis, de mandato eiusdem domini nostri, vt patet per literas ipsius domini nostri de precepto, et dicti Johannis aurifabri de recepto, ostensas et examinatas super compotum, pro diuersis operacionibus factis per eundem Johannem ad usum domini nostri Regis, xxxix ti viii § viii d ; Et Bouagio monetario, pro tabulis de diuersis ymaginibus et aliis diuersis rebus sculptis et depictis receptis ad opus Regis, xj ti xiij § iiij d, vt patet per literas domini nostri Regis de precepto, et ipsius Bonagii de recepto, ostensas super compotum ; Et in solutione facta Donato Mulekyn, pro diuersis artificiis factis ad vsum Regis, vt patet per literas vt supra, vj ti v s iiij d ; Et Ade de Argento, pro feodo suo, vj ti xiij s iiij d, vt patet per literas vt supra ; Et Petro de Selkirk pellipario, pro diuersis emptis ab eo et pro opere suo, vt patet per literas vt supra vj ti vj § viij d ; Et Willelmo de Dyschyngtona militi, senescallo domus domini nostri Regis, vt patet per literas domini nostri Regis de precepto et ipsius Willelmi de recepto ostensas supra compotum, iiij ti, de quibus respondebit ; Et Nicholai aurifabro, pro diuersis fabricis diuersorum jocalium ad opus domini nostri Regis, vt patet per literas vt supra, v ti ; Et in diuersis solucionibus factis ad opus Regis eidem domino Regi liberatis, vt patet per literas suas de recepto ostensas super compotum, clx ti viii g ; Et in locacione domorum, sculptura instrumentorum, &c iiij'"' ix ti xiij § iiij d. Summa totalis expensarum v<=.xvj ti iij s iv d. 6 RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [DAVID II. RourTsM — 1^^'^' -Accounts of sums received relating to the Money. Roll 46^ Idem (camerarius Scocie) onerat se de Ixj ti vj § x d per arreragia compoti Ade Tore, Scor^Vof™' ^^^8"^^^^^ Edynburgh, custodis monete. p- 420.) Idem onerat se de m.ccc • xxxiii ti vj s viij d receptis de pecunia Regis deposita in castro de Striuelyne. XII. — 1364, Payments relating to the Coinage. Ibid. R. 46, • • • Et in solucione facta Jacobo monetario et Ade Thore, pro mutuo facto domino Scot^VoL"!. ^ostro Regni, vt patet per literas, [de precepto et recepto ostensas super compotum] p. 423.) ■ ■ iiijc \i MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS. XIII. — 12 Mar. 1355, Letter from the King of England to the Sheriff of Northumberland about Scottish Money. Rynier's B^ex, vicecomiti Northumbrife, salutem. Licet antiqua moneta Scotiae ejiisdem ponderis ford Ed Vol ^ allaise, sicut fuit moneta nostra sterlingi Angliae, ante haec tempora esse cousueverit, propter in^^Part I. quod in regno nostro Angliae habuit cursum suum : quia tamen qusedam moneta, dictae ^ antiquse monetae similis & conformis, quae in pondere minor & allaia debilior existit, in dicto regno Scotiae de novo est cussa, & in regno nostro suum capit cursum ; quod, si diutius permittatur, in nostri ao totius populi nostri ejusdem regni dampnum & deceptionem, ac dictae monetae nostras destructionem, oedet manifesto ; nos, volentes hujusmodi dampno & destructioni obviare, tibi praecipimus, quod statim, visis praesentibus, in civitatibus, burgis, villis mercatoriis, portubus maris & aliis locis in baliva tua, ubi melius expedire videris, public^ proclamari, & ex parte nostra flrmiter inbiberi facias, ne quis, sub gravi forisfactura nostra, dictam novam monetam Scotiae, jam cussam vel cudendam, in solutione, cum oblata fuerit, ut cursualem recipiat, aut recipere praesumat ; set quod statim, cum oblata fuerit ut cursum cum moneta nostra capiat, in quorumcunque manibus inventa fuerit, arestetur & nobis remaneat forisfacta. Volumus tamen & intentionis nostrae existit, quod unicuique liceat hujusmodi novam monetam ad verum valorem ejusdem emere, ita quod earn ad buUionem nostram deferat, ibidem fundendam, & monetam de cuneo nostro ad valorem dictae monetae, sic fusae, prout moris est, recipiendum; & quod dicta antiqua moneta Scotiae cursum suum habeat, prout ante haec tempora habere consuevit. Et si quos, post proclamationem & inhibitionem nostras hujusmodi, inveneris dicta nova moneta Scotiae, alio modo quam ut praedicitur, utentes, tunc eos cum eadem moneta capi & arestari, & eorum corpora in prisona nostra salvo custodiri, & nobis de tota moneta ilia responderi facies ; nos de nominibus sic arestatorum, ac de summa monetae hujusmodi, quam sic arestari feceris, de tempore in tempvis, sub sigillo tuo, certifices distinct^ & apert^. Teste Rege, apud Westmonasterium, xii. die Martii. Per ipsum Regem. DAVID II.] EECOEDS or THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 7 XIV. — 8 Dec. 1367, Proclamation in Enqland as to Scottish Money. oioseRoiis, Edward III. 1 367 Rex vicecomiti Kantise, salutem. Quia, propter diversas monetas, quae longe minoris ' pretii, ponderis et valoris moneta nostra Anglie existuntur in regno nostro adiu currebant, Rymer, Vol. et adhuc curruntur, moneta nostra Anglie, tarn auri quam argenti, de cuneis nostris multum p. sss^**^ ^ debilitatur, et extra regnum nostrum trahitur continue et asportatur, in nostri-et totius populi nostri dampnum immensum. Nos, volentes hujusmodi dampno precavere, et ntilitati rei publicae prospicere in hac parte, de consensu et avisamento concilii nostri ordinavimus quod nulla moneta de cuneo Scotie, nec de aliquibus aliis terris exteris, nec aliqua alia moneta, prseter monetam nostram auri et argenti, de cuneis nostris propriis, cursum in regno nostro habeat ; nec in emptione et vendicione, aut alio modo, pro moneta in hospitiis vel alibi, clam vel palam, set tamen pro billione, recipiatur seu liberetur Teste Eege, apud Westmonasterium viii. die Decembris. *.)(.* Similar writs were sent to all the counties in England. ROBERT 11. A.D. I371-139O. ACTS OF THE PARLIAMENTS OF SCOTLAND. I. — 2 March 1371, Duty on exjjorting Bullion continued. Vol. I. p. 183; De libra vero monete asportate extra regiium soluentur . . . Regi ... ad custumam tkm,^p^.°547. quadraginta denarii per custumarios recipiendi prout in predicto statute seu ordinacione . . . Eegis . . . Dauid tarn in penis quam in aliis continetur. II. — 17 June 1385, New Coinage ordered, and values of Foreign Coins fixed. Vol. I. p. 190; Item ordinatum fuit quod nionetarius fabricet nionetam argenti, videlicet sterlingoruni, Won, p^.^554. ^6 cono siue de impressione Eegis eiusdem sine consimilis materie et ponderis prout est moneta nunc currens, et hoc fiat de quocunque billon sibi allato, tarn de moneta extranea quam de vasis et aliis argenteis, et reddat de libra ponderis, videlicet, viginti novem solidorum et quatuor denariorum nostre pecunie, illis qui sibi tradiderint novos blancos Francie, pondus pro pondere, de nostra moneta, excepto quod perdant pro fabrica illius libre, sex blancos. Item ordinatum est quod nobile auri habeat cursum pro septem solidis et octo denariis monete nostre. Et juxta hunc valorem, Scutum Francie habeat cursum pro xlvij d. Franca juxta idem forum pro xlij d. Scutum Flandrie secundum idem forum ad xlvij d ob. Multo auri dictus Mouton de France secundum idem forum ad 1 d. Et ideo, ad prouidendum ne pecunia auri vel argenti a patria seu extra regnum per aliquos transferatur, ordinatum est per generale consilium pro vtilitate communi, quod quicunque asportauerit aliquam monetam a regno per mare vel per terram, aurum scilicet vel argentum, cuiuscunque fabrice fuerit, amittet ipsam monetam ac omnia alia bona sua pro escaeta ad opus regis ; et etiara vitam suam ad voluntatem Eegis. . . . Exceptis mercatoribus extraneis, quibus licebit postquam in regnum ad aliquem portum secum detulerint victualia, blada seu vina, vel bordas et maremium aut talia necessaria pro populo et pro regno et ea vendiderint suam pecuniam per ipsam vendicionem III. — 29 March 1389, Article regarding the Money. Vol. I. p. 192: . . . Quintus [punctus,] quod ordinetur prouide discrete et utiliter de moneta habenda new pagina- . ... , tioii, p. 556'-. communi utilitate.^ ^ 1 No record of what was done. ROBERT II.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 9 EXCHEQUER ROLLS. IV. — 1371, Receipt for Money arising from Coinage. roii 66. (C'oni]i. Cam. Et de Ix ii vj § viij d receptis per Andream Pictorem de moneta . . . ^%') V. — 1373, Profits from Coinages at Perth and Edinburgh. Idem onerat se de c. iij'''' xiiij ii. xiij s viii d receptis per Thomam de Stratlierne, Roll 71. custodem moriete apud Perth, de pecunia inde proueniente de anno huiiis compoti: Et de s^'ot/voi!Ti. xxviij ti vij s iiij d receptis per Andream Pictorem, custodem monete apud Edynburgh, ^ de pecunia ibi monetata vt supra. VI. — 1374, Profts from Coinages at Perth and Edinburgh. Et de Iv li xix s iij d receptis per custodem monete apud Perth de pecunia inde R"ii "'i- contingenti etc. Et de xiij ti receptis per custodem monete de Edynburgh . . . Scot/'vol' ii. p. 50.) VII. — 1377, Gift to James the Money er. Et Magistro Jacobo monetario de dono Eegis iiij ii vj s . . . Roll 83. (Conip. Cam. Scot., Vol. XL p. 94.) MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS VIII. — ^12 Jan. 1372, English 2'>'>^oclamati on about Scottish Money. De prodamando de moneta Scocie. Eex vicecomiti Kancie, salutem. Quia de assensu prelatorum magnatum procerum et cio se Roll, 46. aliorum in parliamento nostro apud Westmonasterium ad crastinum Animarum proximo m i^'d preteritum convocato existencium concordatum extiterit quod in civitatibus burgis villis mercatoriis et aliis locis regni nostri Anglie ubi necesse fuerit in qualibet septimana citra festum Anunciacionis beate Marie proximo futurum publice proclametur et inhibeatur ne quis cujuscumque status seu condii'ionis fuerit infra idem regnum aurum vel argentum de moneta Scocie causa empcionis vel vendicionis nec aliquo modo in solucione reddituum nec alia causa quacumque recipiat quovis modo set quod qiiilibet talem monetam penes se habens eam ad billionem nostram deferat ibidem valorem pro eadem percipiendo. Ita quod si aliqua talis moneta post dictum festum in manibus alicujus persone infra idem regnum inventa fuerit eadenx moneta sit forisfacta, et nos unam medietatem et ipse qui eam invenerit aliam medietatem habeamus super quo cum necesse fuerit inquiri faciemus Teste Eege apud Westmonasterium xij die Januarii. Per totum consilium de parliamento. B 10 RECOKDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [ROBERT II. IX. — 1373, Value of the Scottish Coinage reduced in England- Parliament Item prient les Communes qe come les gentz Descoz par lour sotilte ont destruit et Edward III liorstrcit la moneye Denglterre et le font en lour coygnage a meindre value que la moneye 1373. Denglterre est ou qe lour moneye soleit estre a grant damage et deceite de Roi et de son statute 47. people ; Sur qei prient toutz les Communes que ordeigne soit que les quatre deners Descoz (^d^lsW) '^y^ ^ ^^^^s deners, Et si les ditz Escoz empirout lour moneye par cause dycele ordeinance, qe adonqes soit ordeigne lour dit money Descoz a plus petit pris solonc lempirance dycele par bon descression. Responsio. Le Eoi voet qe la moneye de quatre deniers Descoce soit mys et courge en value de trois deniers, et si par cas celle monoye soit empire, soit celle monoye issint empire mys a meindre pris selonc la quantite de lempirement, et anxi soit fait de moindre monoye Descoce solonc lafferant de lempirement. x.^ — 24 July 1374, Proclamation at Berwick as to the Coins of Scotland. De proclamatione facienda de moneta Scocie. Rotuii Scotiw, Rex dilecto clerico suo magistro Johanni de Bolton cancellario et camerario ville 48 Edw. HI. ggpg^jgj^ super Twedam salutem. Cum de assensu prelatorum magnatum et communi- tatum regni nostri Anglie in parliamento nostro apud Westmonasterium in crastino Sancti Edmundi regis anno regni nostri Anglie quadragesimo septimo convocato pro eo quod gentes Scotici per subtilitatem suam bonam monetam argenti extra regnum nostrum Anglie subtraxerunt et in cunagium suum ad minorem valorem quam moneta Anglie existit posuerunt et sic currit in solutione in regno predicto ad grave dampnum et deceptionem nostram magnatum et totius communitatis ejusdem regni, ordinatum extiterit et concor- datum, quod moneta quatuor denariorum de Scocia ponatur et currat in valorem trium denariorum et de minori moneta juxta quantitatem et si forte dicta moneta Scocie deteriorata fuerit, tunc moneta ilia sic deteriorata ponatur ad minus precium juxta quantitatem detrimenti. Vobis mandamus quod ordinacionem predictam in dicta villa Berewici ac in singulis aliis villis et locis in partibus illis ubi melius expedire videritis ex parte nostra publice proclamari et firmiter observari et teneri faciatis juxta formam ordinacionis supradicte. Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium xxiiij die Julii. XI. — 1376, Regarding the vcdues of Scottish Money. Rolls of Pari. Item prie la commune que come par vertue des Briefs de defense envoiez hors de la Vo?ii.'*ir^336. Cliancellerie, ils sont chargez chescun an de respondre et acomptre en I'Escheqer des De la monoye forfaitures du mouoic d'Escoce, vines dulces, mys a vende, des bledez, plumbe, esteyn, ' worsted, formage, bure et des touz autres choses contenuz en les detz briefs, a lour grandes travailes, costages, et deseise, et null' avantage ne profit de lour dit sieur ; que lui plaise granter et ordeigner, en eise des ditz communes que la dite charge soit ouste, ou que ROBERT II.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 11 autre remedie en soit ordeigne, en descharge des ditz communes, et que nules vyns dulces Rolls of Pari, soient venduz par especial licence, nient pluis que autres vyns sont, et que les vynes lafe"^^^"'^' doulses y soient venduz par tout le Eoialme, en citees, villes et burgh's, par ceux qui sont en frannchises. Endroit de la monoie d'Escoce, remede estoit ordeignee au Parlement Fan xlvii"^^ Responsio. Et endroit des vins douces, remede est ordeigne en ce Parlement Et quant au remenant de la Bille, serra remede convenable ordeignee par le continuel conseil du Koi, a mieltz que semblera affaire. XII. — 30 July 1387, Proclamation further reducing the value of Scott ish Coin in England. Dc prodamatione facienda. Eex vicecomiti Kancie, salutem. Quia de assensu et deliberacione magni consilii close Roll, ii. nostri concordatum existit, quod in singulis civitatibus burgis villis mercatoriis et aliis ^.''33 '!\.^^' locis regni nostri Anglie ubi necesse fuerit qualibet septimana citra festum sancti Michaelis proximo futurum publice proclametur et inhibeatur, ne quis cujuscumque status seu condicionis fuerit infra idem regnum nostrum sterlingum aut obolum de moneta Scocie pro majori precio quam videlicet sterlingum pro obolo et quadrante, et obolum pro quadrante et dimidio de moneta Anglicana causa empciouis vel vendicionis seu alia causa quacunque solvat vel recipiat quovis modo set quod quilibet talem monetam penes se habens earn ud billionem nostram deferat ibidem valorem predictum pro eadem percipiendo .... Teste Eege apud Westmonasterium xxx die Julij. Per consilium. ROBERT III. A.D. 1 390-1406. ACTS OF THE PARLIAMENTS OF SCOTLAND. I. — 24 Oct. Vi^{^, New Money ordered, rates of Foreign Coins Jixed, and regulations made for the Coinage. Vol. I. ij. 207 ; Eobertus, Dei gratia, Rex Scottorum, omnibus probis hominibus suis ad quos presentes tlon, "1*^569. litere peruenerint, salutem : Sciatis quod iu consilio nostro generali, tento apud Perth, ordinatum est quod moneta nostra auri et argenti erit de cetero fabricata per Bonacbium de Florencia, monetarium nostrum, in forma que sequitur, videlicet de sex vnceis troye puri argenti viginti vnus solidi erunt fabricati, de quibus erunt grossi quatuor denariorum et dimidii grossi duorum denariorum, de bono argento sicut Regis Dauid. Et erunt denarii fabricati in quibus quatuor denariis erit tantum argentum sicut in vno grosso, sed ponderabunt sex denarios causa lay quod imponitur. Etiam erunt obuli fabricati de eadem materia et ponderacione proportionabiliter secundxim quantitatem denarii. Et quinta pars huius monete erit fabricata in denariis et obulis. Insuper ilia scuta que hucus.jue cursum habuei'uut erunt inhibita per proclamacionem publicam. Scilicet proclamatum erit quod quicunque habuerit scuta transeat ad excambium monetario nostro et ibi habebit pro scuto, si sufificiens fuerit, quatuor solidos, et aliter de cetero cursum non habebunt. Insuper ordinatum est (|uod obuli de auro, videlicet maillies, sufficientes pro triginta duobus denariis none monete, habebunt cursum. Etiam fabricata erit de bono auro vna pecia vocata leo, et habebit cursum pro quinque solidis monete, ita quod duo leones valebunt decern solidos eiusdem monete et erunt meliores nobili ad valorem trium denariorum. Et nobile de bono auro et ponderacione bona habebit cursum pro nouem solidis et sex denariis videlicet nobile de Anglia et nobile de Flandria pro nouem solidis et quatuor denariis eiusdem monete et non alia nobilia cursum habebunt. Ad quam- quidem monetani tam in auro quam in argento in omnibus, vt premittitur, fabricandam, dicto Bonacbio, monetario nostro, ad hoc a nobis et nostro consilio electo et ordinato, nostram tenore presentium comniittinius potestatem sub omni pena que competere poterit in hac parte. Datum sub sigillo nostro apud Perth vicesimo quarto die mensis Octobris, anno regni nostri quarto. Item ordinatum est quod electus erit vnus homo discretus, fidelis, sufficiens et potens HOBERT III ] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 13 in diuiciis, qui custodiet monetam, et erit ad hoc iuratus, in forma que sequitur, videlicet, Acts of . -, . Parliament, totum aurum et argentum quod portabitur monetario ad fabricandum primo presentabitur 1393. sibi quod ipse faciet ponderari et scribet quantitates in papiro suo et retinebit penes se et omni die ad vesperam recipiet et ponet in secura custodia et sub clave instruments inonetarii quibus facit monetam vsque ad diem sequentem, et sic faciet omni die. Et monetam quolibet die fabricatam recipiet a monetario et custodiet sub sigillo et clave in cista vna, a principio cuiuslibet septimane vsque in finem. Et tunc videbit cum sufticienti testimonio, quantum de argento sen auro fuerit in septimanam fabricatum et tunc accipiet de qualibet moneta, tarn auri quam argenti certas pecias ad probandum et faciet illas pecias bene et diligenter custodiri vsque ad tempus probacionis monete, que probacio fiet infra xl dies qualibet vice. Et ille qui est custos monete stabit et respondebit pro pondere monete et capiet feodum suum pro labore suo de Eege sicut liucusque consuetum est. Et si contingat custodem aut examinatorem vel monetarium delinquere in aliquo circa monetam, vel si inveniatur quod aliquis ipsorum facit falsam monetam vel scienter utitur falsa moneta infra regnum inhibita punietur secundum leges sine quocunque fauore aut remissione. Et si Eex concesserit aliquam remissionem propter dictas causas vel aliquam ipsarum personis delin- quentibus nullius erit valoris nec habebit aliquem effectum. Item ordinatum est pro communi vtilitate quod nemo procurabit libertatem aliquam a Eege in contrarium istius ordinacionis monete nec dabit consilium aut procurabit Eegem ad ordinandum vel faciendum contrarium alicuius puncti sen articuli istius ordinacionis . . . II. — 22 April 1398, Rates of Foreign Coins fixed, and exportatioji of Money or Bidlion jjrohlhifed. Statutum et ordinatum est per consilium antedictum quo ad monetam quod a primo Vol. I. p. 5] ; die mensis Maii vsque ad vigiliam Pentecoste anno &c nonagesimo octauo maillies tUin,^p.^572". liabebunt cursum pro ij s et non amplius ; et scuta Brabancie habebunt cursum pro iij §. Et ex tunc tam scuta quam mailles erunt inhibita nec habebunt cursum vlterius regno sed portabuntur ad conam tamquam bullion. Statutum est etiam quod nemo mercator sen alius cuiuscumque status sen condicionis fuerit, portet dictas mailles vel scuta seu quod- cumque aliud aurum vel argentum in moneta vel bullion extra regnum, per terram vel per mare, sub pena vite et membrorum et omnium que erga regiam majestatem amittere poterit. Et ista causa persecuta erit per indictamentum coram .Tusticiario, et qui indictatus fuerit de huiusmodi facto vel de asportacioue cujuscumque auri vel argenti extra regnum in moneta vel in bullion contra istam ordinacionem premissam facta vel in posterum fienda quicunque fuerit Ille vel cujuscunque condicionis burgensis aut alius subibit assisam coram Justiciario. Electa cuius assise media pars erit de burgensibus et alia pars hominum de patria ita quod per favorem assise Eex nec communitates regni defraud entur in moneta sicut hucusque illos constat esse deceptos. Et qui inventus fuerit portans aliquam monetam extra regnum in auro argento vel in bullion clericus aut laicus ilia moneta erit eschaeta, sive bullion, et ipse qui invenerit sive revelaverit dictam portantem habebit tertiam partem auri vel argenti et due partes remanebunt Eegi et consilio ad relevandas communes expensas 14 RECORDS or THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [ROBERT III. Acts of circa negocia communia regni, salvis rationabilibus expensis illorum qui laboraiit extra ^ '"i'sQs"'*' niare vel ad alias partes extra Regnum ; que expense estimabuntur per custumarios, ad hoc specialiter ordinandos secundum statum laborancium, vsque ad sunimam xx s vel infra. Item ordinatum est quod a vigilia Pentecostes inantea nullum aurum habebit cursum in regno, exceptis leonibus, dimidiis leonibus, nobilibus Flandrie et Anglie et coronis Francie, que corone habebunt cursum pro dimidio nobile Anglie. Et videbitur per custodem monete semel ad minus quolibet anno quod nobilia et corone antedicta tenebunt valorem ad quern mode existunt in pondere et bonitate metalli. Et si in hoc aliquis defectus reperiatur notificetur dicto consilio cum omni festinancia per custodem monete ut remedium super hoc ordinari valeat per Regem et consilium. Et ordinatum est quod nobile Anglie habebit cursum pro nouem s et vj d et nobile Flandrie pro nouem s et iiij d, et leo auri pro V s et corona Francie pro dimidio nobili Anglie ut superius est expressum. Item ordinatum est quod non plus fabricetur de moneta in denariis et obulis quam quinta pars ut prius ordinatum est. MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS. III. — 1390, Scottish Money reduced to one-half in England. Rolls of Pai-lia- Item, que les grotz et les deniers de deux et le denier maill' et ferlyng d'Escoce, land! VolTi'i. soicnt outrement oustez parmy le Roialme : Et que soit enquis parmy le Roialme de ceux H^Rich II . 9o, past for xiij d of befor sail in tyme tocum hafe cours ymang our souuerain lordis liegis for ^' xiiij d and the half grote of the samyn for vij d. E Acts of Parliament, 1467. 34 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES III. Acts of Item that in tyme to cum the aid Inglis penny 8all haf cours efferand to the aid ' 1467. ' Inglis grote that is to say for iiij d. Item in lyke wise the new Inglis penny of Edward to hafe coui's efferand to the new grot of Edward that is to say for iij d. Vol. II. p. 90, Item it is statute and ordanit that the quhite Scottis pennyis / haf hale cours in all °' ■ . paymentis quhil the next continuacion of parliament or hale parliament and than gif it nedis Eemede to be set tharefor as sal be thocht spedefull. c. 6. Item that in tym to cum thare be tane in payment of the blak mone bot xij d in the pund/ and sa discendand proporcionali as the soume discendis. «• 7. Item it is ordanit that the being of the avale of the crovnit grote / and Inglis d / be na hurt contrare to the actis made of befor anent the mone / bot that act to stand in all force and effect as It was first made, c. 8. Item anent the Inbringing of bulyone the hale thre estatis being now present Eatifijs and apprufis the actis and statutis made tharuppone of befor and ordanis thaim to be obseruit and execute quhil the next continuacion of parliament, hale parliament or generale consale. VI. — 1468, Values of foreign and native Coins fixed. Vol. II. pp. To the artikillis and the mone for the prelatis The Bischop of Sanctandrois the 91 92 c 1 ' ' ■ ■ Bischop of Glasgw the Bischop of Aberdene Abbate Halirudhous / Paslay for the baronis the Erie of Orknay the Lord Hammilton the Lord Lindissy the Lord Lyle the lard of Caldorwod for the commissaris Thomas Olifant ^ Wat Yung ^ Mathou Foster ^ Wil of Peblis ^ George Girnelaw 1. For alsmekle as the lordis of the thre estatis deput til avyse apone the mone consideris the grete Romour that is past becaus of diuersiteis of payment within the Eealme throu the takking In of the Eentis be the auld payment and gevis it oute agane be a derrar price and alsa thai consider wele that to tak the payment of the Eentis be ane he price and gif it oute agane be the same price considering alsa that the penny worthis ar Eysin wyth the penny and mekle derrar than thai war wont to be that sulde the mone haue generaly cours be the hie price that ilk man that suld ressaue ony Eentis war skathit the ferde or the fyft part of his rent quhilk war til bevy to thame in all estatis And for til eschew the Eomour hereof and to content the commons It is statue and ordanyt that the mone haue fra hinefurth vniuersaly a cours throw out the Eealme And alsa that the actis made apon the bringing In of the bulleonge within the Eealme and als of the of the keping of the money within the Eealme be obseruit and kepit vnder Eycht sar and hevy painnis and Eicht sa vtheris statutis made for the keping of the samyn that it pas nocht vteuth the Eealme Alsa it is ordanit that vnto the tyme that it be auisit be the wysest of the Eealme and thaim that understandis thame best thairin beand deput thairto and at grete laser as efferis to dispone apone the mone as sal be sene maist spedefull for the profit of the Eealme That in the meyne tyme fra this houre furth the Scottis money that is to say the demy the lyon the grot of the crovne and the grote 1 Representing Edinburgh. - Representing Stirling. ^ Representing Peebles. JAMES III.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 35 of the floure de lice and the small penny and the fardyng sal haue the same cours that thai Acts of PcirlitiniGii hade of befor the first proclamacione made in the parliament In the moneth of October 1468. that is to say the demy and the lyon x s the grote of the croune xij d the flour de lis vj d ob And as for the money of vthir Eealmes to draw it within the cuntre thai ordane It til haue cours the Inglis noble of the Eose and the aulde Edward xxviij § the noble of the Hary xxiiij s the lew xxviij s the Franch croune xj s the salus and the Eydar til haue cours as thai hade of before And the auld IngHs grote xiij d and the new grot xj d the Inglis penny iij d the spurrit grote xiij d the Scottis penny to hafe hale cours as thai hade of befor Ande the ferdingis to tak iij s in the ii And atour the lordis ordanis that gif ony man has made ony contract sene the last proclamacione or borowit or lent or boght or saulde sen the said tyme thai sail pay with sic lik money and sik like valeur as it had cours in the tyme quhen thai maide thair contract borowit or lent boght or sauld etc And this priudege till enduir to thaim quhill the feste of lammes next to cum and na langer for thar payment etc and to out Eed thaim self. VII. — 20 Nov. 1469, Foreign Mack Money prohibited. Item It is statut and ordanit that thau' be na deneris of Frans mailzis cortis mytis Vol. ll. p. 97, nor nain vthir conterfetis of blac mone tane in payment in this Eealme bot Oure Souerane °' lordis awne blac mone strikkin and prentit be his cunyouris And that na maner of personis bring ony strange blac mone of vthir Eealmis in this lande or conterfete the kingis mone vndir pain of deid And atoure that na man in tyme to cum tak in payment nor offir for payment ony blak mone bot Ouxe Souerane lordis awne cunye for quha that thai be fundin with salbe dettoure of thame etc VIII. — 6 May 1471, JTie Lords of Articles empowered to regulate the Money. Item as twechin the mater of the mone sene the mater is gret and twechis the hail Voi. u. p. body of the Eealme in gret nernes And the lordis heir present can nocht hastely be avisit to tak a final determinacion thareof It is statut and ordanit that the mone have course as it dois now vnto the continuacion of this parlyament And the lordis that sal have the powar in al vthir materis for the common gude of the Eealme at that tym to avise determyn and conclude apon the said mater of the mone that now rynnis And in lik wis gif it be sen spedful to mak Innouacion of ony new mone owthir gold or siluir the said lordis sal have power to avise and conclude thairapon And as anentis the new alayt grot of vij d It is ordanit be our souerane lorde that fra hinfurtht It sail hav cours for vj d and the half grot of the samyn for iij d and the conyeing and the course thareof to be contynuit quhill the continuacion of the next parlyament. 36 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES III. IX. — 23 July 1473, Acts about Bullion ratified, and an assay ordered of the Billon Coins. Item as anentis the brynging In of bulyoun within the Realm The lordis thinkis that thar is mony and sindry Actis maid be the kingis progenitouris and himself in diners parliamentis apoue the bringing In of bulyoun The quhilkis actis war proffitable to be sene and put to execucioun And thai beand deuly execut Tliai traist that thare sulde sudanly cum bullioun in the Eealme in gret quantite. And in likewis to ger the Actis and statutis maid apone the keiping of money within the Eealme be deuly keipit And sic sercheouris and Inquisitouris set thairupon that will execut the said Actis without corrupcione or dissimul ... for the commoun profifit of the Eealme Item anent the conye Becaus of skantnes of bullioun that is in the Eealme The lordis prelatis thinkis expedient that the goldin pennyis haue the sammyn cours that thai war wont to haf and now has And Inlikewise the Inglis grotis the Scottis xiiij d grotis the half Inglis grotis / the grotis with the floure de lice Inglis pennyis and al vtheris pennyis haue the sammyn cours that thai war wont to haf and now has And as tuiching the plakkis and the new pennyis / the lordis thinkis that the striking of thame be cessit And thai haue the cours that thai now haue vnto the tyme that the fynance of thame be knawne And quhethir thai halde v s fyne siluir of the vnce as was ordanit be the kingis hienes and promittit be the cunyeouris And to haue a knaulege of the sammyn the lordis thinkis that ilk estate deput now iij personis and ger thame be suorne thareto to ger the saidis plakkis be examynit baith be gold smythis and vthir men that has knawlege tharin and tharefter haue cours as thai ar of avale be sicht of the kingis hienes And the conyeouris to be punyst as efferis gif thare be fait fundin Ffor the serching of the money / for the clergy The Bischop of Aberdine The Abbot of Halyrudhouse The Abbot of Dunfermlyne For the barouns [blank in original] For the commissaris of burowis Sir Alexander Napar James Aikman George of Gyrnlaw JAMES III.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 87 X. — 9 May 1474, Acts about Bullion continued, cmcl commissioners api^ointed to look into the matter of Money. Item aneiit the mater of the mone and the Inbringyne of bulyeone It is statute ande Acts of ordanit that the actis and statutis maide of befor anent the Inbringyne of bulyeone sal ^'^^j'^^^" be obseruit and kepit that is to say of Ilk serplar twa wnce of brynt siluir And of wthir gudis efferande thareto of the last of hydis iiij wnce and of the last of salmonde ij wnce 106, c. 4. and of claith and wthir gudis with this addicione that the custumaris sail or thai gif the coket till ony schip tak souerte and borovis of Ilk. a merchande for the hame bringyne of bulyeon as said is and sail yerly mak cownt tharof in the chekare And gif the custumaris failyeis in the takyn of the saide souerte thay to be punyst tharfor and depryuit of thair office for euer and quhat merchande that failyeis herein to pay x li to the king And becaus the mater of the mone is rycht subtile and gret and may nocht haistely be set It is thocht speidfuU that the thre estatis commyt thair power to certane wyse and discret personis to the nowmer of x or xij to awise and set the cours of the mone and to deuise new mone as thai think maist expedient. XI. — 9 May 1474, Commissioners appointed. Item This parliament to be continewit to the • vj • day of August with continewatioun Vol. n. p. of dayis and the power of the thre Estatis to be committit to certane persounis to the number of xxiiij • Prelatis Barronis and commissaris vnder writtin ^ to auise and conclude vpone the maters that sail occur in the meintyme and in speciall of the money and with power gif thay think speidfull to continew it to ane vther day and haue the samin autoritie And thir ar the names of the persounis that is to say etc XII. — 20 Nov. 1475, Exportation of Money prohibited, melting Coins forbidden, and values raised. Item anent the money becaus tlie lordis vnderstandis that the pretermitting and Vol. II. p. sleuth that has bene in the execucione of the Actis maid for the in bringing of bulyone in °' the Realme And alsa the serching and kepin of the money fra passin furth of the Realme / has causit the gret skantnes that Is now of money throw al the land / that thare fore oure Souerane lorde sal yit cause the Actis and statutis maid of befor bathe of the inbringing of bulyone and kepin of the money be scharply put to execucione and that the brekaris thairof be punist efter the forme of the Actis maid thair vpone of before And that the king now deput trew and able personis to be sercharis in tyme to cum that wil and may do diligence for the haldin in of the money as Is statut of before and that the merchand sail haue for ilk vnce of brint siluir that he bringis to the cunyour xij § And the cunyour of that brint siluir to mak xij grottis of the vnce of the sammyn prent that the new grote is now and of the sammyn finace of the new Ynglis grote And that thair sal ^ The names are not given. 38 RECOEDS or THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES III. Acts of be j d and j half d of siluir made of the sammyn finace according to the new grot and ' 1475. ' that d to haue cours for iij d Vol u~p 112 Item because it is wel knawin that al cunyit money bath siluir and gold put to the 0. 7. fire to be maid bulyone to vthir new money Is minist waistit and distroyit in the translacione be the fire to the gret skath and hurt of the king and his liegis and suld nocht be sufferit in tyme to cum It Is thairfor statut and ordanit that fra hyn furth nouther siluir nor gold that beris prent and forme of cunye of quhat cunye that euer it be of / be in ony wise moltyn or put to the fire be the kingis cunyouris or goldsmythis to ony werk without speciale licence or charge of the king / bot that al money gold and siluir that Is cunzit and has prent be conseruit and haldin hale to pas amang the kingis liegis as he ordanit It to haue cours. c. 9. Item It is statut and ordanit for the gret scantnes and want of gold that Is within the Realme throw having out of the samyn / becaus It standis here at lawer price than in vthir cuntreis It Is statut and ordanit that the gold sal haue cours in tyme tocum in this wise that is to say the Eose noble to xxxv s / the Henry noble to xxxi § / the angel to xxiij § / the Franch crowne to xiij § iiij d/ the demy to xiij s iiij d / the Scottis crowne to xiij § and iiij d/ the salus to xv s yj d/ the lew to xvij § vj d / the Eidar to XV § vj d / And al vthir gold to pas efter the wecht and fynace at the plesance of the gevar and the takar Item that al siluir money haue sic lyk cours in tyme tocum as It has this day c. 10. Item to Eemove discorde amangis the kingis liegis betuix creditouris and thare dettouris that ar awin summez It Is statut and ordanit that nochtwithstandin the variacione of the cours of gold and siluir quhat cours that euer It haue the dettour sal pay his creditouris the det of the money that suld haue bene pait at the terme befor the makin of this Act with sic money and of the samyn price as the money had cours befor this proclamacion and parliament. XIII. — 1 June 1478, Acts anent Bullion continued and confirmed. Vol. II. p. Alssua becaus our souuerain lord Is Informit that his Eealme is parit and wastit of 118, c. 3. money In default of the Cunye that has bene strikin in tymes bigain/ and the auld money that had cours In this Eealme baith of the Eealme self and vtheris has bene translatit and put to fyre And maid bulyeoun to vthir moneye that Is strikin of new Incontrar the avisament of the last parliament / throu the quhilk thare is litle or nane aid moneye of this cuntre nor vtheris gangand / nouther demyis lyouns IngUs nobillis lewis Tranche Crovnis Inglis grottis flour de lis grotis xiiij d grotis bot of the mast part baith gold and siluir put to fyre Our souuerain lord at the Eaquest of his thre estatis has grantit now to mak the actis of his parliament / baith in his progenitouris tymes and his awin of the Inbringing of bulyeoun be put In execucion and be obseruit and kepit And in likwis the Actis maid vppoun the sercheing and keping in of the money in the Eealme be put to scharp execucioun and gud serchearis sett thareuppon At all portis and places neidfuU and JAMES III.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 39 gif It nedis scharp ReuyUis thairuppon be counsale and avis of his lords of counsale And Acts of In the meyntyme qnhill the Realme may be stuffit of bulyeoun that It may be sene and ^^'I'/fg^' knawin / quharof that new money may be strikin / his hienes wil of his grace as said Is / ger case all cunyeing and stryking of moneye gold siluyr gret or small And ger tak the Irnys fra the cunyeouris Incontinent And put thaim in souer keping / Sua that thare cum na mare hurt to the Realme throu the stryking of moneye in tyme cuming And quhat tyme that his hienes thinkis that the Realme be stuffit of bulyeon he sail than God willing with the avis of the lordis of his consale mak a sett and Reuyle of his moneye baith gold and siluir of the wecht and finance / that It sail hald the cours that It sail haf And mak and ordane a wardain and a master of his cunye of substans and knaulege that sal be Responsale to his hienes vpon thare lifis and honour for the keping of the ordinans and statutis that sal be maid. XIV. — 2 Dec. 1482, Acts against exportation of Monei/ to be j^ut in force. Alsa It is statute and ordanit that the actis and statutis made of before anent the Vol. ii. p. 144, balding of money within the Realme / be put to execucioun and the panys Raisit but ^' ^' fauouris And that gude and trew serchouris be set at al portis eftir the forme of the aCtis and statutis made of before. XV. — 24 Feb. 1483, Neio Coinage of gold and silver ordered, and no Money to he sent to Rome. It is Statut and ordanit be our Souuerane lord and his thre estatis in this parliament Vol. ii. p. 166, c 10 that a fyne penny of gold be strikin to be of wecht and finace to the Rose noble and a penny of siluir to be equale in finace to the auld Inglis groit and ten of thame to mak the vnce of siluir and to haue cours and gang for xiiij d and that thare salbe half groit of the samyn And the said penny of gold to haue cours and gang for xxx of the said grotis Ane vthir of gold to haue passage for xx of the said grotis of the samyn prent And the thrid penny of golde to haue cours and passage for x of the said grotis and to be of the samyn prent and the said penneis of gold and siluir to haue sic prent and circumscripcioun as salbe avisit be the kingis hienes/ and all vthir mone to be conformit equaly thairfor And that our souueran lord sail lymyt a wise man that has knaulage in the mone / to be wardan thairof and to examyn and assay the finace of the said gold and siluir eftir the forme of Reule made in parliamentis of befor The said wardane and Cunyeouris havand sic like fee for thare labouris as thai had in our souueran lordis faderis and grantschiris tym / and sic like proffit to cum to the kingis hienes of the said Cunye And as for the Inbringing of bulloun the merchandis sail for the gude of the Realme bring in of ilk serplar of woll skynn hidis and claith and of ilk last of salmond efferand thareto four vnce of brynt sduir and sal haue for Ilk vnce ten of the said grotis. Alsa for the eschewing of the grete skaith and dammage that the Realme daily sustenis c n. 40 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES III. Acts of be having of mone furth of the Realme / be prelatis and clerkis for promocions and pleis in "^^iTss!"*' ^^^^ court of Rome / It is statut and ordanit be consent of the thre estatis that in tym to- cum Ilk prelait or clerk that passis or sendis to the court of Rome / for promocions or pleis saU cum to the kingis chekker and befor the Auditoris of the samyn prufe and mak knawin his finance made in merchandis of the Realme to the avale of the some that he spendis in the Court of Rome / Sa that It may be clerely vnderstand that he nouthir sendis nor has mone furth of the Realme bot samekle as Is suffrit be actis of parliament made of befor and he that failzeis of the said knaulage and preif to be punyst as havar of mone furth of the Realme eftir the forme of the said actis And that the samyn actis be scharply put to execucioun anent the serching of the said mone / in all portis and havynnis within the Realme for the balding in of the samyn. XVI. — 26 May 1485, Neio Coinage again ordered. Vol. II. p. Item It is statut and ordanit be our souueran lord and his thre estatis in this parlment 172, c. 16. ^j^^^ ^ penny of gold be strikin to be of wecht and finace to the Rose noble/ and a penny of siluir to equale in finace to the auld Inglis grote and ten of thaim to mak the vnce of siluir and to haue cours and gang for xiiij d and that thair sal be half groit of the samyn and the said penny of gold to haue cours and gang for xxx of the said grotis and ane penny of gold to haue passage for xx of the said grotis of the samyn prent / And the thrid penny of gold to haue passage for ten of the said grotis and to be of the samyn prent And the said penneis of gold and siluir to haue sic prent and circumscripcioun as sal be avisit be the kingis hienes and all vthir money to be equaly conformit tharefor And that our souueran lord sal lymyt a wise man that has knaulage in the money to be wardan tharof and to examyn and assay the finace of the said gold and siluir eftir the forme and Reule maid in parliamentis of befor/ The said wardan and cunyouris hafand sic like fee for their labour as thai had in our souueran lordis fadris and grantschiris tym and sic like profi&t to cum to the kingis hienes of the said Cunye / And as for the inbringing of bulzone the merchandis sail for the gude of the Realme bring in of Ilk serplar of woll Ilk last of salmond Ilk four houndreth claith four vnce of brynt siluir Ilk last of hidis sex vnce Ilk last of hering twa vnce and of aU vthir gudis that pais custum to the king the merchand thairof sal bring in the bulyon efferand thareto And attour becaus that the merchandis that bringis hame the bulyon quhilk salbe of the finace forsaid sail haue of the said Cunye and to be pait of the said wardan xij s for Ilk vnce that tharefor our souueran lord grantis to the said Cunyeouris to strek penneis for Ilk fourtj vnce / ane vnce of penneis / and the said wardan saU furnyse the cunyouris of bulyoun haue the Irnis in keping and ressaue It that is cunyeit to be changeour thairof and pay the merchandis for the said bulyon / and to tak assay of the gold and siluir that sail be cunyeit as said Is / to be kepit and examyt yerly at the chekker and thare to be made compt of sa mony vncez as sal be Cunyeit in the yere bath gold and siluir and penneis And the Custumaris at thare comptis making to be chargit with sa mony vncez of Ilk serplar in the forme abone writin / and to be dischargit of safer as thai deliuer to the said wardan and changeour And that JAMES III.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 41 the plak and half plak and al vthir money gold and sihiir sal haue the cours to the avale as It was cryit to of befor And as anent the Cunye and money that Is now passand that is to say plakkis and half plakkis / It is our souueran lordis will and he commandis be autorite of this his parliament with avise of his thre estatis that all the said money plakkis and half plakkis sail pas and haue cours vniuersaly throw out the Realme And that nane of his liegis Refuse thaim in tyra tocum nor Rase thair penny worthis hear na thai wald sell for vthir money gold or siluir vnder payne of dede / and eschete of all thare gudis / And for to haue knaulage quha Refus the said money or Rasis the said penne worthis for the said plakkis / the kingis hienes gevis power to all his barons and lordis spirituale and temporale Ilk lord within himself to tak the said trespassouris that sa does and send him to the king / and the takar thareof sail haue the half of his eschete / and the tother half tocum to the king. XVII.— 26 May 1485, New Groats to he issued, and Placks to he called in. Our Souerane lord of his speciale grace and at the requeist and desire of the lordis Voi. ii. p. of the thre estatis in his parliament haifand consideratioun of the greit distres that now procedis amang his liegis in defalt of vittale and all vthir merchandice and gudis that is put ■ to derth and rasit and put to excedand price and haldin and abstractit fra merkettis throw occasioun of greit quantities of fals countirfatit money plakkis strikin in cunye of lait be fals cunyeouris nocht aUanerlie within this realme bot als outwith the realme sa subtellie and in sic forme of mettale that it is vnpossible to decerne and knaw the trew fra the fals That thairfor his hienes movit of piete and of his grace as said is and for sauftie of his peple eschewing of derth and mony vthir Inconuenientis hes ordanit to ceis the cours and passage of all the new plakkis last cunyeit and gar put the samyne to the fire and of the substance that may be fynit of the samin to gar mak ane new penny of fyne siluir like the xiiij d grote ordanit of befoir quhilk is of fynace to the Inglis grote and ten of thame to make ane vnce / and in parte of releving of his peple that thay sail nocht tyne all the sowmes that thay haue of the saidis plakkis his hienes hes causit Thomas Tod and Alexander Levingstoun to ressaue grant and tak upoun thame all plakkis bath trew and fals that is within his Realme fra quhatsumeuer personis that will bring or send thame to the saidis Thomas and Alexander betuix this and the last day of Maij Inclusiue and to gif tharefor ij d for ilk plak that is to say ane xiiij penny groit for sevin of the said plakkis or ony vthir payment that will empleis the party ressauand and the saidis Thomas and Alexander sail find souertie to the personis that thai ressaue the money fra to mak thame payment as said is gif souertie be desyrit of thame and that the latter payment sal be maid to all personis be the last day of September nixt to cum. Acts of Parliament, 1485. V 42 KECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES III. xviTi. — 11 Jan. 1487, Regulatioiis for the Mint and Coinage. Acts of Item as anent the mater of monye It is thocht expedient and ordanit that for the Pavliament, i ■ p i i • i i 1487. eschewing of grete dampnage and skaith that is daly sustenit be the hale EeaLme / throw making of fals money that nowther kepis wecht nor fynace efter the forme of the act of the e.' v. ^' ' kingis parliament And als throw covnterfeting of the kingis money be fals cunyeouris And als becaus thare has bene in tyme bigane twa maisteris of the money that had baith like power to cunye / sa that it can nocht be vnderstandin clerely quhilk of thame has falezeit quhether ane or baith that the trespassour mycht be accusit and punyst That tharefore in tyme tociim oure souerane lord deput a persoun that his hienes traistis be of Lawte and knawlage to be maister of his monye and here the hale charge thareof And aLs that his hienes deput a trew wise man of gude fame to be wardane of his Cunye And ane vthir to be wislar and changeour quhilkis sail vse thar officis and haue thare feis as wes vsit to be gevin to maisteris of money wardanis and changeouris in aid tymes And that the maister of money sail ansuer to the wardane and changeour in aU thingis as wes wont to be done in oure souerane lordis forebearis tymes And that the maister waredane and changeour compere in the chekker and mak thare Comptis / and the wardane to present his assayis in the chekker or quhat vthir tyme that he salbe chargeit be our souerane lord quhen It pies his hienes to ger tak knaulage be men of Craft geif the money kepis wecht and fynance efter the forme of the act and statutis made thareuppoun. c. 10. Item It is statute and ordanit that the Eesettouris of fals Cunyeouris and consentaris to thame and als bringaris and Eessavaris of fals cunye and counterfetis oute of vthir Eealmes be punyst in likewis as the fals Cunyeouris thame self thai being convict thareof c. 11. Item Anent the mater of the Inbringin of bulyeoun and keping of gold and siluir within the Eealme and punycioun of the merchandice that bringis nocht in bulzeon And als the punycioun of thame that has gold and siluir furth of the Eealme It is statute and ordanit that the actis and statutis of parliament made thairuppoun of before be put to scharp execucion. c. 13. Item Anent the having of the money furth of the Eealme be clerkis merchandis and vther persouns It is statute and ordanit that the actis made thareapoun of before be put to execucioun And that oure souerane lord incontinent ger cheis certane sercheouris at Ilk port and havin of tlie Eealme the quhilk persouns salbe sworne lelely and trewly to exerce the office / and sail haue to ther feis the third parte of all the money that be thare sercheing fallis eschete / and oure souerane lord to haue the twa parte therof and geif ony vtheris will mak sikker certificacioun and prufe that ony maner of persoun within the Eealme takis ony money furth of the sammyn the persoun that makis that knawin sail haue tlie tane half of that money and the king the tother half And attour It is thocht expedient that the having furth of monye vtherwayis than Is levit be the actis of before / be a poynt of dittay and that the persouns that beis convict thareof in the Justice Are be punyst in this wise that all his gudis be confiskit and eschetit to the kingis vse and his persoun presonit JAMES III.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 43 at the kingis will And this act be extendit als wele apoun straiigearis and persouns of vthir Acts of Eealmes as apoun the kingis avne liegis. 1487. EXCHEQUER ROLLS. XIX. — 14 June 1464, Account of Alexander Tod rendered at Perth. Computum Alexandri Tod, monetarij domini nostri Eegis, redditum apud Perth decimo Roll 252. quarto die mensis Junij anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo sexagesimo. quarto, de omnibus receptis suis et expensis de toto lucro cone proueniente domino Eegi monete auri et argenti fabricati per eundem a die vicesimo mensis Julij anni domini quinquagesiini noni vsque in diem huius computi. Et sic de quatuor annis infra hoc computum. Idem onerat se in primis de ix ti xiiij s vj d prouenientibus de cona duodecim librarum duarum vnciarum cum dimidia vncie auri fabricati per tempus computi capiendo Eegi de qualibet vncia duodecim denarios. Et de li ti ix s prouenientibus de cona triceutarum octuagintaquinque librarum et quatuor decim vnciarum argenti fabricati in grossis duodecim deuariorum et sex denariorum per idem tempus, capiendo Eegi de qualibet vncia duos denarios. Et de vj ti vj § ob prouenientibus de cona nonaginta quatuor librarum octo vnciarum cum dimidia argenti fabricati in minutis denariis et obulis per idem tempus., capiendo regi de qualibet vncia vnum denarium. XX. — 3 July 1465, Alexander Tod's account rendered at Edinburgh. Computum Alexandri Tod, monetarij domini nostri Eegis, redditum apud Edinburgh Roll 254. tercio die mensis Julij anno etc. sexagesimo quinto, de omnibus receptis suis et expensis de officio cone monetate et fabricate per eundem, a die decimo quarto mensis Junij anni sexagesimi quarti vsque in diem huius computi. Item idem onerat se de liiij § ix d prouenientibus de cona quatuor librarum sex vnciarum cum tribus quartis vncie auri monetati per tempus computi capiendo Eegi de qualibet vncia duodecim denarios. Et de ix ti vj § ij d prouenientibus de .cona sexaginta novem librarum et tresdecim vnciarum argenti fabricati in grossis duodecim denariorum et sex denariorum per idem tempus reddendo Eegi de qualibet vncia duos denarios. Et de iiij ti ix s obulo prouenientibus de cona sexaginta sex librarum duodecim vnciarum cum dimidia argenti fabricati in minutis denariis et obulis per idem tempus, reddendo Eegi de qualibet vncia vnum denarium. XXI, — 18 June 1466, Account of Alexander Tod rendered at Linlithgow. Computum Alexandri Tod, monetarij domini nostri Eegis, redditum apud Lithgw Roll 256. decimo octauo die mensis Junij anno domino etc. sexagesimo sexto de omnibus receptis suis et expensis de officio cone monetate et fabricate per eundem a die tercio mensis Julij anni etc. sexagesimi quinti vsque in diem huius computi. 44 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES III. Exchequer Idem onerat se de xvij § prouenientibus de cona vnius libre et vnius vucie auri Rolls, 1466. monetati per tempus computi, capiendo Eegi de qualibet vncia duodecim denarios. Et de xxix s prouenientibus de decern libris quatuor decim vnciis et tribus quartis vncie argenti monetati in grossis capiendo de qualibet libra triginta duos denarios. Et de viij ti ij § v d obulo prouenientibus de cona centum viginti vnius libraruin tresdecim vnciarum cum dimidia argenti fabricati in minutis denariis et obolis, reddendo Eegi de qualibet libra sexdecim denarios. XXII. — 2 June 1467, Account of Alexander Tod rendered at Perth hy George Grinlaw, warden of the mint, in absence of Alexander Tod. Roll 258. Computum Alexandri Tod, monetarij domini nostri Eegis, redditum apud Perth per Georgeum Grinlaw, gardianura cone, in absencia eiusdem Alexandri, secundo die men sis Junij anno Domini etc. sexagesimo septimo, de omnibus receptis suis et expensis de officio cone per eum monetate et fabricate ex auro et argento a decimo octauo eiusdem mensis Junij anni domini etc. sexagesimi sexti vsque in diem huius computi. Et nichil liic de proficuo nigre monete quia computorum non redditum computum. . . . Onerat se de xxiij § iij d prouenientibus de cona vnius libre septem vnciarum et quarte vncie auri monetati . . . et reddendo Eegi de qualibet vncia duodecim denarios. Et de xxiiij § vj d prouenientibus de cona novem librarum et trium vnciarum argenti monetati in grossis per idem tempus reddendo Eegi de qualibet libra triginta duos denarios. Et de iij ti xj s xj d prouenientibus de cona quinquaginta trium librarum et quindecim vnciarum argenti monetati in minutis denariis reddendo Eegi de qualibet libra sexdecim denarios. . . . XXIII. — 22 June 1468, Account of Alexander Tod and William Gold- smyth rendered at Edinhurgh. [Includes the preceding account.] Roll 260. Computum Alexandri Tod et Willelmi Goldsmyth, monetariorum domini Eegis redditum apud Edinburgh vicesimo secundo die mensis Junij anno domini millesimo quadringentesimo sexagesimo octauo de omnibus receptis suis, et expensis prouenientibus de cona tarn auri et argenti quam de nigra moneta a die decimo octauo eiusdem mensis anni etc sexagesimi sexti vsque in diem huius computi. . . . Onerant se de vj'^ 1 ti prouenientibus de cona nigre monete monetate per compu- tantes ex composicioue facta inter dominum regem et dominos de concilio ex vna et dictos computantes ab alia partibus . . . Item de xxxv s vj d prouenientibus de cona duarum librarum trium vnciarum cum dimidia auri monetati de secundo anno huius computi. Et de xj ti iij s vij d obulo prouenientibus de cona octuaginta trium librarum tresdecim vnciarum cum dimidia argenti monetati ... in grossis . . . Expense eorundem ; in primis allocantur computantibus per liberacionem factam magistro Dawid Guthre de eodem, tunc computorum rotulatori fatenti receptum super JAMES III.] KECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 45 computum et de quibus reddidit computum anno sexagesimo septimo vt patet in eodeni Exchequer in moneta argenti et auri v ti xix § viij d. Et per consimileni solucionem factam dicto _! magistro David Guthre de nigra moneta et de quibus reddidit computu.m vt patet in eodem ij'= xxij ti. Et eisdem per liberacionem factam dicto magistro David de dicta nigra moneta ipso fatenti receptum super computum iij*= xxxiij ii pro quibus respondebit. Et eisdem per decidenciam dicte nigra monete ex eo quod in principio fabricacionis eiusdem habuerunt in parte cursum pro obulis et postea domini de concilio fecerunt eos habere cursum in toto ad quadrantes et Regem duplicare in subuencionem pauperum xlv ti . . . XXIV. — 27 July 1476, Account of Alexander Levingstoun and Thomas Tod rendered at Edinburgh. Compotum Alexandri Levyntoune, et Thome Tod monetariorum domini nostri Eegis, Roll 271. redditum apud Edinburgh octauo die mensis Augusti anno domini etc. septuagesimo sexto de omnibus receptis suis et expensis per conam auri et argenti a die duodecimo mensis Marcij anni domini etc. septuagesimi tercij vsque in diem vicesimum septimum mensis Julij Anni instantis. . . . Onerant se . . . de x ti xiij s prouenientibus de cona tresdecim librarum de le Troys et quinque vnciarum auri monetati in scutis et novis denariis wlgariter dictis Eydaris capiendo de qualibet vncia Eegi duodecim denarios. Et de xxxvj ti viij § prouenientibus de cona ducentarum septuaginta trium librarum argenti dicti ponderis monetati in grossis et dimediis grossis nouis reddendo Eegi de qualibet vncia duos denarios. Et de ix ti vij s iiij d de cona centum et quadraginta librarum et octo vnciarum consimilis ponderis reddendo Eegi de vncia denarium monetata in minutis denariis. Summa . . . Ivj ti viij s iiij d quam summam compotantes soluerunt ad cofras domini Eegis per recepcionem magistri Willelmi Scheues . . . Et memorandum quod compotantes ostenderunt pixidem suam pro examinatione bonetatis huiusmodi monete tam auri quam argenti que remanet clausa sub signeto magistri Alexandri Murray pro examinatione. XXV. — 18 August 1487, Account of Thomas Tod and Alexander Leving- stoun rendered at Edinhurgh. Compotum Thome Tod et Alexandri Levingtoun, monetariorum domini Eegis, Roll 292. redditum apud Edinburgh decimo octauo die mensis Augusti anno Domini etc. octua- gesimo septimo de proficuis cone tam auri quam argenti fabricati a die septimo mensis Octobris anni domini etc. octuagesimi septimi vsque in diem huius compoti. . . . Onerant se . . . de vj ti ix § prouenientibus de cona octo librarum et vnius vncie auri ponderis trajectensis monetati in denariis aureis vocatis vnicarnys soluendo Eegi pro qualibet vncia duodecim denarios. Et de xxiiij ti ij g viij d de cona centum octuaginta vnius libre argenti consimilis ponderis monetati in grossis et dimediis grossis argenti peciei quatuordecim denariorum, soluendo Eegi pro qualibet libra triginta duos denarios per idem tempus. JAMES IV. A.D. 1488-15 14. ACTS OF THE PARLIAMENTS OF SCOTLAND. Vol. II. p. 208, c. 11. I. — 17 Oct. 1488, New Coinages ordered. Item It Is Statut and Ordanit be oure souerane lord and his thre Estatis in this parliament that a fyne penny of gold be strikyne to be of wecht and finace to the rose nobyll And a penny of siluir to be equale in finace to the auld Inglis grote and ten of thame to niak the vnce of siluir to haue cours and gang for xiiij d And that thar sal be halff groite of the sammyn And the said penny of gold to haue course and gang for xxx of the saidis groitis And a penny of gold to haue passage for xx of the saidis groitis of the samyn prent And the thrid penny of gold to haue passage for x of the saids grotis and to be of the sammyn prent And the saidis pennyis of gold and siluir to haue sic prent and circumscripcioun as sal be avisit be the kingis hienes and all vthir money to be equaly Conformit tharfor And that our souerane lord sail lymitt A cunyeour tharto and Alexander Levintoun and a wise leile man that has knaulage in the money to be wardane thar of that Is to say James of Crechtoune of Eothiwen for the space of A yere to examyn and assay the finace of the said gold and siluir efter the forme and Eeule maid in parliamentis of befor / The said wardane and Cunyeouris hafand sic lik fee for thar lavbour as thai had in the tym of our souerane lordis progenitouris and sic lik proffit to cum to the kingis hienes of the said cunye / And as for the Inbringing of bulyoun the merchandis sail for the gud of the Eealme bring in of Ilk serplar of woll Ilk last of salmont like four hundreithe claithe four vnce of brynt siluir Ilk last of hidis sex vnce Ilk last of hering twa vnce // And of all vtheris gudis that payis custum to the king the merchand thar of sail bring in the bulyoun effering thar to And attour that the merchandis that bringis hame the bulyoun quhilk sal be of the finace forsaid sail haue of the said Cunye and to be payit of the said wardane xij s for Ilk vnce And the said wardane sail furnise the cunyeouris of bulyoun haue the Irnis in keiping and Eessaue It that Is Cunyeit to be changeour thar of and pay the merchandis for the said bulyone And to tak assay of the gold and siluir that sal be cunyeit as said Is to be kepit and examint yerly at the chekker And thar to be maid compt of sa mony vncez as sal be cunyeit in the yere baithe of gold and siluir And the JAMES IV.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 47 Custumaris at thar comptis making to be chargeit with sa mony vncez of Ilk serplar and vtheris gudis in the forme aboune writtin And to be dischargeit of sa for as thai deliuer to the said wardane and cunyeour / And that all merchandis that beis fundin culpabile in the brekin of this Statut sail pay to our souerane lord the doubill availe of the saidis vncez of bulyoun according to the serplare and gudis aboune 'writtin And that all vthir money gold and siluir sail haue the course to the availe as It Is now. II. — 14 Jan. 1488, New Coinages again ordered. It is statut and ordanit be our souerane lord and his thre estatis that a penny of gold Voi. ii. p. 212, be Strikin / and sail be of the wecht finance and largenes of the Franch croun and to haue '"' ^' Course for xiiij §. And the prent of the kingis Armes on the ta side as the Scottis croun has with this writting abone Jacobus quartus Dei gra rex Scotorum and on the tothir side ane image of the king in a chair with a lang rob And on that side to be writtin about / Saluum fac / popidum tuum Domine / And ane penny of siluir of the finance of the Inglis groit / and ten of thaim to mak the vnce and haf Course for xiiij d And to haue prent sic As the xiiij d grote has that now Is / Except that the visage sail stand eywyn in the new groit / And at half grote be maid equaly according tharto and to haue course for vij d And that na bulyone nor mynising be maid of the kingis Cunye vnder the pane of dede / And that scharp execucioun be maid and serchowris for the Inbringing of bulyoun in all thingis efter the forme of the actis and statutis maid thar apone in the last parliament and vtheris of before And that all and Sindrj the kingis custumaris charge all merchandis with als mony vncez of bulyoun effering to thare gudis and past furth of the realme Sene the coronacioun of oure souerane lord according to the actis of parliament maid thar apone of before / for the quhilkis the saidis custumaris sail be haldin to gif vp compt in the nixt chekker at thare comptis making the nomer and avale of the said vncez and namez of the merchandis as of the kingis custume. III. — 26 June 1489, Former Acts continued and confirmed. Item as tuiching the Article of the money It is concludit and ordanit that the act Voi. ll. p. 215, and statut maid therapone of before in the last parliament be put to execucioun And at ^' the kingis hienes with the avise of his Consale cheise a lele trew man to be maister cunyeour and elikwise all vtheris officiaris effering therto. Item anent the Article tuiching the byaris and Sellaris of gold and siluer cunyeit c. 10. It is avisit and ordanit be the thre estatis that It be a poynt of dittay in tyme tocum / And thai that beis conwickit therof / thare mouable gudis saU be eschet to the king and thare personis to be wardit for a yere at the will of the kingis hienes And at the kirkmen that othir byis or sellis gold or siluer cunyeit as said Is The lordis thinkis expedient / that the bischopis ger tak Inquesicioun therof Ilkeane within his diocy And he that beis conuict therof that his bischop distrenze his froitis that Is beneficiit for xl ti to the reparacioun of the haly kirk And of thaim that ar nocht beneficiit x merkis and Acts of Parliament, 1488. 48 RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES IV. Acts of thare personis to be punist be thare ordinaris And as to the prelatis that beis fundin 1489. ' culpable herof that the kingis hienes ger distrenze thare temporaliteis for the Double avale of the said soume. IV. — 3 Feb. 1489, Former Acts continued, a master of the mint ap- pointed, and a neiv Coinage ordered. Vol. II. p. 221, Item anent the act of Saling of merchandis quliilk Is maid of before That the c. 14. Sammyn act be now In tyme cuming obseruit and kepit be the marchandis And elikwise Anent the Inbringing of bulyovue that the act maid therappone be kepit / and gevin to scharp execucioun / And that the Auditouris of this chekker and all vtheris in tyme tocum tak Compt of the Inbringing of the said bulyovne Sene the tyme of our souerane lord lik as mare lenthe Is contenit in vtheris actis maid therapone And that the said Compt be takyn efter the quantitie of the gudis that Is cumin hame And as anent the saling of the said merchandis that the prouestis aldermen and bailyeis of burrowis mak deligent serching and seikyng on the salaris in wynter fra all hallowmes to Candilmes and mak the vulawis to be Rasit on the brekaris herof to the king vnder the pain of x ti to be takin of the saidis officiaris that beis necligent / herintill for Ilk persone that salis that beis vnpunist in thare defalt. c. 18. Item anent the article of the mater of money It is thocht expedient be the lordis of articlis and als statut in this present parliament that thare be A trew substancius man maid maister of the money and cunye / quhilk sail forge and prent / money and cunye to serue all the kingis liegis And that the cunze sal be in this maner a grote to haf course and gang for xiiij d and ten of thaim to mak ane vnce and to be of the sammyn finace as the Edward grot of Ingland And at the said cunyeour sail gif and pay for the vnce of brynt siluir xj s vj d and for Paris siluir and siluir of the new werk of Bruges siclik and as for the siluir werk of this realme that beis brocht to the cunye quhilk Is nocht sa fyne the said cunyeour sail gif and deliuer therfore the veray avale to the avnare of the said siluir And sameikle as It is wer na Paris siluir or siluir of the new werk of Bruges to be defalkit and Rabatit in the price of the said siluir And gif the said cunyeour and the sellare of the said siluir werk can nocht aggre of the price thare sal be twa trew goldsmythis sworn be thare gret aithis to se and exemyn the said siluer werk and the valour tharof And to declare quhat It is worthe / like vnce / of the quhilk modificacioun and price baith the cunyeour awnare and sellare of the said siluir werk sail stand content / and to haf knawlege that the said cunye be kepit in wecht and fines with the said Edward grot / This said cunye sail haf a signe and takin maid in the prenting hafand difference fra the first cunye And gif ony of the new grotis be fundin wer in wecht and fines na the said Edward groit the Cunyeour to be punist therfore and tyne his lif and gudis And to be exemmit and sene at the nixt parliament And soiiare gif It plessis the king And because It is menit to our souerane that his gold and siluir cunyeit in his realme is be ignorant personis refusit / quhen the said gold and siluir has ony crak flaw or beis sovddit It is ordinit that the said gold and syluir be ressauit be all the kingis liegis sa JAMES IV.] RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 49 that It kepe the wecht and be gude and trew metall Suppose It be with crak flaw or Acts of -IT - Hi i / Parliament, sovdding as said Is m all tymmes to cum / 1439 V. — 28 April 1491, Cracked Gold Coins to he current. Item it is statut and ordinit / that becaus It wes statut in the last parliament that Vol. 11. p. 226, c 12 all gold quhilk held wecht and finance suld be tane in payment And nochtwithstanding the said statut / thai refuse to tak gold that Is crakkit That tharfore It is statute and ordinit that all sic gold salbe takin without refus And quha sa dois in the Contrare sail tyne the avale of the penny that he refusis In this wise that quhare the said gold beis gevin for dettis the refusare sail tyne the penny be him refusit And It sal be sufficient acquittance to the proflferare of the said det And gif It beis gevin for gudis to be bocht the Refusare sail tyne the avale of the penny refusit in the saidis gudis. VI. — 8 May 1493, The Groats of Berwick and of various money ers to be current. Item Anent the truble and debait / that is amang our souerane lordis liegis of the Vol. 11. p. 233, c 10 refusing of the money for the crakkis and flawis being in the gold / or the siluir / quhilk is sufficient of fynace and of oure souerane lordis prent / and for the diuersitie of diners cunyeis of siluir strikin be diuers cunyeouris / the said siluir and grotis beand sufficient of fynace berand prent of our souerane lordis straik. It is be the auise of the lordis of the articlis chargeit and commandit be our souerane lord and the Estatis of the Parliament / that aU the Kingis liegis of his realme but impediment ressaue and tak the said money gold and siluer / as said is / for ony merchandice or victuallis/ or vther thing being to sell/ nochtwithstanding the diuersitie of prentis of the straikis of sindry cunyeouris / alsweill the straik of Gilbert Fische / quhilk the commoun pepill callis Berwyk grotis / as of vmquhile Leuingstoun and Johne Currour. And gif ony persoun or personis refusis the samin contrair the statutis maid tharupoun in the last Parliament / The haifar of the said money sail cum to the oflficeris or baillies of the toun / and schaw the said money / quhilk beand gude and sufficient the saidis officeris sail gar him haue the merchandis or penny worthis fra the persoun / that refusis the said money. And samekle of gude money as he refusis / the sellar sail tyne to be the kingis escheit / and deliuer the pennyworthis to the byar. And gif the money / that was offerit / gold or siluir be fals cunye and euill stuffe / sene and vnderstandin be the officeris of the toun be the auise of the men haifand knawlege of the money / the saidis officeris sail clip and brek the said fals money and cuinyie of euill stuffe gold and siluer. Sua that It mak na mair truble nor desfreindschip amangis the kingis liegis / and delieuer the samin clippit money agaiie to the awnar. VII. — 18 June 1496, Clerks forbidden to take Money out of the realm. . . . That it may be understandin / that thai (kirkmen) haue na money furth of the Voi. 11. p. 238, realme ... ^' G 50 RECOEDS OF THE COINAG]<: OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES IV. Acts of VIII. — 13 June 1496, A Master of the Mint to he appointed, and former ^^'iToe!"*' Acts continued. Vol. n. p. 238, Item It is statute and ordaiiit / that our souerane Lord with auise of his consale ordane / and statute ane famous and wise man / that is expert / and vnderstandis the maner and fassoun of cunye to be maister of the money / and anent the strikeing the forme thairof / the fynace / and the course / and anent the inbringing of bulyeoun / and serching to be maid of the samin / and of the outpassing thairof of the Eealnie. That the statutis and actis maid thairupoun of befoir be kepit / And that this maister of money and serchouris haue vpoun thame the charge of causing and solisting of the saidis actis to be put to executioun. And gif thai be notit of Indeligence or sleuth thairin / that thai be punyst be the kingis gude grace / and his lordis of counsale according to thair trespas / and to be depriuit of thair ofticis and vtheris put in thair place. And that the custumaris of burrowis mak compt at this present Chekker / and in all tymes to cum / of the Inbringing of bulyeon / according to the quantitie of thair nierchandice past furth of the realm eftir the forme of the said actis. And that the said maister of money and cunyeouris vnder him pay to the merchandis for the said bulyeoun / or to ony vther persounis / that will sell thame fyne stuffe to cunye / the prycis contenit in the saidis actis and na les vnder the pane of presoning of thair personis / and depriuatioun of thair of&cis. IX. — 11 March 1 503, Former Acts against exportation of Money confirmed. Vol. II. p. 242, Item as to the taking furth of gold and siluir furth of the Eome It is avisit statut C. 11* and ordanit that the actis and statutis maid of befor for the haldin of the money in the Eome with this addicioun that it be ane punt of dittay apoun the takaris furth of the samyn and als at the kingis hienes deput and ordand certane cesouris in euerilk toun quhilk Is ane port quhilk sal haue power to cerse the salaris and passaris furth of the Eome for hauffing furth of money quhat sumeuer persone spirituale or temporale and at he sal haue for his feyis the ferd part of the sovmis that he findis bringing in the tother iij partis in the kingis vse excepand xl § alanerlie quhilk Is granted til him of befor be actis and statutis maid thairapoun to mak his expens and at this constitutioun and acte be maid apoun strangeris and alanearis as the kingis liegis And gif It can be previt that the said cersouris or ony of thaim lat ony money pass furtht mair than the said xl § thair witting he sail ansuer thairapon apon his lyve and dittay to be tane apon him thairfor. X. — 11 March \60?>, Former Acts as to Bidlion and cracked Money continued. Vol. II. p. 246, Item Anent the hamebringing of bulyeon It is statute and ordanit that the aid actis ' and statutis maid thairuppon be put to execution and obseruit and kepit / And the JAMES IV.] KECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 51 Custumaris resaue the said bulyeon fra the merchandis and gef compt thairfor in the Acts of Parliament, chekker. 1503. Item It is statute ordanit that because thair Is and has bene gret deference and refus y^j 246, in the takin of the money having course in the Eealme It beand other crakkit or flawit ^9- thairfor that in tyme to cum / na maner of persone or personis refuse to tak for thair merchandice / ony money siluir or gold havand course in this Eealme nochtwithstanding It be other crakkit or flawit with certification that quhais dois in tlie contrar / sail tyne the siluir that thaj refuse to be eschaete to the king / and the byar to have the stuf that he suld have coft with the said money. XI. — 16 March 1503, Former Acts against exportation of Money confirmed. Item As to the taking of gold or silair furth of the realme It is auisit statute and Voi. ll. p. 2.50, c 12 ordanit that the actis and statutis maid of befoir for the balding of money within the realme be put to dew executioun with this additioun that it salbe ane poynct of dittay vpon the takaris furth of the samyn And als that the kingis hienes depute certane sercheouris in euirilk toun quhilk hes ane port the quhilkis sercheouris sail haue power to serche the salaris and passaris furth of the realme for having furth of money quhatsumeuir persoun he be spirituale or temporall And he sail haue for his feis the feird parte of the money that is takin be him he bringand the tothir thre partis to the king And that na persounis nothir spirituale nor temporall haue mair money furth of the realme bot xl § of the quhilkis he hes licence be vther actis of befoir vnder the pane of escheit. ACCOUNTS OF LORD HIGH TREASURER. XII. — Feb. 1496, Various receipts relating to Coinage. The fift day of Februar resauit fra Sir Thomas Tod of the cunyee siluer of the pennyis Comp. Thes. . MS Gen. Reg. House Ediu. Item the xx day of Februar' (1496) I resauit fra Maister Johne Fresel clerk of the Eegister ane chenyee contenand xxi vnce and thre quarteris of ane vnce and cunyeit be the kingis command and resauit therof aucht scor xiiij vnicornis — Summa Wvj ti xij §. XIII. — July and August 1497, Various i-eceipts relating to Coinage. Item the xxvij day of Julij resauit fra schir Thomas Tod for iij puud wecht four vnce and thre quartaris of ane vnce of gold in xxxvj linkis of the gret chenye cunyeit be the kingis command iiij'^xxij vnicornis — Summa iij'^lxxix ti xvj s. Item the ferd day of August resauit fra Schir Thomas Tod of xviij linkis of the gret chenye weyand xxv vnce ij'^xii vnicornis and ane half Summa j<=lxxxxi ii v s. 52 RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES IV. Accounts of XIV, 6 Aug. 1506, Account rendered hy the Treasurer, from 10 Lord High - i c a 4 Treasurer, . J^eoruary 1504. 1506. Item idem onerat se de iij'^lxxvij ti xij d proiienientibus ex lucro per comum- tacionem trium millium sexingentorum nonaginta sex coronarum viz. scutomm Francie extendencium in moneta Scoticana ad duo millia quingentarum octuaginta septem librarum iiij""" solidorum racione cone per tempus compoti. Item idem onerat se de ix'^lxx ti xviij s prouenientibus de tribus antiquis amphoris argentiis deauratis octo perapsidum sex discorum argenteorum et quatuor salsariorum dictorum le salsaris etiam argentiorum ponderantibua in toto septuagenta vnam libras vnam vnciam cum dimedio de le troey ponderis conetatis in le plakkis preter diuersas alias expensas de mandate domini regis per idem tempus. Item idem onerat se de v4xvij ti xiij § ob. prouenientibus de duobus flacatis argentiis vocatis de Balgony et de Magistro Angusie et duorum perapsidum ac vnius disci argentij ponderantibus in toto quindecim libras quatuor decim vncias et quarteriam vncie et pondus vnius grossi cum dimedio necnon ex lucro commutacionis certi argenti empti ponderantis sexagenta octo libras septem vncias vnam quarteriam vncie cum dimedio quarterie vncie dicti le troey ponderis conetati in singulis denariis per dictum tempus expensis deductis et quelibet libra predictarum oneracionum continens sex decim vncias. XV. — 6 Sep. 1507, Account rendered by the Treasurer, from 6 August 1506. Cona Item idem onerat se de j™vij''xj ti xv s viij d" prouenientibus ex lucro trice . . . viginti quinque librarum sex vnciarum vnius grossi et dimedij le troiey Wecht arg . . . empti omnibus oneribus et expensis deductis conetati per tempus compoti. Et de iiij<=lxxxvj ti x d ob. prouenientibus ex lucro per commutacionem quinque millium quinquaginta septem cum dimedia coronarum, viz. scutorum Francie, conetatarum similiter per tempus compoti. XVI. — 8 August 1508, Account rendered from 6 Sept. 1507. Cona. Item idem onerat se de ij^i'^lxxxxix ti v s ij d prouenientibus ex lucro quadringen- tarum qua . . . quatuor librarum duodecim vnciarum trium grossorum ponderis ley troies wecht argenti empti omnibus oneribus et expensis deductis conetati per tempus compoti. Et de ij<=lxxxviij ti xviij s vij d pro^^enientibus ex lucro sexdecim librarum trium vnciarum cum dimedia auri conetati per tempus compoti. Cathena. Et de xlij ti de cathena olim pertmente domino Simple ponderante septem vncias dimidiam et conetata in summa ponderis auri predicti que cathena scribitur in pede compoti quondam Roberti Lundy de Balgony tunc thesaurarij Et regi pro summa predicta deliberata. JAMES IV.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 53 XVII. — 14 August 1512, Account rendered from 25 August, 1511. ^LoTdHigh'^ Item idem onerat se de j'^xxvij ti x s prouenientibus de conetacione vnius amphore '151*2.'^'^' argenti ponderantis undecim libras vnam vnciam cum dimedia conetati in grossis duodecim denariorum de propriis domini regis per tempus compoti. Et de vj^xj li prouenientibus ex conetacionibus certorum vasorum argenteorum; vide- licet, duorum le spice platis, vnius fracti deaurati et alterius non deaurati; vnius le thrawin Coupe cum coopertorio eiusdem, deaurate, carentis le Knop, cum pede laxo ; vnius le Coupe sine coopertorio, deaurate ; vnius le Coupe cum coopertorio, cum tribus pedibus, uno laxo, carentis le Knops, deaurate, et quadam parte de le crownel coopertorij ; et vnius le moyar ; vnius le playn Coupe cum coopertorio, deaurate, pede eiusdem laxo ; duarum tassiarum quas Johannes Francis deportauit, pedibus earundem laxis; unius le thrawin Coupe cum coopertorio, deaurate, que fuerunt in custodia Roberti Douglas seruitoris domini regis ; et vnius le quhit chargeour ordinati pro seruicio capitis apri ; et duorum le gilt chargeoris ; que vasa ponderabant triginta tres libras septem vncias et pondus septem grossorum cum dimedio anglicarum ; conetatorum in le plakkis de propriis domini regis per tempus compoti. Et de j™lxxxix ti v § iiij d prouenientibus de conetacione viginti trium le lynkis auri de magna Cathena domini regis ponderantium septem libras quinque vncias cum dimedia auri conetati in le vnicornis per tempus compoti. Et de v"vij'=lxxxxiii ti iiij s x d ob. prouenientibus ex lucro cone per tempus compoti, omnibus oneribus deductis. XVIII. — 29 Oct. 1512, Account rendered from 14 August 1512. Et de iij<^j ti xvj s v d prouenientibus ex lucro cone a vicesimo Augusti inclusiue anni v"=xj vsque vj*"™ Septembris exclusiue eiusdem anni omisssis et neglectis in scaccario in compoto immediate precedenti hoc compotum. XIX. — 8 August 1513, Account rendered from 29 October 1512. Cona, Et de iij^xlvj ti receptis a Magistro David Scot Custode monete cone per tempus compoti. MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS. XX. — 7 Oct. 1488, James Crichtoun appointed Warden of the Mint. Litera facta Jacobo Crechtoun de Ruthvendavy constituendo ipsum gardianum tocius Reg. Mag. sig. monete et cone regni pro vno anno et deinde pro voluntate regis, et assignando sibi decem '^o- 36 libras annuatim soluendas per magistrum seu magistros monete ad duos anni terminos etc. cum omnibus aliis proficuis et deuoriis eidem officio spectantibus etc. Datum apud Edinburgh vij° Octobris anno prescripto. JAMES V. A.D. 1514-1543. ACTS OF THE PARLIAMENTS OF SCOTLAND. I. — 20 August 1524, Value of Foreign Coins Jixed. state Papers, " Item It Is Statute and ordanit that forsamekle as sousis tracentes and Karolusis vTn^"voni" franche moneye beand layet with coppir has passage in this Realme And It Is thought No. 63. expedient that na layit money of any cuntreis hot fyne siluer haue passage in this cuntre in Parliaiiicut but apoun ain competent price Tharfor ordanis the Karolus ye sousz and tracene to be ye xx'day'of' comonalie ressauid and giuen for payment amang our sordaine lordis liegis as eftir foUowis of God ^^^^ sousz and the tracent for v d the pece the Karolus for iiij d and na hiear. Supplement to Item becaus It is undirstand to our Soverane Lorde and the Estatis of this Kealme prrit,ment ^^^^ ^^^^ g^^^ furth of the sammyn in greit quantite becaus it is tryit to ane hieare price and valoure in vthir realmis nor heyr And for remeid therof to cans the gold remane in this countree It is statute and ordanit that the gold sail have comone cours and passage amongst our Soverane Lordis liegis and gevin and takin as efter foUowis for payment, That is to say the Eos noble of Weiht for xliiij s the Hary noble of "Weiht for xl s, the Angell noble for xxx s, all Dukatis of weiht that gaif of before xix s to have cours for xx s the Scottis demy of wecht xviij s and the Scottis Croune of weiht xvij § and all wthir monye Gold and Silver to have cours as of before. II. — 14 Nov. 1524, Lords of Articles commissioned to look to the matter of Money. Vol. II. p. 286, Item It Is diuisit and ordanit that the Archibischop and Bischop of Sanctandro and Abirdene the Erlis of Arane and Ergile be lordis of our souerane lordis secret counsale to divise and conclude the materis betuix realm and reakn the striking of cunye / setting of J ustice airis / and all vtheris gret materis belangand the commoun wele of our souerane lord and his realm be avise of the quenis grace scho beand principale c. 10. Item ane penny of gold and ane vther of siluir to be cunyeit of fynace and quantitie and how the stuff sail be Inbrocht as the saidis lordis of artiklis sail think expedient Ordanis the gold of the myne to be cunyeit JAMES v.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 55 III. — 12 June 1526, Searchers appointed at the various ports. Acts of Parliament, Item anent the artikle tuiching the course of money bringing hame of bulyeoim gold and siluir and the having furth of the gold of the mynd Ordanis the actis and statutis V'ol. ii. p. 306, C 11. maid thairupoun of before to haue effect and to be put to execucioun in the scharpest form and serchouris to be depnt thairto as accordis That Is to say Archibald Douglace provest of Edinburgh to be serchour principale at the port of Leith with sic deputis as he plesis to deput vndir him to serche and seik all maner of persouns passand furth of this realme at the said port / sa that nane of thame tak furth money gold or siluir with thame cunyeit or vncunyeit And siclik the said Archibald to deput vnder him serchouris at every port of the realme to that effect that the money may remane in the samin vncareit furth of the realme conforme to the auld actis of parliament maid thairupoun of before And the said serchouris to eschet and tak all sic money to be had away And that ane half of the money eschetit to be Inbrocht to our souerane lordis vse And that vther half to remane with the serchouris for thair laubour. IV, — 12 Nov. 1526, Contract ivith Achisoun approved. Eatifijs and appreuis the contract and apunctuament maid betuix Archibald Douglas Vol. li. p. 3io thesaurer to our souerane lord provest of Edinburgh and James Achisone goldsmyth completed at"'^ maister cunyeour tuiching the stryking and prenting of money / gold / and siluir in all P' punctis and articlis eftir the forme and tenenour of the said contract of the quhilk the tenour followis At Edinburgh the penult day of October the yer of God J™ v<= and xxvj yeris It is appunctit and aggreit. betuix honorable persouns that Is to say Archibald Douglas provest of Edinburgh and thesaurare to our souerane lord on that ane part and James Achisone goldsmyth burges of the Cannongait on that vthir part In maner following That Is to say the said James sail haue fredome and preuilege to prent gold and siluir with the kingis Irnis as he did of befor he gevand to the kingis grace fre of Ilk pund wecht of cunyeit money xx schillingis except the wardanis fe the sayaris fe and the sykaris of the Irnis fee to be pait of the kingis purse as vse and wont was of before And the said James to pay to the kingis grace for Ilk vnce of vnmoltynnit gold of the mynde bocht for vij, ti twenty sex schilling And for Ilk vnce of vthir gold prentit be the said James and bocht derrar than sevin pundis / fiftene schillingis fre to the kingis grace and his thesaurare in his Name In witnes of the quhilk thing the saidis partijs has subscriuit this present contract with thair handis day yer and place forsaidis befor thir witnes. V. — 24 Nov. 1526, Against false Coiiiage. Item forsamekle as dieurs wikkit evill avisit personis fenyies and contirfeitis oure vol. ii. p. 315, souerane lordis money quhilk may returne to the gret dampnage of this realme without ^' remeid be prouidit tharefore in tyme Tharefore It Is statute and ordanit that all provestis aldermen bailies and officeris of burrowis serche and seik apoune all mercat dais and vthir 56 KECORDS or THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES V. Acts of tymes / necessar all personis that can be apprehendit haifand fals money or counterfetis ^"isTe"*^' Kingis Irnis of Cunye and bring or send thame to our souerane lordis Justice to be Justifijt for thare demeritis efter the forme of the La wis of the realme maid agains fals Cunyeouris. VI. — 13 May 1532, Former Acts against export of Money confirmed. Vol. II. p. 336, Item anent the artikle for saving and keping gold siluir and vthir money within the ^' ^' realm / It Is statut and ordanit that the actis maid herapoun of befor be put to dew and sclierp execucioun in all punctis And that sercheouris be chosin thairto as the kingis grace sail think maist expedient. VII. — 7 June 1535, The mater of Money and Cunye. ^J- P- 343, Item for the Inhalding of money in the Realme It Is statute and ordanit that the actis maid thairupoun of befor in our souerane lordis tyme that now Is and be his maist noble progenitouris of gude mynd quham God assolye be putt to executioun in all punctis And that sercheouris be maid thairto conforme to the tennour of the saidis actis And quhare ony persoun beis apprehendit passand furth of the realme havand money with him Incontrare the tennour of the saidis actis of quhat Estait or degre that euir he be the sercheouris sail haue the thrid part thareof for thare laubouris and the Remanent to be Inbroch to the kingis vse and compt to be maid thairof yerely in the chekker And presentlie the lordis of articlis makis and constitutis James Coluile of Estwemis maister Adam Ottirburn and Schir Johnne Campble of Lundy Knycht all personally present sercheouris vniuersale our all the Realme with power to depute vnder thame vtheris at all portis and havynnis ffor quhais diligence and thare awine thai salbe haldin to ansuer to the kingis grace And becaus The mater of Cunye Is subtile and can nocht wele be decydit hot be the avise of men of craft and that are expert thairintill Tharefore The lordis ordanis my lord thesaurare the comptroUar the provest of Edinburgh Schir Johnne Campble of Lundy the clerk of Registri Maister Francis Bothuell and the dene of Abirdene to convene with sik vther craftismen and of experience as thai plese to tak to thame to consult and devise in this mater And as thai devise and thinkis to be done In the said mater conform to the article to Referr agane to the lordis of articlis And sicHke anentis the myndis And that Schir James Hammiltoun of Fynnert Knycht be with thaim anentis the devising of the premissis. VIII. — 14 March 1540, Tuiching the croun of wecht. Vol. II. p. 373, Item Anentis the artikle makand mentioun That the croun of the sone Is c. 17. commounlie refusit within this realme It wantand ane grane of the wecht howbeit the samin hes passage in vthir cuntries and speciaHe in the realme of Franche It weyand the croun of the king Tharefore It Is thocht expedient for the commoun weill that na maner JAMES v.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 57 of persoun within this reahne refus to tak the said croun of wecht in pament or for change Acts of for vthir money eftir the forme of the kingis grace proclamatioun suppois the samin want ^^'1540^"'' ane grane alanerlie vnder the pane to be callit and accusit as brekaris of the said actis of parliament And Becaus sindry personis havand quhite siluir will nocht change for gold hot takkis thairfor xij d or mair for wissilling of the samin In hie contemptioun of our souerane lord and his autorite Herefore It is Statute and ordanit That all maner of personis havand quhite money That tliai reddely change all maner of gold contenit in our souerane lordis cry of the prices contenit in the samin without taking of ony maner of money thairfor vnder the j)ane forsaid And tobe accusit as oppressouris of oure souerane lordis lieges And that na maner of man tak vpoun hand for to Eonge the croun of wecht or ony vthir gold of wecht throw pretence of this actis vnder the pane to be accusit and pvnist as falsaris of the kingis grace money conforme to the comnioun law and statutis of the realme. IX. — 14 March 1540, Anentis furth having of Money of the realme. Item oure souerane lard with avise of the thre estaitis of parliament ratifijs and Voi. 11. p. 375, c 27 apprevis the actis and statutis maid of befor anent the furth having of money vtowth the realme be prelatis kirkmeu and vtheris in furnessing of thare expeditionis and besines bot that the finace thairof be maid be merchandis. X. — 14 March 1540, Off thaim that counterfetis the hingis Money. Item fforsamekle as diuerse wikkit evill auisit personis fenyeis and compterfutis oure Vol. il. p. 378, souerane lordis money quhilk may returne to the grett dampnage of this realm without ^' remeid be providit thairfor in tyme Tharefore It is statut and ordanit that all provestis aldermen baillies and officiaris of burrowis serche and seik vpoun all merkett dais and vthir tymes necessar aU personis that can be apprehendit havand false money or conterfutis the kingis Irnis of cunye and bring or send thame to our souerane lordis Justice to be Justifyit for thare demeritis efter the form of the lawis of the realme maid aganis fals cunyeouris. ACCOUNTS OF LORD HIGH TREASURER. XI. — 16 August 1526, Account rendered by William, Master of Glen- cairn, Treasurer, from 25 June 1526. . . . Item idem onerat se de xxx ti prouenientibus de coua et per dictum thesaurarium Comp. Thes. , , . , . MS. Gen. Reg per tempus compoti receptis. House, EcUu H 58 RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES V. Accounts of XII. — 29 August 1527, Account of Archibald Douglas of Kilspindie, Treasm^^ Trcasujxr , fvom 15 October 1526. . 1527. Et de iij'^Ixxxv ti viij s vj d obulo prouenieutibus de lucro cone omnibus oneribus deductis particulariter examinatis per dominos Thesaurarinm compotorum rotiJatorem et alios auditores ad dictum compotum deputatos et latius patet in libris eiusdem. XIII. — 1 Sept. 1530, Robert Bertoun's Account. Et de vj'^vj ti x s iii d prouenieutibus de lucro cone a primo Augusti anni quingentesimi vigesimi noni vsque primum Septembris anni quingentesimi tricesimi omnibus oneribus deductis vt patet in libris gardiani et vicegardiani particulariter scriptis et examinatis. XIV. — 6 Sept. 1531, Account of Mr William Stewart, Provost of Lin- cloivden, from 2 October 1530. . . . Cona. Item idem onerat se de v'^ix ti viij d receptis a Jacobo Achisone Magistro monete per tempus compoti. XV. — 22 August 1532, Account of William Bishop of Aberdeen, from 6 Sept. 1531. Cona Item idem onerat se de vj<^xliij ti vj § viij d receptis a Jacobo Achisone magistro monete per tempus compoti. XVI. — 26 Sept. 1533, Account of the same, from 22 A ugust 1532. Cona Item idem onerat se de iiij<=xli ti viij s prouenieutibus de cona infra tempus compoti omnibus oneribus deductis. XVII. — 2 Oct. 1534, Account of the same, from 26 Sept. 1533. Cona Item idem onerat se de iiij '^xxxvj ti xvj d prouenieutibus de cona per tempus compoti. XVIII. — 10 Feb. 1535, Account of Sir George Marshall, Treasurer- Depute, from 30 Juhj 1535. Cona. idem onerat se de ij'^lxxxiiij ti xiiij s receptis a Jacobo Achesoun conetatore ad compotum cone per tempus compoti. JAMES v.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 59 XIX. — 12 Sept. 1536, Account of William Bishop of Aberdeen, from 10 Accounts of n 7 1 p .-> r High I'eOrUai'U 1535. Treasurer, 1536. Cona. Item idem onerat se de iij'^lxxxxj ti x § prouenientibus ex cona per tempus compoti. XX. — 17 Sept. 1537, Account hy the same, from 12 September 1536. Cona: Idem onerat se de iiij'^lxxxxij ti xvij s vj d prouenientibus ex cona a vigesimo quarto Augusti anno etc v<= xxxvj'° vsque ad quartum diem mensis Junij vltimi elapsi. XXI. — 24 Sept. 1538, Account of James Kirkcaldy of Grange, from 24 March 1537. Item idem onerat se de j<=L. ti xij s ix d receptis a Jacobo Atkinson prouenientibus ex cona vt ipse asseruit libere a xv'o Februarij anno domini etc xxxvij" vsque ad decimum octauum diem mensis Aprilis in anno domini etc. xxxviij" prout in acquitancia sibi data continetur. XXII. — 17 Sept. 1539, Account of James Kirlccaldy of Grange, from 24 Se2ot. ] 538. . . . Et de ij^ij'^liiii ti xviii s iiii d prouenientibus libere de cona domini regis receptis ab Alexandre Orrok de Syllebalbe magistro monete omnibus oneribus deductis a die vigesimo mensis Maij in anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo trigesimo octauo vsque ad decimum octauum diem mensis Augusti in anno Domini instanti millesimo quingen- tesimo trigesimo nono inclusive. Et non onerat se de Ixxvj ti restantibus in manibus Eicliardi VVardlaw de proficuis dicte cone per predictum tempus. XXIII. — 2 Sept. 1540, Account of James Kirkcaldy of Grange, from 17 Sept. 1539. Cona : Item idem onerat se de j'"iiij'^xxi ti vj s iiii d prouenientibus libere de cona domini regis receptis ab Alexandre Orok de Sillebawbye magistro monete omnibus oneribus deductis a decimo octauo die mensis Augusti anno Domini etc v'= trigesimo nono vsque in diem huius compoti . . . Et de viij<=xxv ti xviii d receptis a Ricardo Yong et dicto Alexandre de proficuo septem decim librarum quatuordecim vnciarum ponderis lie Troyis wecht auri conitati in ducatis libere omnibus oneribus deductis. 60 KECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES V. Accounts of XXIV. — 7 Sept. 1541, Account of James Kirkcaldy of Grange, from 2 Lord High ry , c , a Treasurer, K^ej^t. 1540. 1541. Cona: Item idem onerat se de iiij^Vij'^lxxxv ti ix § vj d prouenientibus libera de cona domini regis conitata in argento receptis a Jacobo Atzinsone et Alexandre Orok de Sillebawby respectiue a secundo die mensis Septembris anni Domini etc quadragesimi vsque in diem liuius compoti omnibus oneribus expensis ordinariis et extraordinariis vnacum feodis officiariorum concernencium dictam conam deductis. Et de iij'^lxxxvij ii viii § receptis a dicto Jacobo de proficuo centum et triginti vnciarum auri lucrati in mora de Craufurd et terris de Coreheid ponderis lie trois wecht conitati in ducatis libere omnibus oneribus deductis. Et de XV ti X d receptis a dicto Jacobo prouenientibus de proficuo vi^inti duarum vnciarum dimidie vncie et dimidie grosse auri communis empti per dictum Jacobum et similiter conitati in ducatis libere omnibus oneribus deductis. XXV. — 16 August 1542, Account of James Kirkcaldy of Gra7ige,from 7 SejJt. 1541. Et de iij'^lxxxxiiij li v s ij d receptis a Jacobo Akinsoun de pretio sex magnarum tassiarum argenti cum vno coopertorio, vna olla aquina, duobus vteribus argentiis et sex quadris argentiis, ponderancium in toto triginta libras et quatuor vncias lie troyis wecht bonorum eschaetorum quondam . . . Jacobi Hammiltoun de Fynnart militis venditorum dicto Jacobo ad cudendum, vncia stante ad xvj § iij d ob. Cona : Item idem onerat se de iii^v'^xxxvi ti xix s vj d prouenientibus libere de cona domini regis receptis a Jacobo Atkinsoun a die sexto mensis Septembris anno domini millesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo primo vsque in diem huius compoti omnibus oneribus concernentibus dictam conam et officiarios eiusdem deductis. Et de iiij<=lxxviij ti x d receptis a dicto Jacobo prouenientibus libere de centum quinquaginta nouem vnciis auri Scoticani cudati in ducatis per tempus predictum. Et de XXV ii X s prouenientibus libere de triginta octo vnciis auri communis empti per dictum Jacobum receptis similiter ab eodem, omnibus oneribus deductis. ACTS OF THE LORDS OF COUNCIL. XXVI. — 23 June 1515, The matter of the Coinage referred to the next Parliament. Acta Doini- Item as tuiching the mater of the money and striking of fals money the Lordis thinkis Vol.' XXVQ. ' expedient that inquisitioun be tayn of the personis strykaris of the fals money and to be foi. 20. 23vnist rigorusly according to the law therfor, And as for new money to be strykin that mater is wechty and greit and requiris grete avisment, the quhilk is neidfull to be takin at the Parliament ; and therfor consellis to continew that punct to the said Parliament. JAMES v.] RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 61 XXVII. — 8 Sept. 1517, Against false Plachs. Actsot tiu Lords of It is auisit be the lordis foirsaid for the Eefuss that is maid amangis the kingis liegis '','31'^''' ° o o lol7. in the taking of plakkis That all plakkis that ar strykin be the kingis graice quhem God assolze King James the ferd and als in the kingis tyme at now is be auiss of my lord fui. leo^ gouernour be taking out throwch this Eealm without ony deference nochtwithstanding ony cullour or matell thai be of And becaus thar is diners tratouris and vntrew liegis of this Eealm and als vtheris vnfaithfull folkis of vthir Eealmis at has stryking diuerss plakkis feynzeand the kingis cunze the quhilk has prouokyt and causit the refusing of the said richt cunye. That thairfor The lordis foirsaid has ordanit that thairbe certane serchiouris maid in euery burrowis townis out throwch this Realm the quhilkis sail haue power sufficient to decern betuix the richt plakkis and falss plakkis and quhair thai find in the toAvnis forsaid ony Eefus of the saidis plakkis amangis the kingis liegis Thai sail clip and distroy the falss plakkis and decern the richt to haue courss And quhai that refusis to tak the sammyn to be pvnist to the deid for thar refusing And that in all placis to landwart be kepit siclik ordour anent the said money as within the burgh and vnder the said pane And to cum to the burgh ofyschir to vnderstand the samyn And gif ony of the kingis liegis that cumis and offeris ony plakkis for payment of dettis or bying of merchandice or vthir stuff and refusis in caiss thair plakkis be fundin fals to suflfir the samyn to be clippit and distroyit Thaj personis at will nocht suffir thair evill plakkis be distroit as said is To be pvnist thairfor to the deid and as pairt takkaris with fals cunzearis and thair nemniis to be gevin to the Justice Clerk thairupoun for pvnisioun and accusacioun to be maid of tham be the said serchouris and quhilkis of the saidis serchouris lymit and ordanit thairto be the lordis of couusall that beis fundyn culpable or failzeis in the just execucioun of his office sail vnderly ane assiss thairfor and be pvnist to the deid as said is for the said cryme gif he be fundin culpable thairintill And thir ar the personis into the toun of Edinburgh chosin to be serchouris the provest and bailies Robert Glen and Alexander Spens with Robert Forest and Andro Meile craftismen And ordanis that incontinent tharbe maid tua choppis of tymmir ane to be sett in the meile mercat and ane vthir to be sett betuix the trone and the fische mercat and in the said choppis that the said Robene Glen with the tane of the craftismen be daily sett and in the tother the said Alexander Spens and the tother of the said craftismen goldsmythis And ilkane of the saidis Robert Glen Alexander Spens and goldsmythis to haif to thir expensis ilk day at thai sitt ij § on the day and at the clippit plakkis be deliuerit to the awnaris thairof to mak quhat werk thai pleis of the samyn And als ordanis that the said serchouris sail haif of ilk li of gud plakkis deliuerit to ony personis ane plak for his lawbouris to be tane of the ressavour of the said money and ordanis the kepair of the signet to direct lettres to my lord of Sanctandrois and aU the burrowis of this Realm efter the forme of this proclamation and makand the provest and bailies of the saidis burrowis togidder with ane goldsmyth serchiouris in the saidis townis And that failzeand of ane goldsmyth the maist expert man duelling within the said towns that can best decern the richt cunze fra the fals and the lay of tham serchiour of the said money in forme as is foirsaid. 62 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES V. Acts of the XXVIII. — 4 March 1517, Licence to Robert Bertoune to coin Unicorns. Lords of Council, ij^jjg j^egentis with avis of the Lordis of Coimsale has gevin licence to Eobert Bertoune Comptrollar to cunye Ixxx vncis of gold in vnicornis for the furnissing of this army to Vol. XXX. . .... ,, -I p 1 o c • • I 1 • foi. 222. pas m the mers ; viij vnicorns weyand the vnce and oi the lynes of xxj caretis ; And m likwis licencis the Erie of Arane to cunye xxx vncis of the fynes of the gold of the mynd without ony vtlier commixtion or laying. XXIX. — 11 March 1518, Licence to the Earl of Arran to coin Unicorns. Vol. XXXII. The qtihilk day the Lordis regentis and of Counsale has ordanit the Irnis of the foi. 115. vnicorne to be deliuerit to the Thesaurare, for the cunyeing of fifty vncis of gold, to James Erie of Arane &c. and that the said unicornis to be cunyeit be him, be of the wecht of the auld unicorne and of the fynes of the gold of the mynd, and that the Thesaurer or his Clerk be Maister of the send cunye, to se that it hald the wecht and fynes, and keip the Irnis. XXX.— 16 March 1518, The Treasurer to break open lockfast places to get the Irons. Vol. XXXII. The Lordis ordanis, becaus that the Irnis for the cunyeing of vnicornis was diuisit foi. 130. deliuerit to the Thesaurer for the cunyeing of certane vnicornis to James Erie of Arane, of gold of the mynd ; and the keyis of the samin can nocht be gottin ; That thairefor the Thesaurer in presens of the Priue Seile Lord Erskin and Captane of the castell of Edinburgh cans the lokkis quhar the said Irnis ar to be takin of and maid new agane and the Irnis to be deliuerit to the Thesaurer for the cunyeing of the said vnicornis, efter the forme of the act maid tharupoune of before. XXXI. — 30 March 1519, New Coinage to be equal to old. Vol. XXXII. The Lordis Eegentis and of counsale has grauntit and gevin licence to James Erie of foi. 178. Arane to cunye fifty vnce of gold, quhilk salbe of the wecht of the auld vnicorne, and of the fines of the gold of the mynd ; And that the Irnis of the vnicornis be deliuerit to the Thesaurar or his Clerk to the samin effect ; quhilk sail se that the vnicornys that sail be cunyeit be the said Erie sail hald the wecht and fynes forsaid, and to keip the Irnys as efferis. XXXII. — 1 March 1525, Neiv Coinage ordered. Vol. XXXV. The quhilk day the Lordis of the secrete Counsale for the Comowne wele of our Soverane Lord his realme and lieges thinkis expedient and proffettable that thar be ane cunye of gold and Silver striken ; till have passage comonlie throu out the realme in all placis, of substance, quantite and fynes, as in articlis particularlie followand is specifijt. c. 1. Item, It is devisit and ordaint that ane crowne of gold and ane grote of sUver be * JAMES v.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 63 prentit strikin and cunyeit, and the saidis Crowne and grote to have passage throii all the Acts of the realme ; and the samin to kepe the fynes and wecht as followis, that is to say the said cmfnci'/ Crowne sail keip the fynes of xxj caratis fyne, and ane half and twa granis, and nyne of thame to be in the mice of cunyeit gold, and the samin to pas cursablie for xx §. Item, the said grote to keip the fynes of x d fyne and twa granis and xj of thame to «■ 2. pass to the unce, and to have passage commonlie for xviij d the pece. Item James Atzensoune burgess in the Canongate is content to bynd and oblyss him, c- 3. Tinder the pane of tynsall of lyfe and gudis that the said Crowne and grote sail kepe the fynes aboune writtine ; except that thare be twa granis of remeid of the said crowne ; and als mekle of the grote ; and that the said James sail nocht be compellit to tak ony prentacis or forgearis under him vther than he plesis ; becaus the hale charge lyis upoune him. Item, that Sir Joline Gurlay keip the prenting Irnis and punsionis under twa keis ; c. 4. and that the ConjptroUare have ane of thame ; and the said Sir Joline the tothir ; and als that the said Sir Joline mak his buke of reknying and compt to charge the Coniptrollar within the Chakker ; and that the proffett that cunimis of the said ciinye to be deliverit to the Coniptrollar and he to answer tharfore m the said Chakker. Item, that Sayis of the said gold and silver be takin and kepit in ane box; and the said c. 5. box to have four lokis and four keis ; off the quhilkis keyis my Lord of Halyrudhous sail have ane, the tliesaurar ane, the prouest of Edinburgh ane, and the said Sir Johane Gurlay ane ; and the Sayis to be tane of the said gold and silver at every melting, and putt in the said box sa that the fynes tharof may be perfitelie knawin, kepand as is aboune writtin. Item that proclaniationis be maid that the said crownis and grotis have passage as ^- said is ; and sicklike that all gold of the mynd be brocht to the Cunyehouse and sauld, for the quhUk the sellar sail have vij ii for ilk unce, and that 11a man tak the samin furth of the cuntra under the pane of tynsale of lyfe landis and gudis. Item it is considerit the gold of the mynd beand bocht for vii ti the unce c 7. unmoltyn, the king sail have free off ilk unce of cunyeit gold xxv s and of all other gold the King sail have the proffett effering to the price as it beis bocht, and of ilk poynd wecht of cunyeit money the King sail have free xviij s, the byrnt silver beand bocht for xvij s the unce. Maister John Campbell Tliesaurar protestit, that howbeit he consentit and grantit that the Comptrollar intromettit and tuke up the proffette of the cunye quhiU. Whitsonday nixttocum, Tliat the samin suld turne him nor his office to na prejudice, hot that he mycht fra thynefurth intromett tliarwitli be resoune of his office of Thesaurye ; and tharupon askit instrumentis : hora quasi xij^. XXXIII. — 23 July 1526, Relating to the late Coinage of Unicorns. Master James Foulis askit instrument that James Colvile of Vchiltre, Sir Johnne Voi.^xxxvr. Gourlay and James Achisoun deliverit to him on the Chakker burn (buird ?) thre keis of the box of assais of cunyee gold and siluer : and that incontinent tharefter he deliverit ane of 64 KECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES V. Arts of the the Said thre keis to Maister Christofer Boid in the Thesauraris name and ane vthir to Council, reman e in the said Sir Johnis handis quhill the Thesauraris cuming, and held the thrid key himself : hora xi^ The said Maister James askit ane note, that thai deliverit to him ane coffir with certane prentene yrnis of the last cunye of gold and Siluer hakkit, and the prent of thaim distroyit in presens of the saidis Lordis ; and that thai promittit to deliver to him the laif of the prentene yrnis, being in ane kist in the Abbay : hora predicta. Schir Johnne Gourlay askit instrument that the said key of the Assay box was deliverit to him be the Lordis Auditouris of the Chakker : hora predicta. James Colvile of Vchiltre Comptrollar protestit that sen he deliverit in presens of the saidis Lordis, the box wyth the assayis of last cunye of gold and siluer and thre keis of the said box, and als the Coffir with the yrnis of the last cunye, that he suld nocht be haldin to ansuer na ferrar fra this day furth, nother for the cunye nor fines of ony of the said gold or siluer ; and tharapoun askit instrument ; hora predicta. XXXIV. — 6 Oct. 1527, Contract with Hochstetter. Vol. XXXVII. Formula contractus inter illustrissimum serenissimum ac potentissimum principem fol 242 Jacobura Dei gracia Scotorum regem, et ejus nominis quintum . . . mature consilio et ordinatione Cancellarij sui, et qui a consilio sunt do , . . ab vna, et Quinterum DeHtz ac Anthonium de Niketo nomine Joachini Hochstetter et sui fratris super articulis nuper per prefatos Quinterum et Anthonium nomine quo supra exhibitis et productis, pro re monetaria et pecunia certis hie futuris annis per illos excudeuda. c- 1- CoNSiDERAT, Regia Majestas, labores, sumptus et impensas, per Joachinum Hochstetter et confratres suas, in laboratione fodinarum aui i et argenti in hoc regno multifariam factas, quantumque detrimenti et damni acceperint in commutatione mercium hue importataruni pro sustentatione et solutione artificum et laboratorum in ejusmodi fodinis : Volens propterea pro sua magnificentia, ne tam insigne opus, expensarum defectione intermittatur, antefato Joachino et suo fratri, qui id totis viribus sustinere conantur alio quodam remedio consulere, quod eiis utile futurum sit, regique et regno commodo et honori, curam illis rei monetarie et circa earn libertates et privilegia, his que sequuntur conditionibus permittit et concedit. c. 2. Quia enim ipsorum nomine antefati Quinterus et Anthonius pollicentur et promittunt, magnum argenti copiam ex Germania et exteris regnis ubertim hue importandam esse et immittendam, si illud ipsum argentum importatum dictis Joachino et suo fratri eorumque heredibus et successoribus in formam monete titulo et nomine regie majestatis ad ejus regni commodum et utilitatem cudendi ac monetandi facultas concedatur, consentit, dat et concedit Eegia Majestas dicto Joachino et ejus fratri suisque heredibus et successoribus, facultatem banc et potestatem monetam argenteam intra hoc regnum suum, suo nomine et titulo cudendi et monetandi modum insequentem : Ex Libra puri argenti cudentur et resultabunt centum septuaginta et sex nummi argeiitei, eruntque singuli valoris decem et octo denariorum usualium huius regni, veluti nunc cuduntur, et JAMES v.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 65 puritatis decern denariorum et duorum granomm quemadmodum in regno Scotie compu- Acts of the tatur viz. huiusmodi duobus granis loco remedij computatis. Coimcii!^ Cudent preterea si voluerint alios duos nummos, unum duodecem denariorum et alterum sex denariorum ejusdem puritatis et probitatis, cum nummo decern et octo c. 3. denariorum; habita tamen ratione ponderis; quod videlicet nummus duodecem denariorum ponderabit binam partem dicti nummi decem et octo denariorum ; Et nummus sex denariorum tertiam; Vel si magis libuerit dictis viris majores aut minores nummos argenteos percudere, utpote nummos trium solidorum, quinque, decem, et usque ad viginti solidos, aut alios minores, id eis licebit, dummodo ex libra idem pondus, idem valor, eadem argenti puritas atque probitas resultaverit. Dabunt propterea prefati Joachinus et ejus frater, suique heredes et successores, c. 4. Regie Majestati, suisque successoribus, singulis annis quibus illos rem monetariam potestatemque facultatem cudendi ac monetandi exercere contigerit, pro qualibet libra argenti puri percusi et monetati, viginti solidos Scoticos, sine fraude et dolo. Promittunt etiam, et sese, suos heredes et successores obligabunt, post ratificationem c. 5. presentis contractus, et post importatum argentum, instrumenta et artifices tantum argenti et nummorum percusuros et monetaturos, quod regia Majestas, ab eo die quo primum ad se monetariam solenniter receperint, quolibet insequenti anno, ad minus tria millia librarum Scoticarum, pro suo regio jure et arrendatione ; Super quo prestabunt cautionem ; Ac singulis futuris annis tanta summa regie majestati et suis successoribus solvatur, sive tantum argenti, unde dicta summa resultare possit, monetatum fuerit sive non. Durabit autem facultas bee et potestas monetam cudendi ut prescribitur decem c «. annos continues proxime et immediate futuros, postquam antefati Joachinus ejus frater heredes et successores argentum, homines, artifices, instrumenta, et alia queque ad rem monetariam necessaria, in hoc regnum importaverint, et monetam cudere inceperint. Totis hiis decem annis regia Majestas nulli alteri facultatem et potestatem concedet, c 7. quantamque monetam argenteam cudendi et monetandi, immo post ratificatum et assumptum hoc ipsum monetandi negotium, prohibebit regia Majestas publicis edictis per universam Scotiam et alia sua dominia, ne quisquam durante hiis annis audeat ullam monetam argenteam cudere aut facere, sub pena capitis seu exustionis, falsariis monete debita. Mox vero atque ratificationem argentum artifices instrumenta et alia . . . mone- c 8. tariam pertinentia, hue importaverint, vel immiserint dabitur eiis et assignabitur domus monetaria Edinburgensis in qua versari possent sine fraude damno aut maleficio quocumque gaudebitque dicta domus libertate et immunitate qua cetere domus monetarie in aliis regnis, et domus prelatorum et Principum in ipso oppido Edinburgensi gaudent : Erunt etiam ipsi viri, eorum artifices et domestici servitores nulli alterius jurisdictioni subjecti quam solius regie Majestatis : Cavebunt tamen, ne pretexto ejusmodi libertatis et immunitatis, quicquam regie majestati et consiliariis suis incognitum et incogitatum, ac in hoc regno suo insuetum adverus regem, rempublicam, regni et burgorum privelegia usurpent, vendicent aut moliantur. Constituet regia Majestas suis impensis duos viros ydoneos Scotos, qui erunt v. 9. examinatores monete pondusque et probitatem considerabunt, ne aut regno fraus fiat aliqua, I 66 EECOKDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES V. Lords of ( 'owiicil, 1527. c. 10. c. 11. c. 12. c. 13. et ne ipsi viri immerito falsi insimilari possent — Erit et ferrorum incisor sive sculptor Scotus quern Eex ordinaverit, Qui et regie Majestati et dictis viris juramentum prestabit, se nulli alter i traditurum quodcumque insignitum ferrum simile durante toto tempore antedicto, sub pena capitis. Ceteros vero artifices et laboratores in luonetaria dicti fratres, suis impensis alere et intertenere tenebuntur. Laborabunt autem in monetaria Scoti qui ad id officij reperti fuerint ydonei, et qui ante in eadem probe et fideliter laboraverunt et quos antedicti viri ydoneos censuerint. Concedet etiam Eegia Majestas dictis, fratribus suis lieredibus et successoribus, quod libere possint argentum homines artifices instrumenta et alia quecumque ad rem monetariam necessaria in hoc regnum importare ; atque etiam omnia et singula preter ferra formatoria exportare, quocunque tempore sine gravamine thelonio impedimento seu injuria; Licebit etiam dictis fratribus exportare etiam argentum dummodo ut prius dictum est fuerit monetatum. Et quia inter regni Chancellarium et Consilii Dominos regio nomine, et dictos Quinterum et Anthonium nomine prefatorum Joachini et sui fratris super cautione et solutione juris regii, et premissorum observatione uti ante scriptum est per fidejussoriam cautionem non satis convenire potest ; Tenebuntur et obligabuntur prefati fratres sui heredes et successores, ad solvendum regie Majestati, aut suis in hac re thesaurariis et questoribus suum jus regium in fine cujuslibet mensis ex quo monetam cudere inceperint ; Sic quod per equalem solutionem in menses singulos integra dicta summa trium millium librarum in fine anni totaliter fiat persoluta. Premissa omnia et singula regia Majestas concedit, confirmat et comprobat : Quare tenebitur dictus Joachinus pro se et nomine sui fratris, vel alteruter ipsorum, quod infra sex menses aut octo proxime futuros, suam hue mittet ratificationem et obligationem, pro observatione premissorum. Importabit etiam simul et immittet in hoc regnum argentum cudendum et monetandum, instrumenta et artifices qui deinde quamprimum monetam cudere et monetare incipient : Valebit autem ejusmodi contractus si per solum ipsum Joachinum pro se et nomine dicti sui fratris, vel econtrario, per dictum suum fratrem proque eorum heredibus et successoribus ratificatus fuerit et comprobatus sub ipsius Joachini aut dicti sui fratris subscriptione manuali et sigillo proprio. The Kingis Grace and Lordis of Consell ordinis thir articulis to be put in the bukis of Consell to the entent the autentik copy may be gevin tharof to the personis abone writin Quhdk copy sal be warrant sufificiant to rais the gret Seill on the contrak abone writin to the effect of the samyn. (Signed) James Rex Ar"^ Erl of Angus Hew Lord Somervell Ad. Otterburn Secretarius Rothes Ja Coluile A. Thesaurarius Ge. Dunkeld Alex"' Scon G"^ Lord Sanct Joh§ JAMES v.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 67 MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS. xxxiii. — 1521, Rates of some sjjaces of Gold specified in a reversione A" 1521. copied out 5 Jan'* 1656. In a reversione granted by Gilbert Wach ope of Nidrie Marshall and Jonet Ker his Hopetoim MSS spouse To W™ Borthwicke of Crookestoune of the lands of Coubriehill dated 12 Dec'' 1521 for three hundreth merkes are conteaned the" spaces of money at the rates following Threttie three Angell nobles At 28 s the peece Three Vnicornes At 20 s Three score seventeane crounes of Egle at 17 s Three crounes of weight . . at 18 s ane Demie ..... pryce 16 s Halfe ane ryder .... pryce 13 s a light salute .... pryce 17 s n 6 d Sextene light crounes . . . . 14 s peece Three pound ] 5 s 6 d in Queen's placks two ducketts of weight . . . .19 s peece Thriescore fyve pounds 3 s in placks and pennies. This foresaid summe to bee payed in sick lyke gold and money as is before written, na statute nor act of Parliament to be proponed in the contrare but beand excepted. Nota : The summe of three hundreth merkes is fyve tymes repeeted as the totall summe vpon which the lands are redeemable. The c^uestione in law is moved, For what summe the said lands are now redeemable, seing reversiones are stricti juris — and the azt of Parliament Q. M. where spaces are rated and not to be found, ordaines the redemptione to bee in spaces currant for the tjme, but of the lyke value weight and fynnesse which will now draw to a considerable summe. MARY. A.D. I543-I567. ACTS OF THE PARLIAMENTS OF SCOTLAND. I. — 20 June 1555, Values of Reversions may he estimated in current Money. Vol. II. p. 494, Item Because thair is diuers and sindrie reuersiounis maid and geuin for redemption and outquyting of landis beirand and contenand gold and siluer of certaue speciall valour and price and the said gold and siluer is not now to be gottin quhairthrow the haifaris of sic reuersiounis hes bene oft tymes differrit fra redemption of thair landis Thairfoir it is deuisit statute and ordanit anent all reuersiounis beirand and contenand gold and siluer or ather of thame of certane speciall valour and price or cuinyie that gif sic gold and siluer can not be had nor gottin w^ithin the Eealme the haifaris of thay reuersiounis may redeme the landis specifeit thairiu be vertew of thair saidis reuersiounis geuand gold and siluer haifand cours for the tyme beand of the samin valour wecht and fynes as the gold and siluer specifeit in the saidis reuersiounis conforme to the commoun Law And this act to be extendit to all and quhatsumeuer reuersiounis bygane and tocum etc II. — 4 June 1563, Acts relating to export of Money and false Coiners ratified and continued.- Vol. IJ. p. 538, Item The Quenis Maiestie with the auise of the thre Estatis in this present Parliament c 4 . . ... has ratifeit and appreuit and ratifeis and appreuis all actis maid of befoir be hir hienes predecessouris anentis the carying and away taking of gold and siluer furth of this Eealme in all punctis with this addition q That na maner of persoun nor persounis pretend or tak vpone hand to tak away or cary furth of this Realme ony gold or siluer in ony tyme heirefter vnder the pane of escheting of the samin and of all the remanent of their mouabill gudis that dois in the contrare and for obseruing heirof and tryall to be had thairupone Siclyke ordanis that quhatsumeuer persoun or persounis that will cum reuele and schaw the samin and gif vp thair namis that offeudis this Law and act that persoun or persounis sail haue the feird part of the said gold and siluer and remanent of thair mouabill gudis the samin being tryit be thair reueling And in caice the reuelar be MARY.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 69 partinar of the away taking and carying of the said gold and siluer furth of this Eealme Acts of in that caice he salbe fre of all panis dangearis and perrell that he may incur be this act ^'^'i'543|^'' And sail haue for his rewaird as is befoir reheirsit lyke as he had bene na partinar thairof And this act for the space of fyue yeiris to indure Prouyding that all merchandis and vthers passand furth of this Eealme according to the Lawis of the samin may haue samekill gold and siluer allanerlie as may be thare necessare expensis quhill thay cum to the partis beyond sey quhair thay haue thair necessare besynes ado. Item Our Souerane Lady with auise of the thre Estatis in this present Parliament c .5. hes ratifeit and appreuit and ratifeis and appreuis all actis maid of befoir twiching the hamebringing of fals cuinyie of gold or siluer layit money or vther money quhatsumeuer within this Eealme and siclyke anentis the makaris forgearis of fals cuinyie within the samin with this additioun following That quhatsumeuer persoun or persounis that will cum reuele and declair the namis of the hamebringaris of siclyke fals cuinyie outher of gold or siluer or vther layit money or of the makaris forgearis and feinyearis thairof within this Eealme that that persoun or persounis sail haue that ane half of the escheit of all his landis and gudis mouabiU and vnmouabill of the said persoun or persounis offendaris of this present act and Law the samin being tryit be his reueling And for the scharp executioun heirof that gude attendence be geuin be the Serchouris and vthers Officiaris throw all the Eealme and that the Conseruatour in Flanders in lykewyse be aduerteist to mak knawlege be had gif ony sic fals cuinyie cummis furth of thay partis to this Eealme Cardinalis cancellarius, Archiepiscopus Glasguensis, Episcopi Candide Case, Orchadensis, Dunblanensis, Abbates Paslay, Dunfermling, Culros, domini Flemyng et Setoun . . . . . . that the testane of the king of France be takin out through this realme for V § vj d and the sous for vj d and 'that the Carious for v d and that nane of our Souerane ladyis liegis tak vpon hand to refuis the said money of the prices forsaidis ilkane in thare awine degree and that all smallar peces sik as halff testauys and halff soussis be takin efter the quantite of the prices forsaidis under the pane of deid. IV. — 31 July 1545, Rates of Foreign Coins fixed. The quhilk day my lord gouernovir and lordis of counsell understandand that thare Voi. i. f. ii. is ane gret quantite of double dukatis of Spanye and Portingale that ar of wecht cumyn in this realme quhilkis commounly hes cours in France for Ixxx and xvj § and ar worth samekle to haue passage in this realm Tharefor and for vther caussis moving thame ACTS OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL. III. — 7 June 1545, Rates of Foreign Coins fixed. Presentibus Eegina et gubernatore. Sederunt : — Vol. 1. 154o -7, f. 1. 70 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [MARY. Acts of the concernyng the commoun wele hes ordanit the said double ducatis to haue passage within "^1545!""^'^' this realm ilk pece for xlviij s. Tharefor ordanis letteris to be direct to all provestis aldermen and bailies of burrowis of this realm to pas to the mercat croces of all burrowis and thare be oppin proclamatioun command and charge all and sindry our souerane ladyis liegis that tha tak the said double doucatis of wecht Tlk pece for the soum of xlviij s in payment for stuff and merchandice And that nane tak vpon hand to refuis the samin vpon the price forsaid under the pane of deid. And ordanis the single ducatis off wecht to have passage for xxiiij s under the pane forsaid. V. — 10 July 1545, The new English Groat not to he current. Vol. 1. f. 17. The quhilk day my lord governour and lordis of secrete counsell understandis clerly and knowis perfitely that the new Inglis grote of Ingland callit the grote with the braid face is tane universalie for xviij d. Howbeit the samyn grotis ar nocht silvir and ar fals for the mare part Quharethrow grete hurt and dampnage may engenner amang the liegis of this realm without remeid be put thareto Tharefore ordanis the said grote to have na cours nor passage within this realme fra thynefurth and letteris to be direct to the pro vest and balUes of burrowis and utheris officiaris of the quenis sheriffis in that part to pas to the mercat croces of all burrowis and thare be oppin proclamatioun command and charge all and sindry our soverane ladyis liegis that nane of thame tak upoun hand to tak the said grote in payment in ony maner of sort under the pane of escheting of the samyn quhaireuir tha may be apprehendit and punissing of the personis that usis the samin at my lord governouris wilL And becaus it is understand that ane grete part of the saidis grotis ar cumin within this realm and ar past amangis the liegis therof and that tha be nocht putt to extreme tinsell tharethrow it is permittit to all and sindry our soverane ladyis liegis to bring to the Cunyehous and tha sail have payment for thame safer as tha ar of avale. VI. — 1 May 1547, The value of the " Bagcheik " Groat reduced. Vol. r. f. 63. The quhilk day fforsameikill as my lord governour and lordis of secrete counsale understaudand perfitlie that the fyne cunyeit silver sik as the xviii d gTOtt is commonelie had furth of the realme and nevir brocht agane within the samyn and uther cunye na fyne silver hot for the maist parte copper gettis passage amangis our soverane ladyis liegis sik as the grote callit the bagcheik and to the effect that the fyne cunyeit silver may remane in this realme and nocht to be transportit furth of the samin It is diuisit statute and ordanit that the grote callit the bagcheik quhilk now hes passage in this realme for xvj d sail in all tymes cuming have passage throw the samin of na hiear price nor for xij d. And thairfor ordanis letteris to be direct to male publicatioun and intimatioun heirof at the mercat croces of all burrowis within this realme with ane charge to all and syndrie our soverane ladyis liegis that nane of tliame tak upoun hand to gif or tak the said bagcheik grote of ony hiear price nor for xij d for ony maner of merchandice or stuff and na persoun refu the samin of the said price of xij d under the pane of deid. V MARY.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. - 71 VII. — 3 May 1547, A Coinage of Pennies and Halfpennies ordered. Actsoftiie Privy Council, The quhilk day fforsameikill as the penneis and half pennyis ar all for the maist parte 1547. putt away and thair is nane in this realme quhairthrow our soverane lady is liegis and Vol. i. f. 66. specialie the pure incurris grete hurt and dampnage throw the want thairof Thairfor my lord governour with auis of the lordis of counsale ordanis that tuelff stane weclit of siluer be cunyeit in pennyis and half pennyis of the syes and wecht of the penny past of auld in this realme and ordanis the saidis pennyis and halpennyis to haif cours and passage commonlie outthrouch this realme indifferentlie amangis our soverane ladyis liegis. VIII. — 3 July 1550, CUpiJed French Moyieij prohibited. The quhilk day forsamekill as my lord governour & lordis of secreit counsell under- Vol. ii. 1550- ^ •> J n 1553, f. 21. standand that the clippit sowsis and clippit carolus ar cryit doun in tlie realme of France and nane hes passage hot hale sowsis iinclippit and that passis throuch ane Eyng made to that effect and now is surelie advertisit that thair is divers merchandis of this realme that hes boicht all the clippit sowsis & carolus that thai myclit get be the pund and stanis wechtis and brocht the samin in this realme tending to caus the samin to have passage amangis our soverane ladyis legis and tharethrow to gett the gold and silver of this realme and to have the samin furth to other realmis and cuntreis to the gret apperand hurt of our soverane ladyis legis and commounwele without provisioun be had in dew time Tharefore it is divisit and ordanit be my lord governour and lordis of secreit counsale that na clippit sowsis nor clippit carolus have passage in this realme nor be ressauit amangis our soverane ladyis legis in merchandice or other wayis and that nane of our soveranis leigis tak upoun hand to giff nor ressave the samin for ony maner of stuff or merchandice in tyme to cum unto the parliament and that ane Declaratoun be gevin be my lord governour and thre estatis thairupoun under the pane of deid and confiscatioun of all the personis gudis doand in the coutrair als wele to the ressaver als to the gevare for the caussis abone written. « IX. — 16 July 1550, The Lords Auditouris to take action regarding French Money. The quhilk day flforsamekiU as my lord governour and lordis of secrete counsale Voi. ii. f. --iS. hevand respect to the proclamatioun maid in France to wair the sowsis and in speciale to wair the clippit sowsis and how that thair is divers of oure ladyis legis that hes brocht hame ane part of the saidis clippit sowsis and to the effect that oure soverane ladyis legis suld nocht be defraudit thairthrow the samin wes cryit doun unto the tyme that ane ordour may be putt thairto lik as in the act and proclamatioun directit thairupoun is at mair length contenit Thairfore my lord governour with auis of the lordis of secreti counsale ordanis the lordis auditouris of chekker to avis with actis and statutis maid in the partis of France tuicheing the passage of the saidis clippit sowsis and how the samin sail be haid towart the cunyeit hous and thairefter to mak actis and ordinances thairupoun conforme to 72 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [MARY. Acts of the the saidis actis maid in France thairupoun and to mak publicatioun heirupoun as efferis "^550""*^' ' with power to the saidis lordis auditouris of chekker to do the samin sidik as my lord governour and hale lordis wer personalie present at the making of the saidis actis and ordinances. X. — 7 Aug. 1550, Unclij^ped French Money to he current. Vol. II. f. 25. We do yow to witt fforsamekill as thair wes ane proclamatioun maid of before anent the passage of sowsis Carolis and liartis and the samin suld have passage lik as in the proclamatiounis derect thairupoun is at mair lenth contenit Throw the quhilk proclamatioun our soverane ladyis legiis of verray ignorance refusis to tak ony maner of sowsis als wele thame that passis nocht throw the Eyng as tha that passis throw the samin And in likuis movit upoun contemptioun of our soverane lady and hir auctoritie nocht only refusis the saidis sowsis and Carolus hot in lik maner refusis the pistolaris dulyeartis alias callit the liartis and in contrair the tennour of the chargis statutis and proclamatiounis maid thairupoun incurrand the panis contenit in the samin Quhairthrow our soverane ladyis legiis ar gratly hurt to the grete apperand distructioun of this realme [and] commoun wele thairof Thairfor we command and charge in our soverane ladyis name and my lord governouris all and sindrie our soverane ladyis legeis baith to burgh and to land of quhatsumenir degre ordour conditioun or preeminence that euir tha be off that nane of thame tak upoun hand to refuis ony maner of sowsis or Carolus that will nocht pas throw the Eyng maid and devisit thairfor nor yit to refuis the pistolaris nor deliaris alias liartis bot to tak the samin for all maner of stuff witualis merchandice and utheris gudis and geir necessar for the wele of this realme under the pane of x ti to be takin fra the disobearis and refusaris of the said mony and the twa part of the said sowme of x ti salbe uplift to our soverane ladyis and the thrid part salbe applyit to the takair and apprehendar of thame that refuse the said mony And giff he be nocht responsall of the said sowme that the schireff Stewart bailie provest alderman and bailliez of burrowis quham to the refusar of the said mony is presentit putt him in the irnis and punis him in example of utheris with all regour and to the effect this present ordinance may tak effect hes diuisit and ordanit certane personis caiptouris to se quha dar be sa bauld to refus the samin and the personis takyu as refusaris of sik mony to be poyndit for the said pane and utheris to be takyn and punisit incontinent but delay in maner forsaid. XI. — 17 Sept. 1550, Undipped French Money to he current. ' Vol. II. f. 29. The quhilk day fforsamekil as ther wes divers proclamatiounis maid of befoir chargeing all and sindry our soverane ladyis liegis that nane of thame tak upoun hand to refuis ony sowsis and carolus that will nocht pas throw the ring under divers panis nochttheles few or nane of our soverane ladyis liegis that will ressave ony of the saidis sowsis in hie con- temptioun of our soverane lady hir autoritie and lawis and the proclamatiounis direct thairupoun incurrand the panis contenit in the samyn Thairfoir ordanis ane maisser or MARY.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 73 uther officiar of amies to pas to the mercat croce of the burgh of Edinburgh and to all Acts of tiie uther mercat croces of all pairtis of this realme and thair be oppiu proclamatioun command ^"^isso"" and charge all and sindry our soverane ladyis liegis that naue of thame tak upoun hand to refus ony of the saidis sowsis and Carolus that will nocht pas throw the ring hot to ressave the samyn in commoun passaige throw all partis of this realme for all kind of merchandice and stufe under the pane of deid and confiscatioun of ther gudis that dois in the contrair With certificatioun to quhatsunievir persoun or personis that falyeis and will nocht ressave the saidis sowsis in maner forsaid that he or scho that refusis the samyn salbe iustantlie takin and punist to the deid and all ther gudis eschaett for their contemptioun And to the effect that this act and ordinance may be observit and kepit ordanis the provest aldermen and bailies of every burght to tak diligent inquisitioun of the brekaris of the samyn and to bring thame and roll thair names and deliver the samin to my lord thesaurar clerk swa that thai may be punist for his contemptioun in maner forsaid And ordanis letres to be direct heirupoun to all schirris & borrowis. XII. — 16 Nov. 1550, Undipped French Money to he current, hut no more to he imp)ort€d. The quhilk day forsamekle as thair hes bene divers and sindry proclamationis letres Vol. ii. f. m. and charges maid and directit oure all parties of this realme chargeing all and sindry oure soverane ladyis legis that nane of thame tak upoun hand to refuse ony sowsis nor carolus that will nocht pas throw the Eyng and siclik lyartis and pistolatis of gold, under divers . panis Nochttheles thair is nane of oure soverane ladyis legis that will ressave ony sowsis that will nocht have passage throw the reing Carolis lyartis nor pistolatis for ony maner of stuf nor merchandece commonlie sauld in this realme Bot aluterlie refusis the samin in contrair the tenor of the chargis actis statutis and proclamationis derect thairupouu incurrand the panis contenit in the samin Throw disobedience of the quhilkis thair is na regard nor E had towart our soverane lady my lord governour nor his auctorite gevand occasioun to my lord governouris grace not onlie to putt the actis to executioun according to the tenor thairof bot als to be rigourus in sic maner nocht only to tak the personis refusaris of sik mony gudis laudis and possessionis bot als thair liffis and beside the samin our soverane ladyis legiis ar hevelie hurt and for the maist part putt to extreme poverte and to the effact that na thing salbe had in this realme bot that the pure salbe put to uter rewyne Thair is divers oure soverane ladyis legis that hes and daylie bringis hame furth of the partis of France sowsis and Carolus clippit and unclippit and makis myance that the samin hes passage in ane maner and takis furth of this realme gud gold and uther fyne silver thairof tending to do that is in thame to putt this realme to uter indigence of silver and gold without haisty remeid be haid and maid thairfor in dew tyme Thairfore my lord governour with avis of the lordis of secrete counsale yit as of befor decernis and ordanis letres to be derect over all parttis of the realme als wele to burght as to land baith regalitc and rialte chargeing officiaris of the quenis sheriffis in that part to pas to the mercat croces of all burrowis and utheris places neidfull and thair be oppin proclamatioun command and K 74 RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [maby. Acts of the charge all and sindry our soverane ladyis legiis of quhatsumever degre ordour conditioun "^'^550""°'^' or preemiuence that evir he be that nane of thame tak upoun hand to refas ony maner of sowsis nor carolis that will nocht pas throw the Ryng and siclik to refus na maner of liartis nor pistolatis hot to tak the samin in commoun passage for all maner of merchandece stuff victualis and otheris waris conforme to the proclamatiouns derect thairupoun and for the prices contenit in the samin under the panis of tinsell of liff landis and gudis and gif ony persoun or personis for ony kynd of merchandice or gudis coft and sauld within this realme ordanis the shireff Stewart bailie baith to burgh and land als wele Regalitie as rialtie provestis aldermen and bailleis of burro wis ilkane of thame within his awin boundis howsone the complaint is maid to him or thame of the refus of sik mony to pas and serche and seik the byarris and sellaris refusaris thairof and incontinent but delay to deliver and tak the gudis and geir quhatsumevir coft and sauld as said is and deliver the samin to the parti compleyeand fre but ony payment thairfor in sows gold or silver or utheris waris and thairefter to the effect that our soverane ladyis auctorite be nocht contempnit nor lychtlyit as it lies bene in tymes bygane Ordanis the sherififis stewartis baillies bayth to burgh and land als weill rigalitie and rialtie foirsaidis provestis aldermen and bailleis of borrowis that thai incontinent efter thai be advertisit of the name of the refusar of the mony forsaid that thai eschete all the refusaris of the said mony gudis for thair contemp- tioun fPor the quhilkis that ane halff salbe applyit and inbrocht to our soverane lady and hir hienes thesaurar and that uther halff the sheriff, Stewart, baillie provestis aldermen and bailleis of burrowis ilk ane within his awin boundis sail have to himselff for his lawbouris and that na defraud salbe usit in thir cases ordanis ilk sheriff Stewart bailie provestis aldermen and balleis of every burgh ilkane of thame within his awin boundis incontinent efter the complaint be maid to thame or him to pas and mak an Inventar of all the personis or personis gudis that refus the said mony to the effect that the samin sail nocht be dilapidat nor put away hot the samin to be distrubit as said is that is to say that ane halff to our soverane lady use and uthair halff to the officiar executour of this act for his laubouris and for the mair abundance ordanis the sheriff Stewart bailie provestis aldermen balleis of every burgh ilkane within his awin boundis to roll the names of the personis contempnand this present act and deliver the samin to the thesaurar clerk to the effect that all sik personis may be callit upoun thair to liffis to particular diettis as accordis and punist with all regoure for thair coiitemptioun And siclike command* and charge all and sindry our soverane ladyis legis that nane of thame tak upoun hand to bring ony maner of sowsis gud nor ewill clippit or unclippit furth of the partis of France or uther partiis in this realme for the causis foirsaids under the panis of tinsell of liff landis and gudis And attour gifif the sheriffis stewartis bailies provestis aldermen and bailies of burrowis wes fundin negligent in the jDutting of this act to due executioun in all pointis in maner forsaid vj days to be callit to particulare dyettis and justice courtis and punist thairfor in thair bodeis and gudis for thair contemptioun. MARY.] RECORDS or THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 75 XIII. — 23 Dec. 1551, Rates of French Money fixed. The quhilk day fforsamekiU as the maist Cristin king of France being rememberit of Acts of the his men of weir presentlie remaning in this realme and how thai want thair wageis be ^'^'^1551!^"'^''' certane space hes laitlie hame certane sowsis half sowsis auld and new carolus and lyartis ~~ for payment of thair waigis awin to thame Nochttheles the quenis grace my lord governour and lordis of secreit couusale ar advertesit that our severane ladyis liegis refusis to ressave the saidis sowsis half sowsis auld and new carolus and lyartis respective in payment for thair merchandice viveris and utheris necessaris fra the Franche men of weir and utheris quharthrow the said men of weir can nocht be gudlie sustenit Thairfore my lord governour and lordis of secreit counsale haifand respect to the mony fald gratitudis and plesouris done be the said maist cristin king to our soverane lady hir realme and subjectis hes statut and ordanit that all the saidis sowsis halff sowsis auld and uew Carolus and lyartis have commoun passaige amangis our soverane ladyis liegis owr all this realme and that the samin be ressavit indifferentlie in merchandice and utherwais but stop or impediment and ordanis letres to be direct our all partis chargeing all and sindry our soverane ladyis liegis that nane of thame tak upounh and to refuss the saidis sowsis half sowsis auld and new carolus and lyartis in maner following, that is to say the sous vj d the half sous iij d the carolus v d and the lyart thre halfpenneis for merchandice or uther viveris necessaris under the pane of deid Providing alwayis that xij of the saidis sousis wey aue just unce and the uther mony efferand to the samyn. XIV. — 11 Jan. 1553, A Coinage of Baheis ordered. The quhilk day my lord governouris grace with auis of the lordis of secreit couusell Vol. 11. f. 82. for the haisty depesche of my lord of Ross secretar to the partis of France and for the cunyeing of certane stanis of silver veschell that he hes for his expensis in sik necessar effaris concerning the commoun weill of this realme ordanis my lord thesaurar to deliver furth the prenting irnis that imprentis the babeis to the maister cunyear and caus him to imprent the samyn in babeis nochtwithstanding ony uther ordinance maid in the contrair with the quhilk my lord governouris grace hes dispensit and dispensis be thir presentis. The quhilk day my lord governouris grace with avis of the lordis of secreit counsell ordanis James Aitchesoun maister cunyear to ressave the prenting irnis of the babeis fra my lord thesaurar according to the charge gevin to him thairupoun and siclik to ressaue in certane silver veschell of my lord secretaris now passand to France for the commoun effaris of the realme and cunye the samyn incontinent in babeis for furnessing of his expensis nochtwithstanding ony other actis maid in the contrair of discharge of babeis anentis the quhilkis my lord governouris grace dispensis in this cais allanerlie. 76 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [MARY. XV. — 22 Jan. 1553, Warrant to Coin Babeis. Acts of the The quhilk day my lord governouris grace with auis of the lordis of secreit counsell '''^'^1553""''' ' ordanis James Aitchesoun maister cunyeour to imprent all silver to be brocht and deliverit iTT 89 ^^"^ ^^^^ venerable fader in God William commendatour of the abbey of Culros comptrollar to our soverane lady in babeis Provyding alwais that the silver inbrocht or to be inbrocht to tlie cunyehous be my lord of Eoss secretar to our soverane lady be just cunyeit in babeis conforme to the ordinance maid thairupoun of befoir and gif the said bischop of Ross bes nocht the said silver reddy to be cunyeit as said is ordanis the said James to ressaue the silver to be inbrocht be the said venerabill fader in tymes to cum and to cunye the samyn in babeis as said is nochtwithstanding the actis maid thairupoun in the contrair anent the quhilkis my lord governouris grace dispenses with him thairupoun. [The record is blank from 1553 to 1559, but the originals of the following three acts are in the Register House, Edinburgh.] XVI. — 23 Feb. 1554, Coinage of Pennies ordered. Original iu Forsamekle as throw penurite and scantnes off halfpennyes and other small money terHous^*^^'^ for this present tyme beand within this Realme It is perfytely vnderstand to the quenis grace and Lordis off secreit counsall that the commone pepill ar gretumly hurt and endommagit and that the vitallis sik as breid, drink, flesche, fische, beand sauld in small ar set to highar prices and gretar darth nor thay wald be incaiss thair wer sufficient qiiantite off small money' foresaid haiffand cours amang the subiectis of this realme Thairfor and for vtheris raisonabill caussis It is thocht expedient that ane pece off layit money be imprentit and set furth off the fines off ane penny fyne threttytua off" thame weyand the once haiffand the Lyoune Eampand crownit on that ane syde with the word off" vicit Veritas prentit thairupone, and vpon that other syde the Letter off M crownit with this circumscriptione Maria d. g. Scotorum Eegina prentit in lykemaner and to haiff" cours throw all the Liegis off this Eealme for thre halfpennyes And that ane certane quautite sik as sail pleiss the quenis grace thairoff pas throw the Irnis of the cunyehous to haiff cours in mauer foresaid And that lettres be direct to officiaris off the quenis schireffis in that part to charge all and sindry our souerane Ladyes liegis that nane of thame tak vpone hand to reffuse the said money for the availl and price foresaid vnder the pane of tressone And that the said pece be namit commonly the Lyone. Marie E. XVII. — 23 Jan. 1558, Coinage of Gold Ducats ordered. Original in The quhilk day fforsamekill as the quenis grace dowerar of the Eealme of Scotland tor House. " Ecgeut of the samyn willing That the cunye of gold encres hes causit forge and mak ane new penny of gold in our souerane lord and ladys names of xxij carat fyne and to be of wecht of the quarter vnce trois wecht and hes thocht gud the samyn be sett furth ffor MARY.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 77 the commoime and publict weill of this Realme greit vtilite and proffitt of the lieges thairof Acts of the And this pece to be callit the king and quenis ducatt and the haill to haif passaige for ^"^558""*^ iij ti and the half thairof for xxx § And to haif the Imprent following That is to say vpoune the Richt syd of the said pece our souerane lord and ladys faces with ane clos crovne abone thair hedis and this superscriptioune Franciscus et Maria Dei gratia Rex et Regina Scotorum Delphinus et Delphina Viennenses And vpoune the vther syd ane croce of audit dolphinis coniunct with ane closs crovn at ilk quarter in the middis Sanctandrois croce and ane croce of Lorane at ilk quarter with this superscriptoune horum tuta fides and the yeir of God in cipheris as the saidis peces respectiue proportis Heirfor It is statut and ordanit that the saidis peces of gold haill and half haif passaige commounlie throw this Realme of the prices forsaidis And thairfor to command and chairge all and sindry our souerane lord and ladys lieges That nane of thame tak vpoune hand to refus the saidis peces of the prices aboune wretin respectiue for quhatsumeuer kynd of merchandice and stuf in ony tymes cuming Bot to tak the samyn commounlie as vther cunye of gold and siluer is takin but stop or impediment vnder the pane of tressoune. Marie R. XVIII. — 4 March 1558, Coinage of Tivelve-penny Groats ordered. The quhilk day fforsamekle as the queues grace Dowerar of the Realme of Scotland Original in and Regent of the samyn willing that the cunye of siluir encress hes causit forge and mak ter House, ane new penny of siluir In our soueranis lord and ladiis namez of vj deneris fyne and of the wecht of ane denere viij granys troise wecht and thocht gude the samyn be sett furth for the commone and publict wele of this realme grete vtilite and proffett of the lieges thairof And this pece to be callit the kiugis and quenis twelfif penny grote and euery of the saidis pecis to haue passage for xij d money of this realme and to haue the Imprent following That is to say vpone the Rycht syde of the said pec ane F and ane M: with ane cloiss crowne abone the saidis lettres and one the ane syde of the saidis lettres ane crownit dolphine and one the vther syde ane crownyt thirsell with the subscriptione, Franciscus et Maria Dei gratia Rex et Regina Scotorum Delphinus et Delphina Viennenses And vpone the vthir syde ane square table with this Inscriptione Jam non sunt^ duo sed vna caro abone the scriptour ane croiss of Jerusalem on ilk syde thairoff ane cross of Lorane and vnder the said table the yere of God In cipheris as the saidis pecis respectiue proportis Herefor It is statut and ordanit that the saidis pecis of siluir haue passage commounlie throw this Realme of the price forsaid and thairfor to command and charge all and sindry our soueranis lord and ladiis lieges That nane of thame tak vpone hand to refuss the said pece of the prices abone writtin respectiue for quhatsumeuir kynd of merchandice and stuff in ony tymes to cum Bot to tak the samyn commounle as vther cunye of siluir is takyne but stop or impediment vnder the pane of tressone. Marie R. 78 RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [maky. XIX. — 17 March 1564, False Coins to he melted. The lordis of secreit counsall ordanis the thesaurare to caus melt the maill full of ' fals hardhedis brocht furth of Flanderis and deliverit in his handis swa that thai haif na cours nor passage within this realme in tyme cuming. XX. — 22 Dec. 1565, Coinage of Silver Ryall ordered. It is statut and ordanit be our soveranis quene and kingis majesteis with, avyis of the lordis of thair majesteis counsall That thair be cunyeit ane penny of silver callit the Marie ryall the fynes of ellevin deneris fyne and of wecht ane unce troce wecht with twa granes of remeid alsweill of wecht as fynes havand on the ane syde ane palme tre crownit ane schell padocke crepand up the schank of the samyn ane bill about the tre writtin thairin Dat gloria vires the dait of the yeir thairundir vfiWx this circumscriptioun Begynning at ane thirsill Exurgat Deus et Dissipentur Inimici eius And on the uther syde cure saidis Soveranis armes coverit with ane close croun ane thirsill on ilk syde with this circumscriptioun begynning at ane croce directlie abone the croun Maria et Henricus Dei gratia regina et Rex Scotorum The said penny to haif cours for xxx § money of this realme the twa pairt for xx s and the third pairt x s all of this samyn fynes and prent and of wecht equivalent To wit the twa part of wecht xvj deneris and the third part viij deneris In consideratioun quhairof we charge David Forest generall of our cunye Johnne Achesoun maister cunyeour and all utheris officiaris of our cunyehous ilkane in thair awin oftice to forge prent and caus be forget and prentit sic pecis of wecht and fynes within thair remeidis as is abone specifiit And that lettres be direct for publicatioun heirof in dew forme as efferis swa that nane pretend ignorance heirof XXI. — 18 June 1566, Commissioners appointed anent false Coins. The quhilk day fforsamekill as it is undirstand be certane informatioun maid alsweill to our soveranis as to the lordis of thair secreit counsall That certane personis ar apprehendit within the burgh of Abirdene quhilkis grantis the tressonabill hame bringing furth of the partis of Flanderis of fals fenyeit and corruptit cunye And of the same tressonabill deid dilattis utheris thair compauyeonis and partinaris Throw the quhilk as this common weill hes bene greitlie hurt and cure soveranis and thair trew subjectis defraudit and skaythit Sa is it maist convenient that scharpe executioun be usit and haistie justice ministrat upoun the personis culpabill Quhairfoir the saidis lordis of secreit counsall hes thocht gude and expedient That maister Robert Creichtoun of Elyoke our Soveranis advocat accumpaneit with James Millar writtar and depute to the justice clerk pas with all gudlie diligence to the said burgh of Abirdene And thair tak inquisitioun be all meanis possibill of the personis culpabill of the tressonabill fact abone writtin And the personis delatit and suspectit to put to the knawlege of ane assyis According to our MAKY,] KECOBDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 79 Soveranis commissioun to be gevin to the said maistir Robert and certane utheris adjonit Acts of the -i-T-viii Privy Council, to him for this purpois And that the thesaurare pay to the said maistir Kobert and 1566. James thair ordinar wageis and chargeis viz to the said maistir Robert dalie xl § and ~~ to the said James dalie xx s fra the day of thair departing to thair returning And the samyn salbe allowit to him in his comptis be the auditouris thairof XXII. — 19 May 1567, Proclamation to he made against false Coin. ^ .^'^ 4 The quhilk day the quenis majestie remembering the greit skayth and detriment Vol. 1563- of this common weill throw the hamebringing of fals corrupt and counterfuttit cunye namit ' hardheidis and uther layit money within this realme strekin and forgit within Flanderis and utheris partis beyond sey nocht onelie traterouslie and avariciouslie be hir awiu borne subjectis bot alsua be Inglismen indwellaris of the townis of Newcastell and Berwick quhilkis having dalie and continewall tred with the inhabitantis of the borderis and utheris hir majesteis liegis dehveris to thanie and sendis in this realme the samyn hardheidis and utheris fals and corrupt layit money for victualis and utheris gude and lauchfull marchandices Throw the quhilk greit derth iucressis within this realme to the fiiiall decay and subversion of the common weill thairof gif tymous remeid be nocht provydit And as be hir majesteis command certane of hir awin borne subjectis laitlie apprehendit as culpabill of the tressouabill cryme foirsaid hes bene worthelie pvnissit to the deith according to thair deservingis Sa mon the devysis practices and interprysis of strangearis specialie Inglismen tending to the lyke fyne be foirsene and eschewit quhilkis lying sa neir and ewest to this cuntre hes bene accustumat and may in this point do grittest skayth and hurt Thairfoir hir maiestie with avyis of hir derrest spous James duke of Orknay, erle Bothwell, lord Halis, Creychtoun and Liddisdaill, greit admirall of this realme, and of the lordis of hir secreit counsale Ordanis lettres to be direct to ofiiciaris of armes schereffes in that part Chargeing thame to pas to the marcat croces of Edinburgh, Hadingtoun, Dunbar, Duns, Langtoun, Kelso, Jedburgh, Melros, Hawik, Selkirk, Peblis, Annand, Lochmaben, Drumfreis, Kirkcudbrycht, Wigtoun and all utheris places neidfuU and thair be oppin proclamatioun in hir hienes name and autoritie command and charge all and sindry hir maiesties liegis that nane of thame tak upoun hand to ressave fra ony Inglismen or utheris strangearis ony of the saidis hardheidis plakkis balbeis or ony uther nianer of layit money in payment for ony victuales gudis or marchandices sauld to the saidis Inglismen or strangearis or upoun quhatsumenir uther cans and consideratioun under the pane to be rej)ute and haldin participant and culpabill of the tressonabill cunyeing and hamebringing of the said fals hardheidis and uther corrupt cunye foirsaid with certiticatioun to the personis quhomewith the samyn salhappin to be apprehendit That in cais thai allege ony Inglismen or uther strangear for thar warrand thairof Or is nocht abill to find ane sufficient warrand and dettour indwellar and responsall within this cuntre quhomefra thai ressavit the samyn Thay salbe repute estemit and demanit as tratouris and lyke as thai had cunyeit or brocht hame the saidis fals and corrupt cunye thameselffis. And that 80 RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [MARY. Acts of the the wardanis within the boundis of all the wardaneriis tak diligent triall and inquisitioun ^"^J5g7^"'^'^' thairupoun And to that effect hald court everilk oulk anis As thai will ansuer to hir maiestie upoun thair diligence and executioun of thair offices. ACCOUNTS OF THE LORD HIGH TREASURER. XXIII. — 7 Aug. 1546, Various Receipts connected with the Coinage. Conip Thes. Cona : Item onerat se de v™ iiij" xxxiiij ti xix § iij d obulo provenientibus libere de House^Edin.*^" cona supreme domine nostre regine a die decimo tercio mensis Augusti anni Domini etc. quadragesimi tercij usque ad septimum diem eiusdem mensis anni Domini etc. v'^ quad- ragesimi sexti omnibus oneribus concernentibus dictam conam deductis. Et de j™ v*^ xl ti xvj s receptis a Jacobo Achisoun pro una pelue aurea quondam Supremi domini nostri regis ponderante decem libras dimediam uncie uncia stante ad novem libras duodecem solidos proficuo cone computato in dicta sunima. Et de ij™ Ixxxxij ti xvj s receptis a dicto Jacobo pro uno lavacro aureo et uno lie Cowp aureo ponderantibus tresdecem libras decem uncias uncia stante ut supra proficuo cone computato in dicta summa. Et de j™ j'' ij ti xvj s receptis a dicto Jacobo pro quibus lie cowpis aureis dicti quondam domini regis ponderantibus septem libras duas uncias septem grocios procium uncie ut supra proficuo cone computato in dicta summa. Et de viij'= Iv ti xij s receptis a dicto Jacobo pro certo auro ponderante quinque libras novem uncias unum grossum uncia stante ut supra proficuo computato ut superius. Et de ix'^ Ixxxiiij ti ix s vj d receptis a dicto Jacobo pro Cathena aurea dicti domini regis ponderante sex libras decem uncias auri uncia stante ad novem libras quinque solidos novem denarios proficuo computato ut supra. Et de iij™ ix*= Ivij ti x d receptis a dicto Jacobo pro proficuo octo decem petrarum quindecem librarum novem unciarum trium quarteriarum uncie ex vasibus argenteis dicti quondam domini regis non deaureatis precium uncie ultra proficium cone sex decem solidi tres denarii obolus. Et de vij'^ Ixix ti v § receptis a dicto Jacobo pro tribus petris octo libris novem unciis argenti deaurati precium uncie ultra proficuum cone septem decem solidi. Et de j'^ Ixxxviij ti vj s vj d receptis a dicto Jacobo pro quindecim libris tribus unciis argenti non deaurati precium uncie ultra proficuum cone quindecim solidi sex denarii. Et de Ixviij ti xvj s ix d obulo receptis a dicto Jacobo pro quinque libris sex unciis cum dimedia uncie argenti non deaurati precium uncie ultra proficuum cone quindecim solidi et novem denarii. Item idem onerat se de j" j'^ Iv ti v s vij d obulo receptis a dicto Jacobo pro quinque petris octo librarum . . . uncia et quarteria unius uncie ex vasis argenteis . . . deauratis precium uncie ultra proficuum cone sex decem solidi tres denarii obulo. Summa cone xviij™ j<= xlix ti iij s vj d. MARY.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 81 XXIV. — 31 March 1547, Profits from the Coinage. Accounts of ^ Lord High Cona : Item idem oiierat se de v ti xiiij s viij d prouenientibus libere de cona '"'''jg^^ supreme domine nostre Eegine a sexto die mensis Augusti in anno v'^ xlvj'° vsque ad vltimum diem mensis Marcii anui Domini etc. v*^ quadragesimi septimi omnibus oneribus dictam conam concernentibus deductis. Et de v= Ixix ti xij § v d obulo receptis per computantem pro vna pelue argentea supreme Domine nostre Eegine ponderante viginti quinque libras decern uncias et tres quarterias vncie precium vncie decem solidos tres denarios obulo omnibus oneribus deductis. XXV. — 31 March 1548, Profits of the Coinage. Et de j™ ij*^ li receptis a Willelmo Hamilton de Sanchare milite pro proficuo cone sibi assedate a primo die mensis Aprilis anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo septimo vsque ad vltimum diem mensis Marcii anno Domini etc. quadragesimo octauo omnibus expensis deductis. XXVI. — 1549, Profits of the Coinage for two years. Item idem onerat se de ij™ iiij'' li receptis a Willelmo commendatario de Culros computorum rotulatori pro proficuo cone in annis Domini millesimo quingentesimo quad- ragesimo octauo et quadragesimo nono sibi assedate. XXVII. — 1550, Various receipts connected with the Coinage. Et de viij° Ixvj ti xiij § iiij d pro gressuma dicte cone in anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo quinquagesimo receptis a dicto commendatario de Culros sibi assedate vt supra. Et de iiij*^ ti receptis a dicto commendatario de Culros pro proficuo dicte cone in anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo quinquagesimo. Et de j" 1 ti X s xj d pro proficuo proueniente ex tribus petris duabus libris tribus grossis argenti ex vasis argenteis omnibus oneribus deductis. Et de iij" xxxiij ti xv d obulo ex proficuo trium petrarum vndecim librarum octo vnciarum et dimidie vnius grossi omnibus oneribus deductis. Summa totalis cone viij™ 1]*= xxv ti xij § viij d. XXVIII, — 30 Nov. 1552, Profits of the Coinage. Cona : Item idem onerat se de ij" iij'= xxxiij ti vj s viij d prouenientibus libere de cona supreme domine nostre regine a die primo Novembris anno Domini millesimo quin- gentesimo quinquagesimo primo vsque in diem huius computi omnibi;s oneribus dictam conam concernentibus deductis. L 82 RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [maky. Accounts of XXIX. — 1 March 1553, Profits of the Coinage. Lord High '^'nslfQ^'^' Cona : Item idem onerat se de ij™ iij'' xxxiij ti vj s viij d prouenientibns libera de I Duo. cona supreme Domine nostra regine a die primo mensis Marcii anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo quinquagesimo secundo vsqne ad primum diem dicti mensis Marcii in anno ■ Domini millesimo quingentesimo quinquagesimo tercio omnibus oneribus dictam conam concernentibus deductis Eacaptis a Willelmo Commendatario de Culros compotorum rotulatore prout in assedacione sibi desuper confecta latius cauetur. XXX. — 24 Oct. 1555, Various receipts connected ivith the Coinage. Cona : Item idem onerat se da viij= xxviij ti vij § iiij d receptis a Davide Forress magistro cone a decimo quinto die mensis Januarii anni Domini etc. v'^ quinquagasimi quarti vsqua in diem huius compoti in partem solucionis proficui ex dicta cona proveniantis ad bonum computum. Et da Ixxxix ii xij s vj d receptis a dicto Davide in partem solucionis maioris summe quam Johannes Misserve Anglus tenebatur soluere pro impressione certorum leonum prout in computo dicti Davidis faciendo domine regine regenti latius continatur. Et de ij*= xl ti in partem solucionis proficui certi auri conitati in lie Marie noblis pertinentis Magistro Eoberto Eichartsoun ad bonum computum. Et de j° 1 ti receptis a Jacobo Achisoun in partem solucionis proficui cone ad bonum computum infra tempus computi. Et de v unciis auri Scoticani at dimedia lie drop wecht ad hue minime conitati ampti pro triginta quinqua libris quinqua solidis uncia stanta ad septem libras da qua summa pecunie dictus computans allocationem recepit Et dictum aurum minime oneratum fuit in dicto ultimo suo computo vt patet in aodem. Et de ij vnciis auri empti pro viginti duabus libris et decam solidis de qua summa pecunie dictus computans in dicto suo vltimo computo recepit allocationem Et dictum aurum minima oneratum fuit in dicto suo computo vt patet in eodem. Summa vnciarum auri vij vncie et halff lie drop wecht. XXXI. — 1554, Various payments connected with the Coinage. (19 August 1554) Item for five vnce and half ane droip weght of gold of mynd bocht at vij ti tbe vnca Inde xxxv ti v §. (September 1554) Item for tua vnce of gold xxij carret fyne gevin to the inglis mynour at the quenis grace command to mak ane assay of money xxij ti x s. Item dehuerit to him aucht vnce of siluar to mak ane assay of siluer and layit money coft viij ti. . . . The secund day of Nouember deliuerit to Misharwy inglisman ana vnca of siluar to mak cartane paces of money to be ane assay of his cwingie . xviij ti. Item the xiii day (December 1554) to David Lindesay alias Dingwala purschawant to pas . . . with letres to the towne of Innernes for hame bringing of bulyeoun . . v ti MAEY.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 83 (January 1554) Item to Thomas Smyth xx stanis of irne to mak wark lumis to Accounts (jI' Misserwie Inglisman in the Cwnigye hous viij ti. Treasmw',' Item to the said Thomas to by steiU to the effect for said , iij ti vj §. XXXII. — May 1555, Various payments connected ivith the Coinage. Item be the quenis grace precept and speciall command to Jhonie Missarwy Inglisman and Cwnigyeour as his acqnitance baris . . . . j™ ti. (October 1555) Item for the expens of Misserwy Inglisman being keipit afoir he wes put in the tolbuithe of Edinburgh the space of xx dais 1 s. Item deliverit be the quenis grace command to Johne Carmychacle young Capitane of Craufurd for bying of gold of the mynd and to remane in his haudis and for the making of the exchange therof for the quhilk the said Johne suld mak compt rackneing and payment quhen he is requirit therto. j'^lx ti. Item to twa writtaris drawand the custume buikis and ordouring therof for calling of the merchandise and inbringin of the custwme silver conforme to the actis of Parliament maid for the hame bringin of bulyeoun vj ti xiij s iiij d. Item the comptar dischargis him with twa unce of gold before chairgit in this present compt becaus the samyne wes deliverit to Johnne Misserve Inglisman and tharefter deliverit agane to the quenis grace be the said Johne, ij vnce auri. Item the xxiij day of December deliverit to the quenis grace in new cwnyeit testouns be Johne Aitkinsone maister Cwnyeour . 1 ti. XXXIII. — Dec. 1558, Account 7'elating to the Coinage. Item the comptar exoneris and dischargis him be payment maid to Monsieur de Faultre for the hale principale silver ressauit fra him and cwnyeit in lorance in the moneth of November last and sensyne, xxv™vj*^xvj ti. Item the fyft day of Februar to the quenis grace in loranis to play at the cartis with the erle of Huntlie and young Lethingtoun . . . . x ti. Cona. Item idem onerat se de j™v'^lxxx ti iiii d receptis a Johanne Achisoune Magistro cone prouenientibus de cona certi argenti deliberati per computantem ratione cuiusdam con- tractus confecti inter quondam dominam reginam regentem et computantem Et cudati in testanis quondam Eegis et Eegine post primum diem mensis Decembris anni Domini etc v'= quinquagesimi noni et ante vndecimum diem mensis Junij anni Domini etc. v'^ sexa- gesimi, omnibus oneribus dictam conam concernentibus deductis. Et de xiij^v'^iij ti xviii s vij d obulo receptis a dicto Johanne Achisone prouenientibus de cona certi argenti deliberati per computantem et cudati in Lyonis post dictum primum diem mensis Decembris anni etc v<= quinquagesimi noni et ante undecimum diem mensis Junii anni Domini etc v'= sexagesimi Summa xv™lxxxiii ti xviii s xj d obulo. 84 llECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [maky. A< counts of XXXIV, — June 1560, Account relating to the Coinage. Lord High '^Tseo^'' Item the comptar exoneris and discharges him be command of the quenis grace deliverit to maister John Spens of Condie the profite of viij ti wecht of uterfyne silver cwnyeit in Lyonis in compleit payment of ane precept of the quenis grace of ane stane wecht of vterfyne silver to be cwnyeit in lyonis as said is extending to iij^xviii ti xij §. XXXV. — 20 Feb. 1 Accouyit relating to the Coinage. Item idem onerat se de j'"v'=xij ti xv s vij d receptis a Johanne Achisoun magistro cone prouenientibus de cona certi argenti cudati per dictum magistrum cone in le testanis post primum diem mensis Junij vltimi elapsi anno Domini miUesimo quingentesimo sexagesimo primo et ante vigesimum diem mensis Februarij anni predicti omnibus oneribus dictam conam concernentibus deductis. Item the viij day of September to "Williame Hendersone Dingwale pursevant passand to the'mercat croce of Edinburgh chargeing all personis that nane brek doun gold nor silver nor fyne na mony bot that thai bring the same to the cwnyehous and sicklike chargeing all and sindrie haifand ony puncheonis or irnis maid of steill or irne that thai bring thame befoir the lordis of chekker within xl dais to be brokin doun in thair presens under the pane of deid and with lettres of proclamatioun to the mercat croces of Dunde Perth Sanctandree Cowper Munros Craill Austruther Chargeing all merchandis transportaris of woll hydis skynnis claith and uther merchandice to bring hame bulyeoun to the cwyniehous. XXXVI. — 1 Jan. 1562, Payments for the Cunyehouse. Item allowit to the comptar be payment maid be Johne Achesoue maister cunyeour to Maister William M'Dowgall Maister of Werk for expensis maid be him vpoun the bigging of the cunyehous within the castell of Edinburgh and beting of the cwnyehous within the palace of Halierudhous fra the xj day of February j'^v'^lix yeris to the xxj day of April j'^v'^lx yeris as ane compt gevin in be the said Maister William subscribit with his hand pretermittit in comptis togidder with his acquittance schawin upoun compt beris. iiij'^lx ti iiij s j d. Cona. Item idem onerat se de v'^xlvii ti xv s iiij d receptis a Johanne Achesoun Magistro Cone prouenientibus de cona certi argenti cudati per dictum Magistrum Cone in lie Testanis post decimum nonum diem mensis Februarij anni Domini millesimi quingentesimi sexagesimi primi Et ante primum diem mensis Januarij anni Domini v"= sexagesimi secundi omnibus oneribus deductis. (29 May 1562) The said day to Adam M<=Culloch Marchemond herauld . . . passand of Edinburgh with letres to charge . . . certane personis brekaris of the mynis for transporting of gold silver and leid thairfra, to compeir etc. MARY.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 85 XXXVII. — Feb, 1564, Salaries of Mint Officials. Item to David Forrest generals of the Cwnyehous for his ordinar be the space of this month, xij ti x s. Item to Andro Hendersone Wardane of the said Cwnyehous for his ordinar be the said space, iiij ti iij s iiij d. Item to Maister Johne Balfoure comptroUar Wardane for his ordinar be the said space, iij ti vj s viij d. Item to James Gray sincker of the Irnis for his ordinar be the said space v ti. Item to James Mossman assayer for his ordinar be the said space iij ti vj s viiij d. (Same payments to same parties for March.) XXXVIII. — 1565, Salaries and other payments. (Same payments to same parties for April.) (6 May 1565) Item the said day to ane boy passand of Striueling with clois writingis of the quenis grace to the clerk of Registre, advocat, superintendent of Lowthiane and generale of the Cwnyehous x § (Same officers and wages for May.) (Do. do. for June, July, August.) Item the xxvij day of August be the king and quenis grace command to James Gray goldsmyth sinker of oure soveranis Irnis and seillis for making of certane lokis of gold and furnessing of gold to the samyn, and for making of twa silver stampis furnessing of silver and twa bane heftis x crownis and xv § money, Summa as the said precept togidder with his acquittance schawin upoun compt beris xvii ti xv s. (Same officers and payments as above for Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.) Item the last day of February (1565) be the quenis grace precept to David Riccio secretar in part of payment of the some of ten thousand merkis contenet thairin for the dewtie of the cunyehous aucht to hir Maiestie be the comptar for the space of twa yeris conforme to the contract maid thairupoun as the said precept of the dait the said last of February the yeir of God j™v'=lxv yeris proportis — ij"" ti. XXXIX. — 1566, 1567, Salaries and various expenses. Item idem onerat se de xxvj ti xiij s iiij d compositionis bonorum eschaete spectantium quondam Andree Murray burgensi de Perth convicto et ad mortem justificato pro importacione false monete vocate lie Hardhedis infra hoc regnum Concesse Elizabeth Murdesoun relicte quondam Andree heredibus suis et assignatis. (Escheat of Patrick Ramsay burgess of Dundee, condemned for same offence.) (Oct. 1566.) Item the v day of October to Williame Lawsoune messenger passand of Edinburgh to serche seik seis arreist and mak inuentar of the gudis and geir perteining to Accounts of Lord Higb Treasurer, 1564. 86 KECOEDS OF THE COIKAGE OF SCOTLAND. [mary. Accounts of Alexander Cruikscliauk and vj merchandis "with him within the burgh of Aberdene for Treasurer, inbringing within this realme of fals hardheidis furth of Mauchling in Flanderis iiij ti. 15 66, 15 67. ^2st January 1566. Seven months pay at same rate as before gevin to the same officers of the mint) and : — " to the said James Gray for tempering of the irnis be the said space ilk moneth iij ti vj s viij d = xxiij ti vj s viij d." (May 1567.) Item the xx day of May to ane boy passand of Edinburgh with the heidis armis and leggis of Patrick Eamsay and Andro Murray justefiit to the deith for inbringing of fals hardheidis within tliis realme to the townis of Dunde and Perth and to otheris townis appointit xxiiij s. (June 1567.) Five months pay to the same officers, with addition to James Gray for " tempering the Irnis." Item to James Bannatyne writtar for expensis debursit be him in travelling to Sanct Johnstoun Dunde Montrose Brechin & Aberdene in vptaking of dittay upoun the hame bringaris & vsaris of fals cunye and vtheris pointis and thair remanyng be the space of sex oulkis & five dais extending to the said space liij ti vj s viij d. XL. — 10 Jan. 1567, Profit of Mint for t wo years. Item idem onerat se de vj™ vj'^ Ixvj ti xiij s iiij d prouenientibus ex proficuo cone per assedationem computanti factam per Eegem et Eeginam pro spacio duorum aunorum post introitum eiusdem quiquidem introitus in et ad dictum proficuum eiusdem cone erat decimo die mensis Januarij anno Domini Millesimo quingentesimo sexagesimo quinto prout in contractu inter regem et reginam et computantem de data quarto Januarij anno predicto desuper confecto latius cauetur Quequidem assedatio durabit vsque ad decimum diem mensis Januarij in anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo sexagesimo septimo. MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS. XLi. — 19 Nov. 1546, Acts and Proclamation of Money. Acta Doiiiiu- The quhilk day fforsamelde as my lord gouernour and lordis of consale vnderstandand fit Sessionis^" perfitelie of befor that the fyne cuuyeit gold and siluer of this realm and in speciale the xviij d grote wes commonlie had furth of the samin and that our auld Innymeis of Ingland had brocht certane cunye in the said realme sik as the bagcheik grote quhilk wes na fyne siluer and to the effect that the fyne siluer suld remane in the realme It wes thocht expedient that the said bagcheik grote suld haif passage bot for xij d alanerlie Nochtheless our saidis auld Innymeis tending to do that is in thame to bring the fyne cunye of this realme sik as gold and siluer furth of the samyn and to causs thair cunye sik the Eiale new angell nobill and new Inglis croun to haif passage in this realme howbeit the samin is na fyne gold bot copper for the maist pairt and of na fynnace and siclik the said bagcheik MARY.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 87 togidder with ane vthir grote with the emprent of ane barne vpoiin the samin quhilk is na Miscellaneous Tt6cor(ls sihier hot copper laitlie emprentit in Ingland and sua to abus our souerane Ladyis lieges 1546.' ' be thair fals and subtile meinis and wayis and to abstract all the fyne money and cunye fra our said souerane Ladyis lieges and causs thair copper and fenyeit fals money to haif commone passage within this realme and for remeid heirof It is diuisit statute and ordanit that in all tymes tocum the riaU of Ingland the new angell noble the new Ingliss croun the bagcheik grote and all vtheris new bagcheik grotis laitlie iinprentit in Ingland haif na passage in this realm amangis our souerane Ladyis lieges for ony kynd of stuff or merchandice and thairfor ordanis lettres to all Shirefifis Stewartis baillies and thair deputis and to the provest aldermen and baillies of burrowis and to vtheris officiaris of the Quenis shireffis in that pairt chargeing thame to mak Intimatioun and publication heirof at the mercat croces of all borrowes within this realme with ane charge to all and syndrie our souerane Ladyis lieges That nane of thame tak vpoun hand to gif or tak the said money viz. the riale new angell noble the new Ingliss croun the said bagcheik grote or ony vther bagcheik grottis laitlie Tmprentit in England as said is for ony maner of stuff or merchandice bot refuis the samin alanerlie under the pane of deid. XLii. — 7 July 1550, Export of Money 2oroJiihited. The quhilk day fforsamekle as my lord gouernor and lordis of secret counsale Acta Domi- considerand how that the gold and siluer of this realme for the maist part wes had furth of et Sessionis, the realme be strangeris and vthiris nationis and that the samin wes nocht employit and '143^^^' wairit vpoun merchandice within the realme conforme to the actis of parliament maid thairvpoun And the grete dampnage and skayth sustenit be our souerane Lady hir realme and Lieges thairthrow and that if prouisioun wer nocht maid thairintill the said realme Avald be distitute of all gold and siluer within schort space Diuisit and ordanit that na strangeris presentlie in this realme or that suld happin to cum to the samin portis and havinnis thairof suld haue ony money gold nor siluer cunyeit nor vncunyeit furth of this realme bot suld wair the samin vpoun merchandice and pennyworthis within the samin conforme to the actis of parliament maid thairvpoun and vnder the panis contenit thairintill and sercheouris to be depute be the comptrollar to se the samin dewlie done like as in the act maid thairvpoun is at mair lenth contenit, For dew executioun of the premisses, and eschewing of fraud of our souerane ladyis custumis, It is diuisit and ordanit be my lord Gouernour and lordis of Secrete Counsale foirsaidis, that all custumaris of this realme > or thai deliuer ony cokkattis to ony stranger that hes arrivitt, or is to arrive towart this realme with thair schip and merchandice, that thai haue first recours and consider the buke of entres of the saidis strangeris gudis and geir, and confer the avale of the geir desyrit to be custumat with the said buke of entres ; to the effect, that the custumar may consider giff the twa pairt of the gudis enterit be employd and warit in merchandice conform to the said act of parliament and giff swa be, to deliuer the coquete, and vthir wais to aduertis the searcheouris, and stop the coquete, ay and quhill the clerke employing and waring off the twa pairt of the money, as said is, or ellis to pay the custuma ... of the 88 RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [MARY. Miscellaneous money Conform to the act of parliament maid thairupon : That is to say of euery pund ^1546.^' d and ordanis the buk of entres of euery burgh to be yerely producit in the chekker befor the lordis auditouris thairof, vpoun the custumaris conipt, to mak euery custumaris charge according to the said Act. Sanctandrois Jo. Orchadensis episcopus William Hammyltoua Clericus registri W. Carnegy. XLiii.- — 5 April 1551, Proceedings against an exporter of Money. Acta Dorai- Anent the complaint gevin in be Adam Moscrope aganis Edward Bervik Inglisman et Sesslonis" " makand mentioun, that, quhair in the moneth of Aprile the said Adam tuke and 139^^^ apprehendit witliin the burgh of Edinburgh the said Edward Bervik Inglisman havand in his hand ane quhinzear watterit and vngilt than recentlie coft and resauit be him within the said burgh. The. quliilk Edward in lik maner, at syndry tymes, sen the feist of Witsonday last by past, coft, resauit, and transportit furth of this realme of befoir mony vtheris syndry and diuers quhynzearis to the nowmer of xx with the ma to the realme of Ingland for furnessing of the auld innymeis thairof, and inarminge of thame contrair our souerane Lady is liegis ; and diuers and syndry, sen the said feist of Witsonday transporttit, furth of this realme to the realme of Ingland be him self, and vtheris in his name, grete sowmes of gold, and auld Inglis grottis, to the awaill of ane thowsand pund Sterling or thairby, and maid plane merchandice thairof within the said burgh ; likeas he yit daylie dois, gevand for ilk Inglis grott callit barrit grottis xix d, and for ilk crowne of the sone xxiiij s, committaud and doand thairthrow grete preiudice to oure souerane Lady hir realme and liegis. And thairfor, gife the said Edward ony conduct had, hes forfaltit the samin ; and suld be decernit the said Adamis presoner lauchfuU, specialie be the Lawis and Statutis of Ingland obseruit and practikit vpoun oure souerane ladyis liegis resortand thairto. In respect of the quhilk the said Adam bona fide tuke the said Edward Bervik Inglisman foirsaid, and presentit him to James Carmichell ane of the baillies of the said burgh quha[ir] he yit remains. Nochttheles the said Adam can get na deliuerance of the said Edwart to remane with him as his presoner And anent the charge gevin to the said Edward To compeir befoir the lordis of Secret Counsale to ansuer to the said complaint as at mair lenth is contenit in the said supplicatioun and deliuerance past thairvpoun. Bayth the saidis partiis being parsonalie present, the said Edward Bervik denyit the said complaint, and all poyntis contenit thairintill. Thairfor the lordis of Secrete Counsale assignis to the said Adam the audit day of Maij nixtocum, with continewatioun of dayis to preif the poyntis of the said comijlaint And ordanis him to haue letteris to summond sic witnes and probationis, and to produce sic writtis rychtis and documentis as he hes, or vill vse befoir the lordis of Secrete Counsale and Sessioun for preving of the said complaynt, and all poyntis contenit thairintill, agane the sade day : and in the menetyme MARY.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 89 continewis the sade mater in the samyne forme, force and effect as it is now bute preiudice Miscellaneous of partty. And the partiis ar warnit heirof apud acta. ^1551'''' XLiv. — 16 March 1555, Remedies for Gold Coinage. In the act anent the cunyie for the pieces of gold weyand ane quarter of ane vnce Haddington thair be rebaited the aucht pairt of ane carret for the remeid of fynnes And ane grayne to caWs' Library be rebaited for remeid of wecht And the said David Forrest to mak compt of the saids Edinburgh, remeids alsweill of wecht as fyness and ilkane of the saids peces to pas for 3 lbs and the silwer pennie to be xj d fyne twa graynes to be rebaited for remeid of fynnes and ane grayne to be rebaited for remeid of wecht And the said David Forrest to mak compt of the saids remeids alsweill of wecht as fynnes. XLV. — 20 Nov. 1558, Mi7it Book to he audited. Auditouris of the comptis of our Cwngyehous ye sail nocht failyee to cans the forgearis Miscellaneous of our said Cwinyehous present to you in the tyme of the comptis makin of the samyn ^r^House^^'^ thair bukis of the forgeing of gold and siluer and lait money That be the samyn and Wardanis buikis ye comptroll and knaw the comptis that our derrest Dauchter and we nocht defraudit thairin as ye will answer to us heirupoun. Subscriuit with our hand at Edinburgh the xx day of Nouember j'^v'^lviij yeiris Marie K. XLVi. — 23 July 1559, Articles accordez au'ec les Protestans d'e Scosse le xxiif"' Juillet 1559. Les Protestans renderont tous les coings de la monnoye par eulx prins et Icleux State Papers, deliureront entre les mains de ceulx qui en auoient charge de la Dame^/ sem- 1.^ Elizabeth, blablement le palais assis pres labbaye de S** Croix sera laisse & rendu au Concierge dicelluy ou autre aiant pouoir suffisant de la Dame en meismes estat quil fut receu, Et ce auant que de partir de la ville Et pour I'observacion et accomplissement des deulx articles cy dessus les S''^ de liufven de Petalio sont entrez pleges. XLVii. — 1559, Contract between John Acheson, James Hart, and John Hunter. It is appointit betwix Johne Acheson on ane pairte James Hart and Johne Hunter Hopetoun on that vther pairte etc The saidis J ames and Johne sail at the making heirof enter thair ^^v^^^- selfis with vtheris thair seruitoris and sail forge and melt all sUuer matell of xj penny fine ^ La Roine Regente. M 90 RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [maky. .Miscellaneous quliilk the Said Johne Achesone sail bring and deliuer to thame and sail deliuer to tbame Rccortls 1559. ' the work lowmis to work the same thai vphaldand the beitment thairof and delyerand thame als sufficient as thay ressawit thame The saids personis sail furneis coill fire and vtheris necessaris efferand thereto for euery stane wecht of maid werk bulzeit of the said fines thair sail be allowit to thame of inlaik ane vnce and vj grot wecht, the said Johne payand to thame for ilk stane wecht maid work xl s, and als the saids personis sail melt and forge to the said Johne all his layit matell and he to pay to thame for ilk stane wecht thairof maid werk xxxij s and the said Johne to allow to the saidis personis the inlaik of forgeing and melting efter triell be takin of the same The said Johne to furnes thame ane hous to thame and thair childer to sit and drink as vse hes bene, attour sail nocht inbring and ressaue ony persone or personis to forge melt nor wirk within the cunyehous to molest the saidis personis hot that thai salbe content thairwith and with the awld and best warkmen of the houss and thir presentes to indure for ane yeir at ather of the personis plesour XLViii. — 15G4, Touching Money. Hopetoun In the fyrst in Kyng James the fyfitis tyme thair was greit qwantitie of sylwer within this Realme and therefter in my L. Dwiks tyme of byllioun in clipit sowsis quhilks hail! was cunyeit in bawbeiss qwhairof to this day xv franks the marc of fyne syluer in billioun remains no small nomer quhilkis to pass in France as byllioun gewis this day war wortht iiij s viij d the wnce quhilk is for ilk piece iij d§ obulo the iiij s testoun of iiij d wecht is wortht to brok iij s iiij d. In the fyrst it is nocht wnknawin to your grace and wisdomis the xii d that in all tymes past the principall and schef moyane of bringing of sylwer to be cunyeit noMunte av* withiu this Realme ivas the newe money of Ingland quhilk being continewallie fyner nor iirj'd^obio '^the '^'^^'^•'^ ^^'^ owris and thair marchandis perseuyng greit proffeit in transporting the samyne wnce quliilk is out of thair realme in owris be careing furth of the builyeoun callit bagchikeis brocht in ilk picc6 vi (1 fnrdin. greit quantateis of the said sylwer quhilk tred is inlykit and faillit at this present. Secoundlie the counsall of Ingland persaiuing thair commoun welth daylie hurt and indomagit be the greit quantatie of ewill mouney hawing cours within thair realme causit cry done the samyn to so law prices as thai mycht be brocht to the cunyehous swa that ane gret part thairof was brocht fynet and cunyeit in Testonis within this Realme to the greit prof&t of the samyn. Thredlie the marchandis hawing within thir fewe yeiris all sic sortis of marchandyce as woll skynnis hydis and fyschis of resonabill prices and litill saill to Franche and Flanderis wairis war than content rader to bring hame syluer for alevin § the franke than ony vther marchandyce. Bot at this present the staine of wouU quhilk than was worth ten or twelf s is now derrer than fourtie s. The last of salmond quhilk than was sauld for fourtie fiwe pundis or fyftie pundis is now derrer than four schore ten pundis and all vther marchandice referand thairto in sic sort that the marchand is nocht abill to transport ony sort of marchandice without greit tinsall swa that be thair traffick thair can be na syluer brocht hame. MAKY.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 91 Fourtlie the tyme that the Franche men war in this realme thair payment for the Miscellaneous maist part was brocht hame in testonis ryallis yokindaillis and vther gude mouney quhilk nai.' was haillalie transformet in oure mouney swa that na small proffit arrais thairby as may be persaiuit be comptis of the cunye. Fyftlie the marchandice of this realme is becumit so deir that the marchandis persaiuyng the derth thairof as is contenit in the former article can in nawayis transport the samyn without greit loss and mair than be gold or syluer quhilk is the haill and principall occatioun that the letill and small gude gold and sylwer that restis is and will be transportit without your grace and wosdomis put ordour thairto. Saxtlie my appearance to retain within this realme the small thing that restis is to causs apprehand certane perticular personis quhilkis trauellis and ar commun byeris of all gold and syluer cunyeit and vncunyeit nocht onelie within this toun of Edinburgh bot als in all vther tounis markits and faris within this Kealme cerfing opinglie all sortis of syluer and gold cunyeit and vncunyeit vpoun so bight prices as the samyn can nocht be worth and is maist preiudiciall and vntollerabill intill ane commun weltli as crownis of wecht for xxxiij s the peice angell nobillis for Iv s the peice dubill ducattis iij lb xij § the peice, xl § peices of the Kyng for 1 s xliiij s peices xlvij s iij tb ducattis for iij lb viij s roiss nobillis iiij lb xij S yokyndaillis xxv s Franch testonis vij s vj d the xij pennis of Inglaud V s ij d the wnce of cours gold of xx carrattis or thairby xij tb the wnce of cours syluer of X d or thairby xxj § and sum xxij s and all vthir gold and syluer conformand thairto Quhilkis personis albeit thai be of small reputatioun thair tred in this behalf is nocht conforme thairto for as I am cradibillie informit gif thai war charplie exeniinit thay could sufficientlie declair nocht onlie thair furnesceris bot als quhat thay haif coft and had hanlyng of thir twa yeiris bypast rennyng without brydell for lyke of punishment as thay haif run. The marchands traid in Ingland at this present is transportin vj of oure testonis byis ane crowne and thairby wins iij s at thair hands quhilkis traewllis in Flanderis, and thay cwnting the lb greit and nobles as thay do at this present fyndis sum proffit thairby. Atoure thay ar begun already to gif v s ij d for the peice of testonis cunyeit in the Queue regentis tyme of the fynnes of nyne d and of thame iiij in the wnce swa that nocht onlie may thay transport thame bot als all the rest according to the prices befoir specifeit. Sewintlie howbeit it sould appeir the bying of the mouney foirsaid of sa hie prices to be greit tinsaU to the marchand yit your grace and Lordschippis may vnderstand that thay haif no loss thairby for gif ane eln of claith costis twa crounis thay compt nocht the croun according as it hes courss in- Franche or in Flanderis bot as it hes courss at this present in this realme for say thay gif our marchandice quhilk we trawell for be deir mekill mair is the marchandice quhilkis we wont to transport swa that in rowme thairof we ar in fors compellit hawing none vthir thing to leif on bot oure tred owther to transport mouney and to mak oure proffit thairby or than aluterlie to decay. Be the foresaidis articulis your grace and wosdomis may vnderstand that without punishment within fewe yeiris thair saU remane no. thing within this realme except beUoun to the greit hurt thairof ffor the gentill man complenis of the marchand and the 92 EECOKDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [MARY. Miscellaneous marchancl of the gentill man in lyke maner albeit that nane of thame haif tinsall swa that Rgcoi'cIs • • 1564. ' the haill wrake fallis vpoun the pure to the quhilk it will pleis your grace and L. to put ordour for rameid heirof and downe brynging of derth I fynd no vther remeid except of two ewillis the leist to be chosen quhilk I alwayis raferris to your grace and wisdomes, The first is that so long as ewill mouney remanis in greit quantitie and ewerilk day rather awginenting than paring apperantlie the present derth sail newer deminish bot rather awgment as is esie to be persaiwit alsweill in wittallis as in merchandeis, swa that the rnerchandis persawing the samyn sail from tyme to tyme awgment and nocht pair rather transport gold and sylwer than ony marchandeis and hawe leist lois thairby in sik sort that with deferring of tyme as the greit qwantitie as already transportit swa sail the small that remanis, quhilk done and nothing remaneing bot byllioun and that so inswfficient that the lyk is in no realme it salbe impossible to pwtt rameid thairto without heirschip of ^he haill als weill prynce as swbiectis, The nyxt is yowre grace and wisdomis sail wnderstand and consider that the haill fyne sylwer that hes bene cwnyeit in lyartis as the bwikis beris is nocht ane hwndreth staine quhilk at the fyrst owtgewing extendit ewerilk stane to xij"^ xxviij tb xvj s extending in the haill to xxviij™ viij'^ Ixxx tb of the quhilk I am asswritt. To my Jugement the tent part is decayit, ye albeit I sould say the fyft I swld not er, and falss brocht in thair roome quhilk wald be all vtterlie destroyit in the quhilkis thair wilbe fyne sylwer worth XXV™ Ixxxviij tb cownting vter fyne sylwer at xx § the wnce, swa the haill tynsell at the maist swld e^^tend to Ixxxxvij™ viij° viij lb And albeit this sowld seme to be ane greit hwrt to. the commons to my Jugement it swld nocht be becaws it swld on force talk downe the pxyces of aU waris and wittellis for schant of monney compellis men to sell and swa wares cwmming to law pryce swold mowe marchandis for thair awin proffett transport thame and leif the lytill gwde monney that remaines ye and with tyme as thay war accwstwmit rather to, bryng hame than to taik fwrth, To conclwd in few wordis albeit the lyonis war cryit downe to. vj s viij d the marc wecht it swld be clene forgett within few yeris as is Ingland, and gewe thay contynw we ar asswrit be the former articles that within few yeris we sail hawe non vther nioney qwhair we hawe this day praysit be God xij or xiij'^ stane off testonis, and gewe it swld be askit quhat swld be done with the saidis lyartis answer gewe the prynces swbstance mycht gwdlie do it quhilk I belewe may nocht, thay war neidfwU to be keipit to serwe qwhen the prynce had to do and to rawert thairto agane qwhen trobles war done vpoun the pryce thay war gewin fwrtht for, and be this menis with tyme thay swld all vterlie decay or wtherways lett the samyne be brocht to the Cwnyehows be the awneris togidder with ane ownce xvj d fyne sylwer to ewerilk marc and thayr to be cunyeit in sowsis of iij d fyne and of xiiij in the wnce and pay to the said awner for the said marc wecht of lyonis and wnce xvj d fyne sylwer xlviij s viij d swa sail thair rest to the prynce of fre profifet of ilk marc passand the irons ij s iiij d quhilk will extend in the stane to iij tb xiiij s viij d and to the awner for inbringing of his sylwer ij s and so money as past the Irnis be exchange ilk marc swld pay of proffeit iiij s ij d quhilk wawld be in the stane vj tb xviij § viij d. MARY.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. XLix. — 8 Aug. 1566, The contract between William Broune, Thomas Acheson, and James Cleuch. At Edinburghe the viij day of August the yeir of God j™v'lxvj yeris It is appoyntit Miscellaneous aggreyit and fynalie contractit betwixt honorable persones vnderwrittin, That is to say 1566.*'' Jhone Achesoun Maister Cunyeour to our soueranes on that ane pairt, WiUiame Broun, Hopetouu James Cleuch and Thomas Achesoun on that vther pairte, In maner form and effect as efter Papers, followis That forsamekle as the saids Williame James and Thomas sail ressaue fra the said Jhone all syluer cunyet and merket except the broken syluer and sail melt forge and bulye the same, and sail delyuer agane to the said Jhone or any vtheris in his name alsmekle syluer and on the same fynnes as the saidis Williame James and Thomas sail happin to ressaue redye for the printing ffor the quhilkis causses to be done in maner foirsaid the said Jhone Achesoun sail content and pay to the saidis persones for inlacke of ilk stane wecht of movlting forgit and bulyet syluer delywerit to thame be the said Jhone ane vnce and ane halfe of syluer togidder with the sowme of xxxviij s monye, and the said Jhone schall incontinent with all possible diligence fuynis to tlie saidis Williame James and Thomas all maner of werklomes necessare for melting and forging of the sam according to ane memorial! quhilk they sail delyuer to the said Jhone at the maiking of thir presentis, and the saidis personis sail rander and delyuer agane to the said Jhone all maner of werklomes quhilkis thai sal happin ressaue als guid and sufficient as the saidis werklomes wes the tyme of the ressaitt thairofe at the sycht of Jhone Becartoun smyth and the saidis Williame James and Thomas bindes and obliss thame thair aires executoris and assignais to mak compt raknyng and thankefull payment monethly to the said Jhone of all and haill the said syluer quhilk thai salhappin ressaue, and in case of ony inlake as God forbid, that thane in that case thai bind and obliss thame to recompance and rander instantlie agane to the said Jhone, swa that he may be suir of his awin prowyding alwayes that the saidis Williame James and Thomas sail cheis thair workemen at thair awin plesur, and for fulfilling of euere poynt of thir presentis for the parte of the forsaidis Williame James and Thomas the persones abone namit sail cause the men vnderspecifiet becum cautioun and souertie with thame selfis viz Maister Jhone Balfour for the said Williames parte Gilbarte Cleuche for the parte of the said James and Robert Gurlaw burges and merchant in Edinburgh for the pairt of the said Thomas and the samyn to indure for the space of thrie monethes nixt eftir the dait heirofe and langer at the plesur of the saids pairteis. In wytnes of the quhilk thing bayth the saidis pairteis and thair souerteis forsaides hes subscrywit the samyn as followis and is content and consentis that this present contract be actit and registratit in the buikes of and to haue the strenthe of ane act and decreitt of the same renunceand thair awin juris- dictioun and submittand thame to the jurisdictioun of the saids in this case and to that effect bayth the said pairtiis and souerteis forsaids maks constituts and ordanis honorable men and thair weilbelouits and ilk ane of thame coniunctlie and severallie thair veray lauchfull and indowtit procuratoris to consent to the 94 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [MARY. Miscellaneous registrating heirofe in vberiore forma et promiserunt de rato with executorialles to be ^1566^.'*' I'ssit thairvpoun in forme as effeirs, day yeir and place forsaids befoir thir witness and Adame Moscrope noter publict with wtheris dyuers. The following account of the Money has been inserted here, because it relates principally to the reign of Mary, and affords much valuable information as to the Coinages : — L, — Anent Cunyie ane ample discourss. The fundatioun of oure wecht and money with the alteratiounis thairof safer as ony register remanis in the writtaris hand heirof Hopetouii Oure wecht hes ressauit the fundatioun of the quheit cwirne quhairof as the bulk of the maiestie sayis In legibus burgorum, That the penny than having cowrse quhilk was callit aue striueling sidd wey xxxij of the said cwirnes gud and round of the quhilk pennyis thair sould be in the vnce xx and in the merk wecht quhilk is aucht vnce xiij s iiij d of sterlingis quherby the breid than wes weyit sua that the boU of quheit guid and sufficient stuff being sauld for ten penneyis of that money the Laif of ane half penny weill baiken and dryit of fine floure sowld haue weyit thre pund ix ounce and a tua pairt vnce of fyne wastell breid at ix d or xj penneyis the boll to be sauld of the samyn j)ryce / quhat the boll of quheit weyit than it is wncertane bott now it weyis xiiij stane viij pund foure vnce / The aill wyne and all other thingis for mannis sustentatioun of the lyk pryces quhilk movit mony gud and godlie turnis to be done that now (allace) ar put in obhuioun. This ancient tyme of gud memorie I ame compellit to Lament and put in obliwioun in respect of thir our miserable dayis Considering the mutatiounis following frome tyme to tyme How thingis alterit alsweill in the estait of money quhilk is and suld be the grund of all handling amangis men as also in derthe of all wittellis and wairis Inevitable following thairvpone may eassily be persawit be the actis of parliament quhairin is contenit nocht onlie the ordinances for wpcrying of money bot also the downecrying at sic tymes as cause requirit And as the money was heichtit swa for Ilk penny raissit The wairis and the rest wer agmentit foure for ane Quhat proffit this hes bene to the king and cuntrie lett the Leirndest wnderstand and luge quhidder thais thingis tendit that way onlie or to the commoditie of particuler personis Thir things can nocht now be rememberit because ther ar sindrie peces of money contenit in the saidis actis quhilkis in our tyme hes semdle or never bene sene sua that thairof na compt can be maid bott at the leist sic thingis as ony register remanis of salbe rememberit as appertenis and in quhais handis the commoditie fell from tyme to tyme MARY.] RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 95 1526 Not that the xxvj of September proclamatioun wes maid in Ingland of gold as followis, Miscellaneous Eecords. to Witt Hopetoim MS. The Frenche crowne . . . . iiij § vj d sterling The angell vij s vi d The Eiall xij s viij d About that same tyme or as is supponit a lytle befoir the angell was comptit the saxt pairt of ane ounce troyes swa that sex were lust ane vnce quhilk than wes xl § sterling The angell was woorth tua ounces siluer sa that sex angellis wer worthe twelf onces siluer Schort eftir in the moneth of November following throw occasioun of transporting out of the cuntrie the saidis angellis war proclamit to be vij s vi penneyis swa the ounce of gold cunyeit was worthe xlv schillingis in cunyeit money and the vnce of siluer according thairto iij s ix d First in the ring of King James the fyft thair war cunyeit grottis of tuelf in the vnce callit Dowglas grottis the fynnes of x denieris quhairof was payit of Ilk once cunyeit of proffit ane grott extending to xviij d swa that the proffeit of Ilk stane wecht of the saidis grottis extendit to xix ti iiij § At the quhilk tyme the vunce of wtter fyne syluer was coft for xvij s quhilk is for the stane wecht — ij'' xvij ii xij s Sua thair remanit for wirking of Ilk stane wecht xij li xvj s Than / alsweill as lang efter the cunyehouse was furneissit be Inglis money ryellis testanis and all vther forrane money vpoun the pryces abone writtin. At that tyme thair was also cunyeit certane thre merkis tua merkis and merk peicis of gold caUit braid bonnettis the fynnes of 23 carrettis fyne and of wecht iiij dr xij grs the greittest having course for xl s Ilk pece and the rest of wecht pryce and fynnes pro rata Thair wes siclyke cunyeit certane abay crownis the fynnes of xxj crs and ane half and of wecht ij dr xvj gris Ilk pece having cowrse than for xx s At quhUk tyme the crowne of the sone gaif .... xviij § The angell nobill ......... xxviij s The dowble ducat and hary noble xxxvj s The rois noble . xlij § The Portingall ducat x ti of the quhilkis peces and vther gold coft within the cuntre with gold of the myndis (quhairof at that tyme thair wes na small quantitie) war the saidis peces abone writtin maide and the cunyehouse furnesit thairby Quhat .pryces war than of wairis wittellis and all necessaris thair ar zit honest people can tell besydis the merchandis buikis and dyett buikis of noblemen in that tyme alsweUl as the buikis of exchakker The saidis grottis befoir namit wer cunyeit be James Achesoun than maister / maid compt of the proffeit thairof to the bischope of Aberdene thesaurer as the buikis will sufficientlie beir 96 RECOKDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [MARY. 1542 Miscellaneous Thaiiefter the said James being commandit to worke bawbeis he altogidder refusit for Itc cords Hopetoun MS. the quhilk cause was placit in his rowme Eichart Wardlaw and Eichart Yownge goldsmyths quilkis begouth the warke and war nocht able to performe it swa that the said James was compellit be the kingis chairges in straittest forme to accept the burdein of working thairof as efter followis first thair wes cunyeit of bawbeis of iij d fyne xvj in the ounce The vnce of wtter fyne siluer coift at xvij s as is befoir specifijt fra the x of august 1543 to the last of Junij 1544 liiij stane vj punde the proffeit of Ilk stane cunyeit xxxv ti extending in the haill to — jm j^l^ jj § yj ^ The compte heirof maid and randerit to the Laird of Grange than thesaurer The cause of thir bawbeis cunyeing was the warres that schortlie begowde betuixt ws and Ingland quhairvpone foUowit the raid caUit Solanmos the birning of Edinbrugh Leyth and all the rest 1544 Proclamatioun was maid in Ingland for putting of gold to xlviij s the vnce coinyeit and siclyke the vnce of siluer to iiij s at the quhilk tyme begowde the cunyeing of thair bas money as thair cronicles will beir witness Efter the deithe of King James the fyft quha depairtit at Falkland the day of 1542 the erle of Arrane being than chosin governour having warres bayth within and without the cuntre continewit the coinyeing of the saidis bawbeis of wecht pryce and fynnes forsaid sua that thair is found to bene cunyeit fra the last of Junij 1544 to the last of Marche 1547 as the buikis beuis iiij'^ Ixiij stane j punde wecht the proffit of Ilk stane xxxv ti Mair coinyeit fra the said day to the sevint of Marche 1549 to Schir W"" Hammiltoun of Sanchar Knyght taxmane of the cunyehouse — -j*^ xxj stane iiij punde tua vnce the profl&t of Ilk stane xxxv pundis Not that the stane wecht of vtter fyne siluer cunyeit in bawbeis maid foure stane wecht of cunyeit money extending to iiij'' ix ti xij s The stok warkmanschip und lay being deduceit thair remanit of every stane of vtter fyne of fre proffitt — ^j<= xl ti The compt of all befoir mentionat coinyeit in the said governouris tyme was maid and randerit to Johne Archbischope of Sanctandrois than thesaurer All the quhilk space thair wes reasonable pryces of wittellis wairris and vther thingis necessar quhatsumevir quhilk is sufl&cientlie weiU knawin The warres than rather agmenting nor pairing and sindrie greit affairis in hand the cunyehouse wes sett in asseda- tioun to William Commendatar of Culrois comptroller and taxman thairof In quhais tyme vtter fyne siluer was raisit to xx § the once sua that fra the sevint of Marche 1549 to the XV of September thair was cunyeit in the saidis bawbeis — iiij° Ixxxxix stane vj pund tua once The proffit of Ilk stane conyeit xxv ti viij s In the space befoir namit the crowne of the sone rais fra xviij s to xx s and thairefter to xxij § The angell fra xxviij s to xxxij § The dowble ducat and harie noble fra xxxvj § to xHj § MARY.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 97 The rois noble fra xlij to xlviij § The Portingall ducat fra x ti to xiiij ti The vnce Miscellaneous of syluer of all sortis according thairto The wittellis wairis and quhatsumever men had to Hopetoun''MS do with war raisit heicher than the money iij d for ane The maist pairt of the saidis bawbeis were coinyeit of clippit soussis quhilkis than wer proclamit in France for bullion and send heir to be conuertit in bawbeis for papnent of thair men of weir lying heir aganis Inglaud And in the end thair wer sum cunyeit to M'' Dawid Panther bischope of Rose quha was send in embassidrie to France for tretting of the queinis maiesties mariage and sic vther effairis as concernit the weill of this realme And albeit thair wer mony ma coinyeit yit thair remanis na ma in register except thay be in the buikis of the exchekker or his maiesties registeris Thair wes lykwayes cunyeit ane pece of xx s bering one the ane syde ane M and ane R of xxiij carratis fyne and sum abbay crownis befoir mentionat with a reasonable nowmer of testanis of xj d fyne Ilk pece weyand foure d hawand course for four s. quhairof na register remanis Siclyke thair wes cunyeit peces of gold of the fynes of xxij crs havaud ane schyfre of the quheinis one the ane syde and hir hienes armes one the other Ilk pece weyand iiij d havand course for xliiij § and the halfis aggreing thairto Quilkis gold and siluer befoir nainit war coinyeit of gold of the myndis forane gold of baissin and lawer of gold Spanyie ryellis and testanis brocht hame for payment of the saidis men of weir Quhilkis ryellis hade commoun cowrse than as followis to witt The pece of viij ryellis ...... xvj § The pece of foure ryellis . . . . . . viij § The pece of ij ryellis . . . . . . iiij § The ryell . . . . . . . ij § The half xij d The testane of the fynes of x d xvij gris of wecht vij dr xij gris had cowrse for — v § Quhat pryces war than of wittellis wyne wyld meit and merchandise and aU vther necessaris the x and xj actis of quein Marie will sufficientlie testifie besydis the dyett buikis of the queinis majestic and lordis at that tyme Efter the quhilk tyme vpone the xviij of nov ember 1554 the Erie of Arrane being gowernour dimittit his auctoritie to quein Marie mother and regent to the queinis majestie all pryces being than werry reasonable as is sufficientlie weill knawin to all honest howshalderis in thais dayis Hir majestie then being of guid mynde nocht to maik war bott better money pretendit be all meanis (the cuntrie than being brocht to sum quietnes) to put the same in perfectioun quhilk had summerlie tane effect and had ane honest begining gif warres had nocht made Impediment as efter salbe declarit At the quhilk tyme thair wer werrey few small penneds and nocht sa mony puiris be ten for ane as now ar because thay war for the maist pairt lutertenyit be the Kirkis and abbay Levingis besydis a greit number of tryme gentlemen able to serve the King in his weiris or wtherwayis / quhilkis levings ar now takin frome the Kirk ministrie scuilis puiris and policy altogidder N 98 RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [MARY. Miscellaneous And the said small money at that tyme that was for the maist pairt giffin in offerandis Hopetoun^is. '^^^ huirdit and putt away be the preistis to move the people to gif greitter peices and that thay micht ressaue the mair large offerandis for the quhilk cans besidis mony vtheris they war justlie plagit God of his mercy grant ws grace to acknawledg their offences to the amendment of our lyvis and guid exemple to the posteritie to cum Lytle small money than left monsieur Doysell being embassadour for the King of France obtenit licence of the quein regent for coinyeing of tua stane wecht of wtter fyne siluer in the saidis penny is Quhairof thair was coiuyeit in pennyis of a dr. fyne fra the sext of December 1554 to the x of Januar nixt thairefter of xlij in the ounce having one the ane syde the queinis face and one the other a croce xxiiij stane xij vnces Quhilk haill wes of his awin siluer werk and stok and proffitt delyuered to him be the queinis precept Johne Missaruy Inglischmane. Schort thairefter thair come hame ane Inglischmane befoirnamit quha vpone fair promisis be moyen of cowrte was appointit maister Coinyeour and Dawid Forrest placit to be generall (quhairof thair wes never ane befoir) quha be command of the quein regent and counsale coinyeit the peces efter following To witt Thair wes coinyeit be the said Inglisman fra the xxvj of Januar 1554 to the xiiij of Februar 1555 as the buikis beiris in testanis of ix d fyne and of wecht sex denneiris having cowrse of v s the pece — j'^ xxx stane xij punde vij ounce xij denneiris The fre profiitt of Ilk stain Thair wes lykwyse coinyeit be him in lyounis of a denyer fyne xxviij in the ounce of iij half pennyis Ilk pece fra the viij of Marche 1555, to the last of August immediatlie following Ixxxxiij stane vj pund v once xij deneyris The fre profiitt of Ilk stane Mair thair was coinyeit be him in iij ti peces of the fynnes of xxij carrattis fyne and of wecht vj denyeris fra the xxvij of Marche 1555 to the xiiij of Februar nixt following vj stane xij punde iiij once xviij d The profiitt of Ilk ounce The compt of proffeitt of the saidis gold and siluer contenit in the formar titles was maid to Gilbert Erie of Cassillis thesaurer and M'' Robert Rychartsoun thesaurer clerk as the exchekker buikis will beir At the quhilk tyme the cowrse of money was as eftir folio wis The crowne of the sonne gaif .... xxiij § The angell nobill ...... xxxvj § The harie nobill and dowble ducat . . . xlviij § The roise noble ...... liiij § The Frenche testanis and Spainye ryeUis had cours for thir pryces accustomat to witt ij g the ryell and v s the testane The pryce of the cunyehouse of gold of xxiiij carrettis xiij ii iiij § The vnce of gold of the mynd viij ti. The vnce of vtter fyne siluer xxxij s and all otheris according thairto Quhat pryces gold and siluer gaif in France at that tyme the ordinances maid be king Hary the secunde will beir witnes maid the tent day of August 1555. Of the foirnamit peices of gold and siluer and Inglisch moupy was our coinye then maid MAR v.] RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 99 Be Dawid Leuisoun Miscellaneou.s Records. Coinyeit be him in gold of xxij carrattis fyne of weclit vj deneris having cowrse Hopetoun MS. for iij ti Ilk pece fra the first of Aprile 1556, to the xxvj of Marche 1558 as the buikis beiris particularlie v stane vj punde viij ounce iij denyeris The proffittt of Ilk ounce The foirnamit pennyis nocht being sufficient to serue the haill cuntre ane new- license was procurit to cunye sa mony as followis Cunyeit in pennyis of xviij gris fyne xlij in the vnce fra the xj of Marche 1556 to the first of Junij 1557. as the bulk beiris Ixxxix stane iiij ounce xviij d / the stane of vtter fyne syluer coft at xxij s the ounce extendis to ij*' Ixxxj ti xij § quhilk being coinyeit in the saidis pennyis maid xviij stane at iij s vj d the ounce coinyeit extending to viij*^ vj ti viij s rebaitt for the working of Ilk stane viij ti extending to j*^ xliiij ti mair for xvij stane copper at iij s the punde xl ti xvj s, summa of thir thre with the stoke abone written is iiij'^ xvj ti viij § Eestis off re proffeit of ilk stane vtter fyne siluer iij'^ xl ti Quhat fair aUuirment is heir to a gredie awaritious hairt to seik so wnreasonable proffitt vpone the prince and people nocht having intelligence nor lugment of thair awin turne as may weill appeir And quhat did follow thairone heirefter salbe declarit Coinyeit be him in testanis of xj denyeris fyne of wecht iiij denyeris xix grs fra the xij of Marche 1555 to the xxvij of November 1558 v'^ Ivij stane iiij punde twa vnce xij denyeris The ounce of wtter fyne siluer than coft at xxij § the stane wecht of xj deneyris fyne being coft at xx § ij d the ounce extendis to ij*^ Iviij ti ij s viij d quhilk being conyeit in the saidis testanis at xxv s the vnce conyeit extendis to iij*^ xx ti quhairof rebaitting the stok abone writtin with aucht punde for working of the stane wecht extending in the haill to ij^ Ixvj ti ij g viij d Swa restis of fre proffitt Iiij ti xvij s iiij d Coinyeit in Lyounis of a deneyr fyne xviij in the vnce having course for a penny and a half penny ilk pece fra the viij of Junij 1556 to the xiij of the samyn as the buikis beirris xj stane xj pund xiiij ounce The fre proffitt of ilk stane coinyeit warkmanschip and lay being deducit extendis to . . . Coinyeit in plackis of a denyer fyne xvj in the once having cowrse for iiij d ilke pece fra the first of Julij 1 557 to the xix of Januar nixt following vj"^ vj stane vj punde v once xxj deneyris. The fre proffit of ilk stane wecht coinyeit workmanscliip and lay being deducit extendis to . . . Coinyeit in Lyonis of xij granis fyne xxxij in the once fra the viiij of Junij 1558 to the xiiij of October nixt following as the buikis beiris particularlie, vj' Ixxxix stane viij pund viij once. The fre proffit of ilk stane coinyeit warkmanschip and lay being deducit extendis to . . . The fre proffitt of the sevin preceding articles coinyeit be the said Dauid ar conteuit in the comptis of Gilbert erle of Cassillis thesaurer and Mr Eobert Eychartsoun thesaurer clerk quhilk yit remanis in registre. The foirnamit money of gold and siluer was furnissit be merchandis as als be certane strangearis furneisseris of the Frenche men of weir and Inglische money brocht in for fischeis and vther wairris 100 RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [MARY. Miscellaneous Johne Acliesoun Maister Records. Hopetouu MS. Coinyeit in Francis Marie noblis the xv of Maij 1559. appointit to be of xxij carrettis fyne foure punde four once in ducattis of sex deneiris ilk pece than at xij ii the ounce coinyeit of the said fynnes Coinyeit be the said Johne Achesoun in testonis of xj d fyne and of wecht iiij dr. xix gr'^ at v s the pece fra the first of December ] 558 to the xxj of Julij 1559 "Walter Mosman Warden i"^ xxx stane ix punde Coinyeit be the said Johne Achesoun fra the said day to the vij of Junij 1560 Andro Hendersoun and Mr John Balfour Wairdanis in testanis of wecht pryce and fynnes abonewrittin as the buikis beirris 1*= Ixxxxv stane xiiij punde iij ounce xij denneyris. Coinyeit be the said Johne in xij d grottis of the fynnes of vj d and of wecht ij deneyris viij gr'^ ilk pece having cowrs for xij d fra the first of Marche 1558 to the first of October 1559 as the buikis beirris i*^ Ixxxxviij stane xij punde viij ounce Coinyeit in Lyonis of xij gr'^ fyne xxxij in the ounce having cowrse for a penney half penney ilk pece fra the xxiij of Junij 1559, to the vij Julij 1560, as the buikis beiris particularlie, ane thowsand fyve hundreth Ixxviij stane iij ounce Quhill the end of the lix yeir or thairby pryces of wittelis wer reasonable cartage of beif iij ti xij s ane guid veill XX § a muttoun bouk x s the powtrie xij s a fed capone ij s iiij d a dussoun of lauerockis xvj da c . . . cunningis iij § vj d a pertrik iij § a pynt of wyne xvj d a pynt aill vj d and . . . and all vtheris accordinglie All that is befoir wrocht be the said Johne Achesoun was of forrane gold and siluer . . . hame be merchandis alsweill out of Ingland as France and Flanderis part be . . . frenche thesaurer for furnessing of thair suldardis togidder with sum auld cuntre money . . . the sege of Leyth was endit and the quein regent departed this lyf one Munday the xj of Julij 1560 at the quhilk tyme the quein of Ingland now causit crye downe the haill has money vpone Michaelmes evin the . . . said and because thay war of dyweris sortis the ordour was thus keipit The testane of the best sort coinyeit be kyng Edward for xij d sterling . . . downe to vj d merkit with the portculice sould haue cowrse for iiij d the se . . . with the gray hunde to haue cowrse for ij d the third sort as is suppo . . . counterfait for na money the grott proclamit to ij d and the haK grott . . . Schortlie thairefter was abundance of guid money quhilk to this hour is The XV of November following proclamatioim was maid of dyuerss pec . . . money of xj deneyris fyne as the sax penneyis iij penneyis ij d iij half . . . thre farthingis befoir the quhilk downe crying of allayit money quhilk ... to all men to haue bene to the wtter wraik of hir maiesties subiectis . . . the plain contrair it declarit the self to be thair welthe as it is manifest ... for quhair of befoir the said reformatioun the xxv s sterling was na better in Fland . . . xx s flemys bot within a yeir or les the pund sterling in the new money gaif . . . ange commonlie xxiij s iiij gritt and now giffis xxv § because of the derthe of ... of the quhilk bas money a greit pairt was brocht in this realme affynit be . . . and dyuers personis and brocht to the Cimyehouse as als money of the Jowellis of war in lykmaner brocht into MARY.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 101 Johne Hairt Maister Miscellaneous Records. Quhairof was coinyeit be the said Johne at command of the Lordis of Secret Counsale Hopetoun ms. of . . . deneyris fyne v in the onnce ilk pece weyand iiij deneyris xix gr'^ having cowrse . . . V s ilk pece fra the vij of Junij 1561, as the buikis beiris vij*= xlj st vj ounce Thair was siclyke coinyeit be him in gold of xxij carrettis fyne ducattis calHt the kyng and the queinis ducattis Ilk pece weyand vj deneyris quhilk for the maist pairt wes of gold gottin of gylt challices and vther Jowellis of . . . The compt of the prof&t of bay th gold and siluer abone writtin was maid be M'' Robert Richartsoun thesaurer clerk and W*"" Maitland of Lethingtoun younger Secretar ... of the Cunyehous for that tyme In the quhilk tyme all forrane gold and syluer and als our awin rais to h . . . throw the awayganging of the Frenchmen and abundance of plakis and . . . laitlie cunyeit of befoir as als counterfait and brocht hame be merchandis vpone the bordouris of Inglaud and Scotland The pryces of gold and syluer In the quhilk space the said Johne Achesoun was displacit of his service quhill he was compellit to pas in France to the queinis maiestie the kingis grace mother be quhome he was nocht onlie replacit hot with consent of hir maiesties counsell ane letter of gift was send to him vnder hir hienes greit seill qvihilk as yit remanis to beir Avitnes. At the quhilk tyme greit fait was found with the derth of siluer at xxiiij s the ounce of vtter fyne swa that he was commandit to by nane deirrer than xxij s quhairvpone he hes yit sufficient warrand to schaw At the said Johneis returning out of France and being replacit be the queinis maiesties Letters according to the pryce foirsaid of xxij s vtter fyne he coinyeit in testanis of xj denejrris fyne and of wecht iiij d xix gr^^ ilk pece fra the first of Julij 1561 to the xxiij of December 1562 as the buikis beirris Ixxxvij stane xv pund xiiij ounce the fre profiitt of ilk stane coinyeit extendit to Fra the quhilk tyme to the xviij of December 1565 thair was nathing coinyeit because all men abstractit thair handis throw the downe crying of the pryces of siluer frome xxiiij to xxij s. In the said space our money being litle inferiour to the money of France and Flanderis was for the maist pairt transportit be merchandis and vtheris quhilk being weill considerit be the queinis maiestie and counsell having to do with greit sowmis of money for dyuers caussis thocht guid to gif Licence to the said M'' Robert his factouris and servandis to brek The crowne of the sonne The angell nobill The dowble ducat and harie noble The rois nobill .... The ounce of wtter fyne siluer xxvj s iij d xl § Iiij § iiij d iij li xxiiij s Johne Achesoun Maister 102 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [maky. Miscellaneous doun all sortis of money past of befoir without ony exceptiouii for making proffit thairof in aoj^touu MS. ttertie s peces. Quliairvpoue our siluer rais fra xxiiij g to xxviij vtter fyne and within few yeirris to xxx s. sua that the furnessing that was maid than was of all sortis of Scottis and Inglise money as the buikis will yit beir witnes Thair was coinyeit fra the said day to the Last of March 1572 in xxx xx and x s peces of xj d fyne the haill pece weyand ane ounce and the rest pro rata — ij'" j'' Ixxxxvj staue tua punde ane ounce The proffitt of ilk stane coinyeit the working deducit extendis to The proffeit quhairof maid compte of to M'' Eobert Eychartsoun thesaurer as the exchekker buikis will sufficientlie beir At the quhilk tyme the ciuill trow^bles being greit and daylie agmenting betuixt Leyth and Edenburgh for mantening the king and queinis maiesties authoritie his maiesties folkis bei,ng in Leyth with Johne erle of Mar regent na money to be had nor moyen for payment of men of weir besydis mony vther dettis bot superexpendit without ony releif except only be the cunyehouse to the first of Maij 1572 of threttie thowsand pundis It was than thocht meitt be the said regent and couusell that for intertenement of his maiesties service and suppressing of the adwersaris and als for releif of the said threttie thowsand pundis alreaddie addettit besydis the monethlie payment of the haill men of weir bayth one hors and fute as also the payment of all vther extraordinar chairges besyde that thair sould haue bene coinyeit aUayit money sa basse hes bene befoir specifyit quhilk be sum wes altogidder refussit the aduersaris being alsweill provydit for that time as thair selfis Nochtwithstanding directioun was gevin with all diligence to ga fordward with the said allayit money aganis all reassoun aganis the quhilk certane articles uer send to the Eegent and couusell for maiking of the half merk peices in dyuers formes quhairof the eassiest was chosin and howsone ony of thame came Lycht thay wer counterfeit in the said Castell of Edinburgh als weill as xxx s peices of all sortis crownis of the sone plakis and lyonis and siclyke in Lychmabane and one the bordouris Quhairvpone followit a greit alteratioun of pryces of all thingis with a continewance of the said money .langer than reassoun could in ony way is crave Coinyeit in the said space be command of the said regent and Lordis of secreit couusell for expeditioun of his maiesties service quhilk was fra the secunde day of May 1572 to the sevint of Marche immediatlie following as the bulk beiris iij*^ Ixxv stane xij punde iiij once The fre proffeit of ilk stane cunyeit . . . The compt quhairof was maid be Johne Achesoun to M"" Eobert Eichartsoun thesaurer quha was furnessit be Spainye ryellis and vther forrane money as yit may be werefeit. Efter the quhilk tyme James erle of Mortoun than regent tuik the cunyehouse in his awin hand to have bene furnessit be him and merchandis in quhais tyme the haill estaitis being convenit in the palice of Halyruidhous the said money being complenit vpone . . . content nocht only to haue alterit the saidis half merk peces bot als to reduce the heall money to syluer of x d fyne to haue had cowrs for xxx s the ounce the stampit plakis and lyonis only exceptit quhilk at that tyme was altogidder refussit swa that the saidis halfe merk peces continewing but ony discharge thair was coinyeit be the said regentis commande fra the vij of Marche 1572, to the xxj of Marche 1577 quhilk day the . . . labour was dischargit be the Laird of Merchinstoun MAEY.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 10.". generall ix*= Ix stane xiij xj ounce The proffeit quhairof compt was maid be the said Miscellaneous -Johne to the said James regent and Georg Auchenlek of Balmanno in his name The maist Hopetoim Ms. pairt of syluer quhairof the saidis jieices was maid was brocht out of Flanders be merchandis transporteris of our small salt to the law countries quhilk thing gaif greit . . ces quhill neir the end of the said labour that our said salt was dischairgit At the quhilk tyme Abrahame Petersoun fleimein was appoyntit melter ... in his tyme meltit greit quantiteis bot quhairwith he was furnessit ... of Merchinstoun with sum vtheris cautell quhilk is remittit to thair deposit ioun About the quhilk tyme the said Laird proponit the reformatioun of all the . . . sonable pryce wecht and fynnes quhairof the dowble yit remanis quhilk cowld . . . tak effect quhairout of as is supponit sprang the inventioun of the xvj § pece . . . salbe spokin in the awin rowme. Coinyeit be the said Johne to the said James regent in gold of xxij carrettis and ah... ane vnce having cowrse for xx pundis xij punde j once the quhilkis haill pe . . . deliuerit to the said James regent in Dalkeyth in presence of George Auc . . . Alex"" Lawsoun and Alex'" Jardane his Lordships servandis. Thane seing thair was na furnessing of siluer nather within nor without . . . and that nocht lang befoir the new plakis and Lyounis wer cryit downe ... for the weill of the subiectis albeit greitlie to thair hurt at that instant New Informatioun was maid vpone the narratiuc that all the guid . . . was trans- portit be merchandis and vtheris our money being lawer of pryce than vtheris Quhair- vpone foUowit the new stamping of the saidis peceis fra xxx s to xxxvj . . . ix d ilk pece (pro rata) quhairof ane peny of ilk s was gewin to inbringers and to . . . rest by the Laboreris dewtie quhilk was xij d for ilk punde wecht compt was maid ... of be the said John Achesoun than beiring chairg of Maister of samony as was presentit to his buikis At quhilk tyme thair was adjunit to him to be comptrallers of him Johne Carmichaell Wardane and Dawid Adamsoun Counter Wardane and Thomas Achesoun assayour controllit and owersene be the Laird of Merchinstoun generall as thay all werefie the trewth heirof The compt of the haill quhilk was stampit was maid to W*"" Erie of Gowrie then extending to the sowme of . . . , . The syluer thaireftir being werry skant ane act of Counsell was procurit be the thesaurer for coinyeing of certane half merk peces of wecht pryce and fynnes foirsaid for a pairt of releif of his super expensis According thairto was coinyeit fra the fyift of September 1580, to the fyift of Januar nixt following L stane xiij punde The fre proffltt of ilk stane is . . . The compt thairof was maid to the said thesaurer as the exchekker buikis will instantlie beir and payit to merchandis and vtheris as thair comptis will declair Thair was coinyeit according to the saidis stampit xxx s peces vtheris of tua merkis & merkis of xj d fyne the haill pece of wecht xvij denyeris ten granis and the halfis according thairto quhairof was cunyeit fra the xvj of december 1579 to the xxiiij of August 1580 as the buikis beiris particularlie Ixvj stane iiij punde the prof&tt of Ilk stane cunyeit extendis to . . . The compt quhairof was maid to the Erie of Gowry thesaurer and was furneissit be merchandis and vtheris to quhome he was addettit as gif neid be the particuleris sail declair every 104 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [MARY. Miscellaneous maniiis part according to xxxvj s the ounce of wtter fyne and act of parliament maid Records. .i . Hopetouii MS. thairvpone Thaireftir was coinyeit be act of counsale ducattis of gold of xxj carrettis fyne and of wecht iiij denyeris xix gr"^ Ilk pece having cowrse for four pundis money sua that fra the first of August 1580 to the first of December immediatlie following was coinyeit iij stane iiij pund xiij vnce the profifit of Ilk vnce . . . The compte quhairof was maid to the said thesaurer and the stok furneissit be James sumtyme erle of Mortoun and sic vtheris as the said thesaureris compte will beir to quhome he was addettit as the particuleris sufficientlie will testifie The crownis of the sone gaif thane xliij § the pistoUettis xlij s and all otheris gold according thairto swa that the frank in Frenche money was worth xiiij s iiij d aggreable to the crowne of the sone at iij frankis quhairfoir it had than and presently hes cowrse The best stemmyngis wer sawlde at iij li v s the elne, the elne of the best wellwott sewin pundis and all other wairris according thairto Sone eftir thair was blawing in sum merchandis heidis ane new tout and ane auld horne To wit ane Inventioun to distroy and put out of memory aU the foirnamit money to haue bene conwertit in xvj viij iiij and twa s peces of xj d fyne at xliiij s the ounce coinyeit quhilk is for the vnce of vtter fyne xlviij § and gif it had continewit the derthe of all thingis in this cuntrie had exceidit all otheris nochtwithstanding our present quietnes (quhairof God be praysit) and the extreim weirris of vther forrane natiounis. Bott quhen it was wnderstand to the nobilitie and commounis that thair contract was altogidder preiudiciall to the kyng and cuntre as they thame selfis cowld nocht deny in presence of the lordis articlis but war content and consentit to the dischairging of the sam Albeit that sum be yit of the oppinioun to cause it returne to that estait or rather war than better bot doubtles God of his mercy will disapoynt thair interpryses being to the wraik of his majestic and puir subiectis. Nochtwithstanding thairof thair was coinyeit in the said xvj s peces fra the tent of Apryle 1581 to the x of November immediatlie following ij*^ xj stane x pund wecht The proflitt of ilk stane coinyeit extendis to . . . Tlie quhilk haiU profiitt remanit in pairtneris and Maister Coinyeoris handis for intaiking of thame agane fra the people for the pryces befoir specifyit quhairof thair come in only fra the secund of Maij 1582 to the first of July nixt thaireftir to be meltit jc 1 stane iij once iii d restit wnbrocht in amangis the commounis handis Ixj stane ix pund xij ounce xxj deneiris swa that thair auld money quhilk thay ressaxiit fra the subiectis for xxxvij s the vnce and gevin out for xliiij s coinyeit the proffitt of ilk vnce togidder with the working will extend for Ilk stane wecht coinyeit Ixxxix ti xij § extending in the haill to . . . The quhilk was gottin dischairgit be moyen of Cowrt for ane thowsand crownis swa that thair profiitt of the Cunyehous at that tyme was better to thame than ony other merchandise to haue stuikin in thair handis Bot in the mean tyme the puiris bene far fra the cunyehous can scairslie gett for the xvj s pece xij s or thairby and for the rest accordinglie In hoip of ane hundreth thowsand merkis promisit be the pairtneris for the yeiris tak quhat profiitt the kyngis maiestie hes ressauit besyde the destructioun of the best auld money of this realm lett his maiesties thesaurer declair and the samyn being conferrit MARY.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 105 with the differencis of wairris wittellis and money as it hes cowrse particularly quhat Mi.sceiianeons commoditie the cuntre hes ressanit will easily be considdred Hopttoun ks. How mekle guid siluer of the best and hauyest of all sortis thay haue distroyit aganes thair contract and promeiss express latt it be considderit a nd gif sic transgressoris be of thair knawledge Lat thame be puneissit for thair demeritis Besydis ane hundreth and fyvetie staue iij on iij d of xvj s peces ressauit in be thair maister cunyeour present and convertit in peces of xl § the ounce coinyeit money (how mekle hes bene coinyeit or salbe coinyeit of that sort be daylie lawbori ng latt the Wairdanis buikis beir witness as als the thesaureris comptis quhen he hes ressauit the same) Bot quhat is the realme cum to quhen as the crowne of the sone quhilk within thir twa yeris gaif at the maist amangis merchandis xliij s quhilk now giffis xlviij § and mair as men hes to do The angell that gaif iij ti vj § viij d giffis now iij li xvj s the rois noble that gaif v pund giffis now sax punde and mair The kingis new ducattis that wer coinyeit for four punde giffis now iiij ti v s and generallie all other gold and syluer according thairto The punde sterling gaif bot of auld iiij ti giffis now vij ti vj s viij d the punde Flemys that siclyk gaif iij ti x s giffis now v ti and sum mair The frank that within thir few yeiris gaif bot xij or xiij s iiij d at the maist giffis now xvj s and mair according heirto the elne of stemmyng that gaif iij ti v § giffes now iiij ti v s or mair / The elne of welwott that gaif vij ti gifS&s now xiij ti vj s viij d and sum xiiij ti Gif tills fassioun of dealing be sufferit and haue place without sufficient correctioun and ordour taking with (except God of mercy prevent itt) we mister to luik for nathing ellis but the cowrse of the prophete Isay quha sayis aurum et argentum vestrum con- vertetur in scoriam besydis money vtheris that may be alledgit The begining heirof hes had a fair begining albeit nocht worthie bot altogidder refusit and callit bak agane In cousideratioun quhairof the inventioun hes nocht onlie bene fund evill (seing that tliair proffit cowld nocht be maid be the xvj s peces) bot in place thairof quhairas of befoir thay had meltit and affynit a greit pairt of the hawiest of the xxx § babies and plakis The Lycht remaning in the commounis handis to seik ane new inventioun to cause coinye the same in ane new forme aggreable to the xvj s peces or thairby / quhilkis personis sould nocht beir the name of cunyeouris bot rather of plaine buzeineris. And albeit to cause thair craft seme plawsible to sic as ar nocht weill instructit in materis of coinye thay alledge the haill sortis of all best money to be affynit be dyuers personis and sum transportit be merchandis. It can nocht weill be creditit albeit it l)e supponit of sum to be trew without thay condiscend in particuler quha hes done it presentlie befoir your lordshippis to the end thay may be condiuglie punischit or wther wyse thay to be haldin gyltie of the same cryme as participantis thairof and punischit for thair conseilling bering office in his maiesties cunyehous. And that according to the actis of parliament the ordinances of France 1566 and 1558 and schairpe executioun of Ingland in that behalf quhairof sum example followis, The Sevintene of Januar 1568, ane Phihpe Messerell Fraincheman and twa Inglische men war drawn fra Newgait to Tyburne and thair hangit o 106 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [mary. Miscellaneous the Fraincheman quarterit quha had cunyeit gold counterfaitt the Inglismen ane had Hopetounlis. clippit siluei", the vther had cassin testonis of tyn 1576 The XXX of May Thomas Grene goldsmyth was drawin fra Newgaitt of Lundoun to Tyburne and thair hangit heidit and quarterit for clipping of gold and siluer 1577 The xxvij of Maij Rychart Robertsoun goldsmyth was drawin fra the toure to Tyburne and thair hangit for clipping of gold Quhat farder harme appeiris to follow be the wnskilfull hanling of the money qiihilk is and hes bene the principall occasioune of derth within this reahne it is horrible to be spokin and almaist incredible quhilk menis nathing in the end bot wraik to the cuntre / And within schort space gif ony warris occur as God forbid his maiestie having na vther moyen to interteny his charge than money quhilk passis all realmes in derth salbe compellit within few yeirris to convert the haill gude that remanis in sa bass money as the lyke wes never sen Cochranis dayis. ffor the quhilk cause it is supponed that the copper quhilk thay cause sweit out of the babeis and vther hauy money put to buUioun be thame is keipit to serue for allaying thair new quhilk thay pretend to maik thairwith togidder with the half merk peces quhairof to this houre thay haue never meltit ane expres aganis thair promeis and contract of xvj § peces And gif the precedentis may tak effect thair wilbe a new discours maid for the stampit plakis and pennyis to performe the saying of Isay. God delyuer this realme fra sic bissie heidis and preserue the kingis maiestie The ordiuer meane of auld for furnessing of the cunyehous hes bene reassonablie declarit bot now how schamfuU a turne is it wnder colour to mak the kyng proffeit efter that the best of his guid money is distroyit the doeris thairof wnpunischit having larglie maid thair profiitt the licht remaning in the subiectis handis to perswade his maiestie to maik ane new cloik of ane auld / turning the lyning outwarde I mean the hauy takin away and the licht remaning in the subiectis handis of the babeis and plakis quhilk were coinyeit for. xxxij § the vnce to be brocht in for bullioun and conwertit in sum vther forme aggreable to the money presently cunyeit of xj denyeris fyne at xl s the ounce. > ^ FOR ... m^.. JAMES VI. A.D. 1567-1625. ACTS OF THE PARLIAMENTS OF SCOTLAND. I. — 15 Dec. 1567, Anent Cunye. Item Forsamekle As the ordouring of the cunyehous, and forgeing of money within this Voi. iii. \\ Realme, is ane mater of greit importance to the haill liegis thairof, as may appeir be diueris actis, maid in our Souerane Lordis predecessouris Parliamentis of befoir. And seing the greit necessitie now requyrit for hauing of gude and sufficient cunye within the Eealme, seing the gude siluer as testonis, and vther auld siluer, vtterlie meltit and distroyit, swa that the vnce of siluer, is at dowbill price that it wount to be at within thir lait dayis, quhairtlirow the Eealme is vtterlie impouerit, be euill cunye. Thairfoir it is declarit in this present Parliament, that our Souerane Lord with auise of my Lord Eegent, may cause prent, and cunye gold and siluer of sic fynes as vtheris cuntreis dois, to pas within this Eealme to the liegis of the samin. And that na prent, nor cunye of ony layit money be maid, or cunyeit in ony tyme cuniing, but auise of the thre Estatis of Parliament. And siclyke our Souerane Lord, with auise of my Lord Eegent, and thre Estatis foirsaidis, ordanis that na maner of gold, nor siluer alreddy cunyeit within this Eealme, be meltit, nor brokin downe in the cunyehous, or vtherwise in ony tyme heirefter, vnder the paine of confiscatioun of the half of the gudis of the awner, and melter, for the first fault And gif the melter be not responsall, to puneis his person at the discretioun of the Justice. And the secund fault, confiscatioun of thair haill gudis. II. — 15 Dec. 1567, Anent fals Cunye. Item" Forsamekle for the abolissing of the greit quantitie of fals cunye, quhairwith the Vol. iii. p. 30, commoun weill of this Eealme is greitlie troublit, to the heuy dampnage, and skaith of the haill liegis thairof. Thairfoir it is deuysit, statute, and ordanit, be our Souerane Lord, with auise of my Lord Eegent, and thre Estatis of this present Parliament, that certaine men of Jugement, hauing vnderstanding of cunye, be chosin and electit within euerie Burgh of this Eealme. Quha being sworne thairto, all so^vmis of money salbe deliuerit in thair presence, and quhair euer thay apprehend, or find ony fals money, to clip the samin. And the deliuerar to tyne the said fals money, and the cliptar to haue ane penny of ilk 108 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES A^I. Acts of pund for his labouris of the ressauar of the money quhilk sal be ressauit. And to that ^'^'1567!"*' effect ordanis the Prouest, and Bailleis, and all vtheris officiaris of Burrowis, to mak sufiicient clip housis, in sic placis of their Burgh as salbe sufficient for the premissis. And the personis quhairto thay commit that charge, that thay be abill to answer for thair office in that behalf. III. — 22 Dec. 1567, Money weights to he provided. Vol. III. p. 39, Item fforsamekle as the fyne money of this realme hes in tymes past bene maid ^' Lichtar be roungeing clipping and wesching of the samyn And seing the money presentlie within this realme for the maist part is maid of syluer and of gretar quantitie and wecht nor hes bene in tymes bigane Sua that the samyn now may be the esyar Appievit. diminishit and maid les be the craft foirsaid to the greitar apperand hurt of the commone wealth of this realme gif remeid be not prouidit for the samyn Thairfoir and for eschewing quhairfoir it is neidfull that the ten / tuentie / and threttie schilling peces now having passage within this realme In passing thairof be weyit with certane wechtis / viz vnce / tua part vnce / and thrid part vnce wechtis To wit the ten schilling pece of the wecht of the thrid part of the vnce / the tuentie schilling pece of the wecht of the tua part of the vnce and the threttie schilling pece of the hale vnce wecht Sua that the said cunye may be preseruit in the Just quantitie and wecht as quhane it wes cunyeit And thir wechtis to be vsit throw all the partis of this realme and the same ordoure to be obseruit and vsit in cunye quhilk heireftir salhappin to haue passage within this realme conforme to the iust wecht and quantitie thairof And the wechtis to haue the prent to be devysit. IV. — 26 Dec. 1567, Billon Coinage raised in value. Vol. III. p. 43, Item that ordoure be takin and scharpe pvneisment maid for the hame bringaris of fals cunye within this realme and the pvneisment for thame that hes cunyeit the same Nota. within the realme and for eschewing of the samyn in tymes cuming It is thocht neidfull that all nonsunt be proclamit to vj d babeis to iij d plakis to ij d hardheidis to half pennyis and the penneis to stand as thai ar This being done the hamebringaris and cunyearis within the realme salhaif na avantage of it thai half to foir of the said cunye. V. — 25 Dec. 1567, Against false Money. Vol. III. p. 45, Item for abolissing of the gret quantitie of fals cunye quhairwith this commone wealth is greitlie trublit to the havie dampnage and skaytli of the liegis of this realme gude it Nota. wer that conforme to the auld vse quhane sik occasionis happynnit that certane men of Jugement having vnderstanding of cunye wer electit and chosin in euery burgh quha being suorne thairto all sowmes of money suld be deliuerit in thair presence and quhaireuir thai apprehend fals money to clip the samyn and the deliuerar to tyne it And to haue of JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 109 Ilk pund j d for his laubouris of the ressauar of that quhilk sal be ressauit And that Acts of cliphousses be maid within evyry burgh quhair neid requiris To the effect foirsaid. ^^'ise?!^"^' Fyndis this ar- ticle ressonable and apprevis. VI. — 5 March 1571, Anent the crying doum of new 'plahkis and hardheidis. The regentis grace and estaittis Assemblit at this present conventioun havand considera- Voi. iii. p. 92. tioun of the greit inconvenientis that now procedis amangis our souerane lordis liegis in defalt of victuaUis and all vther merchandice and gudis that is put to Derth and rasit and put to exhorbitant pryces and haldin and abstractit fra marcattis throw occasioun of greit quantitie of fals countirfaitit money plakkis and lyonis vtherwayis callit hardheidis strikkin in cunye in the tyme of the gouernanient of the quene Drowarier and regent oi;r souerane lordis gudame of gude memory as alsua of fals cunyeouris not allanerlie within this realme bot outwith the saniyn sa subtillie and in sic forme of mettall that it is verie liard to the ignorantis to decerne and knaw the trew fra the fals Thairfoir the regentis grace with the mature aduise and deliberatioun of the estaittis presentlie convenit for the weill of our souerane lordis liegis eschewing of Derth and mony vther inconvenientis Hes ordanit and ordanis the saidis new plakkis last cunyeit to haue cours and passage amangis all our souerane lordis liegis in tyme cuming eftir this present proclamatioun for twa penneis the pece And all the saidis lyonis vtherwayis callit hardheidis for ane penny the pece And that nane of our souerane lordis liegis salbe haldin to ressaue the said plakkis and hardheidis eftir this present proclamatioun of ony derare avale and pryce nor is abone specifiit Attour becaus it is weill knawin that the greittast part of the saidis plakkis and hardheidis now passing in this realme Ar and hes bene adulterat fals and countirfait alsweill within this realme as without quhilkis being the cheif occasioun of derth ar be act of parliament maid of befoir ordanit to be clippit. Thairfoir Ordanis and conimandis all personis havaris of the saidis new plakkis and hardheidis in thair handis To bring or send the same to our souerane lordis cunyehous To Johnne Carmichaell wardaue thairof To be sene and considerit be him James Gray Sinkar Johnne Hart and Nicholl Sym appointit visitouris thairof or ony ane of thame with the said Johnne Carmichaell betuix the dait heirof and the xx day of Nouember nixtocum To the effect that sic as thay find fals and countirfait may be instantlie clippit doun and put in a clois lokkit coffer vpoun compt and Inuenture of the quantitie ressauit fra euery persoun And sic of the same money as beis fund of the lauchfidl and trew cunye of this realme to be thus merkit ^ be the said James Gray and deliuerit agane to the awnar quhilkis plakkis and hardheidis sa merkit salhaif cours and passage thaireftir for the avale and pryces abone writtin but ony stop or contradictioun with certificatioun that sic of the new plakkis and hardheidis as sail not be visite and in this sort merkit betuix and the said day sail na wayis haue cours or passage thaireftir amangis our souerane lordis liegis Bot the personis quhatsumeuir with quhome- thay salbe found thaireftir vnmarkit salbe persewit and pvnissit as wilfull outputtaris and changearis of fals and corrupt money according to to the lawis of this realme. 110 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of VII. — 5 March 1574, Native Gold to he coined. Parliament, 1^74^ Forsamekill as the regentis grace nobilitie and estattis assemblit at this present Vol. III. p. 94. conventioun vnderstanding that it tendis to the honour of onr souerane lord and the commoun weiU of his realme and subiectis That the gold of his hienes myndis and vtherwayis salbe imprentit and gevin out amangis his liegis in his awin cunye Eather nor to be as it is dalie maid marchandice of and transportit out of the realme to the prevat gayne of particular personis Thairfoir it is thocht gude statute and ordanit That thair be cunyeit ane penny of gold of the wecht VIII. — 15 July 1578, Ane Act maid anent Cunyie. Vol. III. Forsamekle as it is considerit be our souerane Lord and his thrie estatis That his ' ' ' ' hienes cunyie hes stayit continowallie sen the day of Marche last bypast / Quhairthrow our souerane Lordis commoditie is hurt / Thairfoir his maiestie with auise of his saidis estatis ordinis ane penny or pece of syluer to be cunyeit of the fynnes of ellevin deneiris And giftis full commissioun to his hienes counsell now electit / and the maist part of the haill nvmer now chosin and of the ofificiaris adionit to thame / To tak ordour vpoun the forme / inscriptioun wecht avale and price of the said pennie to be strikin as thay may best vpoun thair guid discretionis to the commoditie of the realme and weilfeir of our souerane Lord And as the said counsell or the maist part thairof findis maist meit in that behalf / Our souerane Lord and thrie estatis deceruis thair declaratour and ordinance to haue the strenthe and effect of ane act of parliament / Providing alwayis that this ordour to be takin anent the stroking of the said new penny Indure quhill farder ordour be tane be the estatis in Parliament. In like manor our souerane Lord and thrie estatis foirsaidis grantis commissioun to the said counsell or the maist part of thame to tak ordour how the xxx / xx and x s peceis with the testamentis be haldin within the realme and not transportit furth thairoff. IX. — 20 Oct. 1579, Anent our souerane lordis Counyie. Vol. III. Forsamekle as the kingis Maiestie with auise of his thrie estaitis of this present p. 150, c. 31. parliament hes thocht gude statute and ordanit That thair salbe ane penny or pece of gould prentit and cunyeit of xxj carrat fyne and the same to haue course and passage for xl s money of this realme contenand ten in the vnce and to be callit the scottis croune havand on the ane syde the croune sceptour and sword makand in the middis the forme of Sanctandrois croce The ane half of the dait of the yeir in this forme 15 And on the vther syde the vther half of the dait of the yeir in this forme 79 with this circumscriptioun (hactenus invicta miserunt) And on the vther syde of the pice in the middis thairof Ane I and ane E laissit with the figour of 6 vndir thame And writtin about (ad te centum et quinque proaui) And siclike that thair be prentit and cunyeit ane penny of siluer of the fynes of ellevin denneyris in haill and haK peces The haill peice to haue course and passage JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. Ill for xxvj s viij d weyand xvij clenneyris and xj granys And to be callit the tua merk pece Acts of And the half pece To haue course for xiij s iiij d and to be callit the merk pece The said '''^'^15^;^" liaill pece havand on the ane syde ane thrissell with ane I on the ane syde of the thrissell and ane E on the vther syde of the thrissell with this circtinascriptioun Nemo me impune lacesset And on the vther syde of the said penny The kingis armes and this circumscriptioun Jacobus 6 dei gratia Eex scotorum The said merk pece berand the like prent wecht and fynes in all thingis pro rata Quhairfoir oure said souerane lord with aduise of his saidis estaitis Ordanis publicatioun To be maid of the premisses be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croces of the heid burrowis of this realme and to command and charge all and sindrie his Maiesties liegis To ressaue the said gould and money in rady and thankfull pament And on nawyise To presume or tak vpoun hand to refuise the samyne vpoun quhatsumeuir cuUour or pretence vndir the pane of tressone And siclike to certiiie all his hienes liegis of the prices of gould and siluer to be brocht in to his Maiesties counyehous That is to say The vnce of vtter fyne gould to be bocht for xxj ti money of this realme And all vther gould of quhatsumeuir fynes To be aggreable in price according to the fynnes The inlaik of courser gould nor is appointit to be counyeit beand modifijt And the vnce of vtter fyne siluer to be brocht for xxxvj s and all vther siluer of quhatsumeuir fynes To be aggTcable in price according to the fynes The inlaik of courser syluer nor is appointit to be cunyeit beand likewise modifijt And that it salbe lesum to all his Maiesties subiectis To inbring to our souerane lordis counyehous and deliuer to his hienes maister counyear all sortis of gould and siluer ayther in plate werk or cunyie vpoun the prices abone specifijt And ordanis and commandis the generall maister cunyeour wardanis assayaris sinkaris meltaris foirgearis and prentaris of the counyehous present and to cum Ilk ane in thair awin offices To do thair diligence in melting foirgeing and prenting of the saidis peices of gould and siluer as they salbe commandit be the said generall and maister counyear thairto according to the wecht ajid fynes abone mention at As they and ilk ane of thame will ansuer to our souerane lord vpoun the executioun of thair offices. X. — 27 Feb. 1580, Anent the new Cunye. Forsamekle as the kingis Maiestie his nobilitie counsale and estaittis presentlie voi. iil. convenit Considering the great skaith and incommoditie that his hienes and the commoun ^' weiU of this realme hes ressauit and daylie ressauis throw the great quantitie of aUayit money hauing course within the same Be occasion quhairof the derth of all thingis increscis And als fals and counterfute money Hes passage and cours thairwith The same being sa subtilie wrocht and in sic forme of mettall that it is verie hard to ignorantis to decerne and knaw the trew fra the fals Qahairvpoun gretar inconvenient is able to follow To the great hurt of the commoun weill of this liaill realme gif tymous remeid be not prouidit Thairfore our said souerane lord with mature aduise and deliberatioun of his saidis nobilitie counsale and estaittis presentlie convenit following the gude exemple of fluresing commoun welthis proceding cheiflie vpoun the occasioun of the fynnes of the 112 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Acts of money currant within the same ffor the weill and proffite of his Maiestie and his subiectis / Parliament, i • c i .i i i 1580. eschewmg ot derth and mony vther mconvenientis All in ane voce hes concludit statute and ordanit That all the haill layit money and vther quhatsumeuir siluer cunyie within this realme (Except the stampit plakkis and penneis) salbe reformit and reducit to the fynes of ellevin deneris with twa granis of remeid of fynes alsweill vnder as abone And to this effect That all the seuerall sortis of lay and vther cunyeit siluer foirsaid (Except befoir exceptit) be brocht in to the maister of his hienes cunyehous be generall proclamatioun vpoun the prices that thay are presentlie currant within this realme Except the fals and counterfute quhilk salbe clippit doun and deliuerit agane clippit to the awner And that ilk vnce of siluer parisien in cunyeit money be set furth for fourty foure schillingis money of this realme To be cunyeit in seuerall pecis berand sic forme wecht circumscriptioun and remedis as his Maiestie with auise of the lordis of his previe counsale resident with his hienes for the tyme sail think gude To quhom his M auise of his saidis nobiljtie counsale and estaittis presentlie convenit auctoritie and commissioun to this effect As alsua to sett takkis of the .... cunyehous and proflfites thairof for sic ressonable space as salbe thocht convenient for the bettir commoditie of his Maiestie and the avanceing of his hienes as the occasioun sail sa require. Crnne. aiswele Forsamcklc as the kingis Maiestie his nobilitie counsale and estaittis presentlie stiuc'rf convenit Considering the skaith and iacommoditie that his hienes and the commoan wele ^ oi.iii. p.191. of this realme hes ressauit and daylie ressauis throw the great quantitie of allayit money haueand cours within the same Be occasioun quhairof the derth of all thingis increscis And als fals and counterfute money hes passage and course thairwith The same being sa subtilie wrocht and in sic form of mettall that it is verie hard to ignorantis to decerne and knaw the trew fra the fals quhairvpoun greter inconvenient is able to follow To the great hurt of the common weill of this haill realme gif tymous remeid be not prouidit Thairfore oure said souerane lord with mature aduise and deliberatioun of his saidis nobilitie coun- sale and estaittis presentlie convenit following the gude exemj)le of fluresing commoun- welthis proceding cheiflie .... the occasioun of the fynes of the money currant within the same for the weill and proffite of his maiestie and his subiectis eschewing of derth and of mony vther inconvenientis all in ane voce hes concludit statute and ordanit That all the haill layit money and vther quhatsumeuir siluer cunye within this realm (Except the stampit plakkis and penneis) salbe reformit and reducit to the fynes of ellevin deneris with twa granis of remeid of fynes alsweill vnder as abone And to this effect that all the seuerale sortis of lay and vther cunyeit siluer foirsaid (except befoir exceptit) be brocht in to the maister of his hienes cunyehous be generall proclamatioun vpoun the prices that thay ar presentlie currant within this realme (except the fals and counterfute quhilk salbe clippit doun and deliuerit agane clippit to the awner) Attoure It is alsua concludit statute and ordanit That thair salbe ane penny or pece of gold struccin of xxj carrat fyne with twa granis of remedis alsweill abone as vnder quhairof fyve of thame sail mak ane vnce paricij and ilk pece to haue course for foure pundis foure schillingis with twa granis of wecht of remedis alsweill licht as heavie of ilk pece And that ilk vnce of sUuer parisien in cunyeit money be set furth for fourtie foure schillingis money of this realme To be cunyeit JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 113 in seuerall pecis Berand sic forme wecht circumscriptioun and remedis As his Maiestie with Acts of auise of the Lordis of his preuie counsale resident with his hienes for the tyme sail think jsgo. ' gude To quhom his Maiestie with auise of his saidis nobilitie counsale and estaittis presentlie convenit gevis full pouer auctoritie and commissioun to this effect As alsua to sett takkis of the said cunyehous and pro Sites thairof for sic ressonable space as salbe thocht convenient for the better commoditie of his Maiestie and the aduanceing of his hienes as the occasioun sail sa require. XI. — 24 Oct. 1581, Anent the Cunye. The kingis maiestie / and his thre estatis considering how hurtfull and preiudiciall the vol. iii. p. lait siluer cunye (having cours vpoun sa hicht price) Is / and hes bene to the commone Weill of this realme / The same being occasioun of greit derth and of mone vthir incon- venientis . And now willing to haue the same Eeducit to ane lawer price / without loise of his hines subiectis / or yit to the pertineris and takismen vnderwrittin / quliilk thai find can not be done / gif the contracte / maid anent the same cunye be sufferit, to haue further effecte / and execusioun. Thairfoir his maiestie with aduise of the saidis estatis and of the saidis takismen and pertineris / They ar to say Alexander Clerk of Balbime / provest of Edinburgh / Williame Naper of Wrichtis housis / Nichol Edward / Harie Nisbet / Kichart Abircrumby Kobert Abircrumby / and Thomas Acheson / vpoun consideratioun had be the ordoure following / That they salbe na loissaris : decernis and declaris be act of this present parliament The said contracte to be null and of nane availl / force nor effect in all tyme cuming / and ordanis the saidis takismen / pertineris / cunyeouris / and vtheris officiaris to desist and ceis from all striking and cunyeing of onie further of the said cunye in onie tyme heirefter. And declaris be the said acte / that the saidis takismen and perti- neris / and all vtheris at thair command / hes done nathing in the said mater of the lait cunye / preceding the dait heirof / Bot according to the will and mynd of his maiestie / and his saidis estatis / quhilk they Eatifie and appreve / in sa far as they haue confurme to the said contracte / ay standand in effect quhill now / exonerand thame thairof for now and ever. They being alwayis comptabill and answerabill for onie thing done be thame in the said cunye contrarious to the effecte and meaning of the same contracte conforms to the tenour thairof. Attoure his maiestie be the same acte / with aduise of The saidis estatis / reuoikis / cassis / and annullis for ever all assignationis for j^ayment of sowmes of money maid be his hines vpoun the saidis takismen and pertineris / to onie persone or personis. And dischargeis the lordis of secreit counsell and sessioun to direct onie letteris or charges vpoun or aganis thame / or onie of thame. And gif they do declaris the same be thir presentis to be of nane availl force nor effect / notwithstanding onie decreittis gevin or to be gevin / quhilk his maiestie with aduise of the saidis estatis discharges simpliciter ordaning thame to haue na further force nor effecte . nor execusioun in tyme cuming . And further / with aduise of the saidis estatis / and consent alsua of the saidis takismen and pertineris / statutis / and ordanis / That the said lait cunye / extending to twa hundreth ellevin stane and ten pund wycht of siluer / salbe reducit and brocht in agane p lU EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Acts of be thame to be cunyeit of new / be his bines maister cunyeoure / betuix and the ellevint 1581. day of Mercbe nix to cum in ten schilling peceis of ellevin penny fyne / contenand foure m the vnce in this forme. That is to say hauaud on the ane syde the portratour of his maiesteis body / armit with ane croun vpoun his heid / and ane suord in his hand / with this circumscriptioun : Jacobus vj / dei gratia rex scotorum . And on the vthir syde his hines armes in ane scheild with ane croun abone the same scheild / with the dait of the yeir / vpoun ane of the sydis with this circumscriptioun : Honor regis Judicium diligit. ffor Inbringing and Eeductioun of quhilk money the saidis takismen and pertineris hes presentlie nominatit and appoyntit / Williame Naper / and Thomas Acheson quhilkis sail remane at Edinburg / to ressaue all the said cunye / To number and quantite foirsaid / fra his hines subiectis and delyver thame vthir money thairfoir vpoun the same prices that they wer gevin out for / betuix and the said ellevint day of Merche / vnto the quhilk day they salhaue course allanerlie / And being ressavit sail bring and delyver thame to his hines maistir cunyeoure / quha sail cunye thame of new / In forme and maner abone men- tionat / and thairefter delyver bayth stock and profite agane in full Recompence of thair expensis / chargeis and trauellis ellis sustenit be the said cunye to sic as salbe appoyntit in thair names to ressaue the same. And the maister cunyeour present and to cum saU. find the saidis takismen and pertineris sufficient cawtioun and souertie actit in the buikis of counsell / ffor Eandering vnto thame the stok and profite of sic sowmes and wecht as they sail delyver vnto him to the effecte foirsaid / vnto the quhilk tyme the saidis takismen and pertineris sail nocht be astrictit to delyver onie siluer vnto the said maister cunyeour / deduceand alwayis the feis and dewteis of the werkmen and vtheris ordiner officiaris of the cunye hous vsit and wont for their pauis and lawboris. And becaus the said Eeductioun can not Weill tak effecte / without sum stoqk to mak the exchange The saidis takismen and per- tineris thairfoir sail haue libertie like as his maiestie with aduise of the saidis estatis be thir presentis grautis thame licence / and libertie to strik /and cause be strickin and cunyeit twentie stane wycht of siluer mair nor is ellis cunyeit in the money new devysit quhilk salbe delyuerit to thame agane / efter the same be past In Irnis / In maner foirsaid without deductioun of onie profite or vthir dewtie thairfor / except the feis and dewteis of the saidis werkmen and officiaris vsit and wont / Attoure oure souerane Lord / with aduise of his saidis thre estatis gevis and grantis full fredome / licence and libertie to his hines maister cunyeoure / to brek doun the present current money within this realme of xj d fyne. Makand his hines dew compt and Rekning of the profite thairof / as appertenis. ffor the quhilk the said maister cunyeour nor vtheris the officiaris of his hines cunyehous sail incur na skaith nor danger in thair personis / landis or guidis. Notwithstanding onie actis / lawis / or constitutionis maid in the contrair : Anent the quhilkis his hines with aduise of his saidis estatis dispenssis. XII. — 24 Oct. 1581, Ratificatioun of the actis anent the inbringing of Bulyeoun. Oure Souerane Lord / with aduise of his thre estatis and haill body of this present parliament / Ratifeis and apprevis the actis maid be his hines nobill progenitouris / Vol. III. p. 216, c. 11. JAMES VI.] RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 115 Anent the inbringing of bulyeoun with this additioun That euerie custumer and clerk of cokquet in time cuming sail tak sic siiirtie or plageis / as he will anser for. That bulyeoun equiualent to the guidis transportit / salbe delyverit to the maister of oure souerane lordis cunyehous / betuix and the nixt chekker thairefter following / and at that hering of the custumeris comptis / That he be comptrollit vpoun the quantitie of the bulyeoun / deliuerit into the cunye hous / According to the letteris of resait of the maister cunyeour / and quhat restis abone / That the said custumar be answerabill thairfoir / prouiding that in caise onie of the guidis custumat happinnis to j)ereis be chance / or to be takin away per maiorem vim / The lordis auditouris of the cheker being certifeit and perswadit of the treuth thairof / sail grant defalcatioun of the quantitie of the bulyeoun at thair discretioun. and for euerie vnce delyverit to the maister cunyeoure of vttir fyne siluer / he sail pay to the merchand fourtie schillingis and mak compte of the profite thairof In cuuyeit money to oure souerane lordis vse. XIII. — 19 May 1584, Aj^j^rohatioiin of the lait cunyie of allayit Money. Forsamekle as efter guid consideratioun had be the kingis maiestie / his nobilitie and vol. iii. estatis assemblit in the moneth of December The yeir of god j™ v*^ Ixxxiij yeris Of the ^' great skaith and inconvenient quhilk his hienes and the commoun weill sustenit throw diuersitie of pryces of syluer of syndrie peceis of allayit money current amang his liegeis / Be reasoun quhairof ane great quantitie of the same and namelie of the tuelf penny peceis / babeis and auld plakis is found now to be decayit and wanting / Previe personis frustrating his maiestie of his richt and proffite (being ane of the speciall partis of the rentis and casualties partening to the croun) in the vnlawing transporting / breking downe and fyning of the foirnamit kyndis of allayit money alsweill furth of the realme as within the samyn / For Eemede quhairof they haue ordanit and concludit that all the tuelff pennie peceis babeis and plakis with the thrie pennie grottis and half plakis now current suld be brocht in to the cunyey hous (not being fals and counterfitt) and brokin downe with all guidlie diligence / And thairof new money to be cunyeit of thrie pennie fyne in grottis at aucht penneis the pece and halff grottis for four penneis with twa granis of remede of fynes alsweill abone as vnder / and that thair be ane hundreth threttie fyve of the saidis aucht pennie grottis of tua hundreth thriescoir and ten of four penny grottis in the merk wecht of the said money with allowance of viij of the said viij d. grottis or sextene of the four penny grottis for remeid of wecht alsweill havie as licht vpoun everie merk wecht of the said money passand the Irnis As the acte maid thairvpoun Of the dait the day of the moneth of December / the yeir abonewrittin and proclamatioun past thairvpoun at lenth beris.^ Of the quhUkis peceis ordinit to be cunyeit be the said act / wecht and fynes thairof thair hes bene sufficient pruiff and tryall takin and the assay thairof is extant in the handis of his maiesties advocatt being alreadie tryit and found guid / Sua that the samyn correspondis in wecht and fynes to the tennour of the said act / In consideratioun quhairof / and that the samyn hes bene tryit and foundin guid as said is ^ This will be found in the Acts of the Privy Council under the date mentioned. Acts of Parliament, 1581. IIG RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMKS VI- Acts of Our souerane lord and his thrie estatis in this present parliament ratifeis and apprevis the 'jirlitiiiiGiit > • 1584. ' act foirsaid efter the forme and tennour thairof in all pointis. XIV. — 19 May 1584, Ane act for ane new cunyie of gold. 1. III. p. FoRSAMEKLE as it is vnderstand that the ancient and auld gold within the cuntrie hes I, c. 29. _ ° bene and is fra hame transportit be strangearis passingearis and vtheris Sua that presentlie litill remanis within the cuntrie quhairthrow his maiesties subiectis ar endampnageit / and the gold of vtheris princeses and cuntries hes cours within this realme at the pleasour of sic as byis and sellis and not according to ressonable prices at the Jugement of his maiestie and estat being remedit may import great inconvenient and his maiestie frustrat of his hienes comm Thairfoir it is thocht guid / statute and ordinit be our souerane lord and his thrie in this present parliament that thair salbe cunyeit twa peceis of gold / the ane of sex peceis vnce and of the fynes of xxj carrettis and ane lialfF to haue cours and passage for thrie pundis fyvetene shillingis / The vther of nyne in the vnce of the wecht of the croun and of the fynes foirsaid and to haue cours of fiftie shillingis / and toward the forme and circumscriptioun thairof with the remedie of wecht and fynes / his maiestie and estatis remittis the same to the lordis of his hienes secrete counsell / And be the tennour heirof gevis and grantis commissioun to tak ordour thairanent as they sail think expedient. XV. — 8 July 1587, Commissioun anent the Cunye. Vol. HI. p. The Kingis Maiestie and thrie estaittis of this present parliament being informit of the great hurt that this cuntrie hes sustenit this lang tyme bigane Throw the ower greit abundance of allayit money cunyeit within the same And to the effect that the same may be eschewit in tyme cuming His Maiestie with aduise of his saidis estaitis Gevis and grantis full power and commissioun to Sir Jolmne Maitland of Thirlstane knycht his hienes chancellair Maister Thomas Lyoun of Baldewkie thesaurare Alexander commendatair of Pluscardin Sir Lues Bellenden of AuchnouU knicht iustice clerk Sir Robert Meluile of Murdocairnie Knicht thesaurair depute Maister David Makgill of Nysbite his hienes aduocate and Alexander Hay of Eister Kennat clerk of register or onie thrie of thame the said thesaurar being ane To convene togidder alsoft as thai sail think expedient betuix the dait heirof and the first day of Januar nix to cum And to confer tret and conchide asweill vpone the stay of the money now current as vpone the cunyeing of ane new money Of gold of xxij carret fyne and of siluer of xj penny fyne and how monie peces of euerie ane of the same salbe in the vnce and for quhat pryce thai salhaue course and passage in the cuntrie And quhatsoeuer the saidis commissioneris or ony thrie of thame coniunclie the said thesaurair being ane dois heirin his hienes and his saidis estaittis decernis and ordanis the same to haue als greit strenth force and effect as gif the same wer done be the haiU estaittis in parliament. JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 117 XVI. — 29 July 1587, Commissioun for setting of the quantitie of the p^^j-*^,"^^ hulyeoun to he brocht to the cunyehous of all i^s?. custumat guidis. Oure Soueraue Lord and thrie estaittis of this present parliament gevis and grantis Vol. lii. p. 517 c 12.5. full power and commissioun to his weilbelouittis Sir Eobert Meluile of Murdocairnie ' knicht thesaurare depute Sir Archibald Naper of Edinbellie knicht generall of his hienes cunyehous Johns Achesoue his hienes last Maister cunyeour and Thomas Achesone present Maister of his said cunyehous with ane or tua of the counsall of Edinburgh Or ony fyve four or thrie of thame the said Sir Eobert Meluile alwayes being ane To convene als oft as thai sail think expedient betuix and the first day of Junij nix to cum And to sett and appoynt quhat dewtie of bulyeoun / his hienes audit to haue brocht to his cunyehous for all maner of guidis custumable passand furth of this realme And quhateuer the saidis commissioneris decernis and ordanis to be done in the premisses Thair ordinance being deulie maid subscriuit be thame or ony thrie of thaine (the said Sir Eobert being ane of thame as said is) The same to haue als greit executioun force and effect as gif the same wer done be his hienes and his estaittis in full parliament Ay and quhill the nixt parliament and quhill the said ordinance be dischairgit or alterit be parliament. XVII. — 6 Aug. 1591, Act anent the Cunyie. The Kingis Maiestie his counsall and commissionaris appointit be his hienes his Vol. iii. p. nobilitie and estaittis to tak ordour with the cunye Considering the greit skayth and incon- venient quhilk his Maiestie and the commoun weill of this realme presentlie sustenis not onlie throw the diuersitie and cliois of sindry space of money current within the same and be the aboundance of a greit quantiti of fals money havand cours amangis his hienes liegis Bot als be the hichting and rasing the pryces of all sortis of money alsweill forreyne as cunyeit within this cuntre Preceding as weill appearis of a certane presumptioun and libertie ascryvit be sum particular personis in ressauing and geving furth at all tymes all spaces of gold and siluer vpoun sic heich pryces as may best tend to thair awin commoditie without regaird or consideratioun had to the commoun weill of this realme Or to his maiesties rycht or proffeit of his cunyie being ane of the special partis of his hienes rent and casualitie belanging to his croun Quhilk proffeit his hienes at this tyme respectis not sa mekill as be the ordour and conclusioun now set doun to haue the present disordour and confusioun in the cunyie in tyme cuming removed and a setled ordour and forme set doun thairanent als neir to Imitat oure nybour cuntre as the present estate of this realme will permit ffor this purpois His maiestie with aduise of his said counsall and commissionaris Hes thocht meit and concludit be thir presentis That the haill gold siluer and allayed money now current within this realme (The thryssil nobill with the penny and tua penny plakkis onlie exceptit) Salbe reduceit and stricken as foUowis To wit the gold in ane space of gold of xxij carret fyne with twa granis of remeid of fynes alsweill abone as vnder The vnce 118 EECOEDS or THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of thairof to be set furtli at twenty sevin pundis quhairof fifty four pecis sail way the merk 1591. ' wecht with ane graj^ne of remeid of weclit vpoun ilk pece and to haue cours for fo\u- pundis the pece with halffis accordingiie vpoun the saidis renieidis havand on the ane syde his hienes protrat according to the painteris draucht with this circumscriptioun Jacobus . 6 . del gratia Eex Scotorum And on the vther syde ane lyoun crownit sitting in ane chyre balding ane scepture pointing to ane cloude with Jehoua in Hebrew abone the samyn with this circumscriptioun Te Solum vereor with the dait of the yeir And siclyke that the haill syluer and allayed money except befoir exceptit Salbe reduceit and strickin in ane siluer space of money of the fynes of ten deneiris and ane half with twa granis of remeid of fynes alsweill abone as vnder The vnce thairof to be set furth at xliiij § quhairof fifty twa and four fyft partis sail wey the merk wecht with twa granis of remeid alsweill havie as licht vpoun ilk pece And to haue cours for vj s viij d with halffis accordingiie vpoun the saidis remeidis Ilk pece havand on the ane syde ane swerd with ane pair of ballance lyand croce with this circumscriptioun His differt rege tirannus And vpoun the vther syde his maiesteis armes in ane scheild with the croun abone and ane thrysill on ilk syde with this circumscriptioun. J acobus 6 dei gratia Eex Scotorum with the dait of the yeir with ane seuerall merk in the begynning of the circumscriptioun on bayth gold and siluer Quhairfoir and to the effect this gude werk may the better and with greittar diligence tak effect and executioun for the commoun weill and commoditie of all estaittis of personis within this realme His maiestie with aduise of the saidis lordis and commissionaris Ordanis lettres to be direct Chargeing all and sindry his hienes lieges be oppin proclama- tioun at the marcat croces of the heid burrowis of this realme To inbring and deliuer to his maiesteis maister cunyeour in his hienes cunyehous Or to sic vtheris as salbe authorizit be his commissioun to that effect the haill allayit money current Avithin this realme except befoir exceptit within the space of thre yeiris eftir the dait heirof And siclyke the haill gold and siluer betuix and the first day of Nouember in the yeir of god J"^ four scoir threttene yeiris Except the thryssill nobill quhilk his maiestie with aduise of the saidis lordis and commissionaris ordanis to be continewit in wirking conforme to the first ordinance in all pointis ffor the quhilk thay sail ressaue payment in the said new cunye or thryssill nobillis Quhilk his maiestie with aduise foirsaid Ordanis to serue to be ressauit amang his hienes liegis in tyme cuming That is to say for ilk vnce of ellevin denieris fourty twa schillingis for ilk vnce of ten denieris and ane half fourty schillingis for ilk vnce of half merk and fourty penny pecis of aucht denieris thretty shilliugis vj d. And for ilk vnce of aucht and four penny pecis xj s iij d money foirsaid And for all vther allayed money quhilk is subiect to refyning as babeis thre penny grottis twelf penny grottis and gray plakkis sic pryces as thay wer cunyeit for or hes had cours in tyme bipast Be it alwayis vnderstand that his maiesteis maister cunyeour salbe na forder astrictit bot to ressaue with ilk fyve vnce of elleven denieris ane vnce of half merk and fourty penny pecis ffor the quhilk he sail deliuer to the awnaris in prentit money the pryces foirsaidis Or ellis the samyn wecht that he salhappin to ressaue at the optioun of the partie Eetenyng onelie the twelft part thairof for his maiesteis dewitie and satisfactioun of his officiaris and werkmennis lauboris And sail pay for all vther siluer abone the said fynes accordingiie JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 119 And siclyke the said maister cunyeour sail pay for euery vnce of gold of xxij carret fyne Acts of twenty four pundis fyvetene schillingis And for all vther gold accordinglie pro rata ^^'{591^" Swa that he sail deliuer or pay the foirsaidis pryces or the iust wecht ressauit be him in the new cunyeit money foirsaid retening the xij part thairof as is abone specitiit Certifeing all and quhatsumeuir personis qnhilk sail not inbring the said gold siluer and allayed money within the tyme abone mentionat That the samyn salbe Decernit to haue na forder cours thaireftir Attour his maiestie and the saidis commissionaris considering the greit disordour and diuersitie in the pryces als weill of his hienes awin as of forayne gold and siluer the same being gevin out oftymes be sum personis in exchange vpoun heich pryces and refusit to be ressauit be vtheris vpoun the same pryce to the greit hurt of sindry his hienes liegis Thairfoir his Maiestie with aduise of the same commissionaris Hes thocht meit and concludit That na forayne gold sail haue cours aniangis his hienes liegis heireftir except the spaces following vpoun the pryces particularlie vnder mentionat That is to say the auld roise nobill of wecht sex pundis xiij § iiij d The dowbill Ducat of wecht sex pundis The angell nobill of wecht four pund viij s the croun of the sone of wecht fifty sex schillingis The pistolet of Spayne of wecht fifty fyve schillingis And in lyk maner that the pece of gold cunyeit within this realme for xliiij s sail now gif four pund The aid thre pund pece with the quenis face sex pund The abbay croun liij s iiij d The four pund pece with the kingis face four pund ten schillingis The lyoun nobill four pund Dis- chargeing be thir presentis all vthir spaces and sortis of gold to haue cours within this realme at ony tyme heireftir As alsua all and sindry his hienes liegis Of ressauing or making exchange thairwith vnder the pane of escheitting of the samyn to his Maiesteis vse and pvnisement of thair personis at his hienes will And siclyke his Maiestie Ordanis the Inglis testane to haue cours heireftir within this realme vpoun the pryce of viij s the fourty schilling pece fourty schillingis / the new thretty schilling pece thretty schilling and swa the twa and thrid partis thairof pro rata Certifeing alsua quhatsumeuir personis quhilkis sail ayther ressaue or gif furth in exchange ony of the saidis testanis xl xxx § pecis twa and thrid partis thairof vpoun a hiear pryce That the samyn sail alsua be escheitit and intromettit with to his hienes vse and thay vtherwayis pvneist in thair personis as effeiris And that nane of his hienes liegis refuis to ressaue the saidis new spaces of gold siluer and thryssil nobillis in thankfull payment vnder the pane of tressoun Commanding the generall maister cunyeour and remanent ofl&ciaris of his hienes cunyehous ilk ane in thair awin offices / To do thair diligence in wirking of the same spaces of gold siluer and thryssil nobillis according to the tennour of thir presentis As thay will ansuer vpoun the executioun of thair offices Attour his Maiestie Ordanis all actis and proclamationis maid inhibiting the transporting of gold and siluer furth of this realme to be put to dew execu- tioun in all pointis and the personis contravenaris thairof to be pvneist conforrae to the tennour of the samyn with all rigour and extremitie. 120 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. XVIII. — 3 April 1592, Anent the payment of the burrow males. Item Becaus the burrow ruidis landis and priuilegis of the maist pairt of the burrowis of this realme / ar sett of aulde for the burrow males contenit in thair infeftmentis to be payit in striuiling money/ And throw the owirsicht and negligence of his Maiesties officiaris thir mony and dyuers yeris bygane The saidis males ar ressauit in current money of this realme to his hienes greit hurt and damnage / Thairfoir his Maiestie with auise of his estaitis Ordanis the haill provest and bailies of the burrowis of this realme to produce thair infeftmentis in this nixt chekker To be sene and considderit be the lordis auditouris thairof / That it may be knawin quhethair thay aucht to pay thair saidis burrow males in striuiling mone or vsuall current money of this realme / with certificatioun and thay failyie Thay salbe haldin to pay the samyn in all tymes heireftir in striuiling money / Or els the avaUl thairof / as it is now current in Scotlande. XIX. — 21 July 1593, Commissioun anent the Cunye. Vol. IV. p. 27, The Kingis Maiestie and estatis of this present parliament Gevis and grantis full c. 31. pouer and commissioun To Sir Thomas Lyoun of Auldbar knicht thesaurair to our souerane lord / Walter Commendater of Blantyre lord privie seill Eduard commendater of Kinloss Maister Eobert Douglais provest of Lincluden coUectour general! maister Johnne Lindsay persoun of Menmvre Sir Patrick Waus of Barnebarrauche knicht / Alexander Hay of Eister Kennet clerk of register / maister Dauid Macgill of Cranstounriddell aduocat to our souerane lord / maister Dauid Carnegie of CuUuthie Johnne Arnot and Henrie Nysbit bui'gessis of Edinburgh or ony sevin of thame coniunctlie / my lord thesaurair or his depute being alwayis ane of the said sevin / To meit and convene togidder / quhen and quhair his hienes sail gif directioun / And thair to Consult treat and conclude Anent the mater of the cunyie presentlie current within this realme / with power to thame efter dew consultatioun gif thay find the same ressonable and expedient for his maiesties profite and commoun Weill and vtilitie of the haill cuntrie / To resolue and conclude / anent the reformatioun of the said cunyie in ane better estait and conditioun And for this effect to mak proclama- tiounis in his hienes name and auctoritie / for inbringing thairof to the Cimyiehous / that the same may be brokin / and command gevin to the memberis of the cunyiehous for stryking and making of new cunyie of better form and availl as salbe fund metaist be the saidis commissionaris / Quhais conclusioun and procedingis thairanent / Our souerane lord and estaitis foirsaidis ratifies and apprevis / siclyk and in the same maner / as gif the same wer done and concludit in this present parliament. XX. — 27 Dec. 1593, Act anent the Cunyeing of Plah peceis. Vol. IV. p. 48. The Kingis Maiestie and lordis of secreit counsale and commissionaris appointit be his hienes and his three esteatis in the parliament haldin at Edinburgh in the moneth of Juhj The yeir of god J™ Ixxxxiij yeiris to take ordour anent the cunyie Considdering that be Acts of Parliament, 1592. Vol. III. p. 661, c. 36. JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 121 the vnlauchfull transporting of all sortis of cunyeit siluer and allayed money / furth of this Acts of realme / breking doun and applying the commoditie thairof to the priuat vse of certane ^^^j'l'gs^" particular personis / quhilkis commounlie hes bene vsit alsweill within as without this same realme thir diuers yeiris bigane / not onlie hes his maiestie bene frustrat of the richt and proffeit of his cunyie / being ane of the speceall partis of his rentis and casualiteis belanging to his crowne / and the commounwele thairby gritlie preiugeit / Bot now at last / be the grite penuritie and scairstie of tlie said siluer and allayed monej' and cheiflie of the small money The Exchange of gold and Interchange in bying and selling of all soirtis of wairis and mercheandice amangis his hienes subiectis ar and hes bene gritlie hinderit. The awnaris of the said gold being constranit ofttymes in making of the said exchange to giflf doun a parte of the availl and pryceis thairof / Swa the said small money is swa necessar cheiflie to the commoun people / as without the same the said Exchange can not be gudlie intertenyit / Thairfoir and for certane vthiris ressonable caussis and considerationis moving his Maiestie tending alwayes to his hienes proffeit / commoun wele and ease of all esteatis of personis within tliis realme / his Maiestie with aduise of the saidis lordis and commissionaris / Hes thocht meit and Expedient that thair salbe ane foure penny pece maid forgeit and Imprentit of siclyke fynnes as wes cunyeit and sett furth in the tyme of the regiment of his hienes darrest guidhame of worthy memorie That is to say off ane deneir fyne / with twa granes of remeid of fynnes alswele vndir as abone quhairof aucht scoir to be in the merk wecht / with aucht peceis of remeid in the merk wecht alsweill licht as havy. The said pece haueand on the ane syde twa sceptouris cros with ane thrissill growand vp throuch thame with this circumscriptioun. Jacobus 6. D. G. Eex Scotokum. And on the vther syde ane losane with ane thrissill on euery nuke in forme of a croce / with this circumscriptioun / Oppidum Edinbuegi. and to haue course amangis his hienes liegis for foure penneyis And that onlie Tua hundreth stane wecht of vtter fyne siluer with the allay correspondent in this cunyie / pas throu the Irnis of the Cunyie house / ffor quhilk purpois his Maiestie with aduise of the saidis lordis and commissionaris / Grautis and gevis full libertie and preuilege to Thomas Achieson his hienes maister cunyeour and vthiris ordiuair officiaris of his cunyie house / To by and brek doun all sortis of siluer and allayed money alsueill cunyeit within this realme and cuntrey as outwith the same / quhilk may be bocht vpoun the price of fourty sevin shillingis the vnce of vtter fyne siluer quhilk his maiestie appointis to be the said maister cunyeouris price of bying thairof/ ffor the quhilk thir presentez salbe vnto him a sufficient warrand / and for the bettir perfyteing of the said werk/ It salbe lesum to the said Maister cunyieour To imputt and outputt forgearis prentaris / and all vthiris thingis belanging to the said office to do and vse alsfrelie as ony vthir maister cunyeour vsit and Excerceit the same of befoir. And the said Thomas nawayes tobe removit frome the said office in labouring of the said money / bot vpoun lauchfuU premonitioun of fourty dayis of befoir / Quhairfoir his Maiestie ordanis and commandis the generall maister cunyeour sinkar assayar wardanis and all vthiris officiaris of the said cunyiehous To proceid in workeing and sinking of the Irnis and making forge- ing prenting and outputting of the said money to the quantitie abonewrittin / And to pay the proffeit to his hienes thesaurair and thesaurair depute freelie / The feis of all the Q 122 EECOEDS OE THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of officiaris of the cunyiehous and werkmen being payit and satisfeit be the said maister 1593. ' cwnyeour According to ane contract maid tbairupoun / ffor the quhilk forgeing prenting / making and outputting of the said money this present act and ordinance To the saidis generall maister cwnyeonr sinkair assayar wardanes and vthiris officiaris of his hienes cwnyiehous foirsaid sail serue for a sufficient warrand and tbay nor nana of thame Sail incur ony skaith or dangeir thairthrou in thair personis landis or gnidis / nor sail not be callit nor accuisit for the same crimiixalie nor ciuilie be ony maner of way in tyme cwming / nochtwithstanding quhatsumenir lawis aotis of parliament / statutis constitutionis or pro- clamationis maid or tobe maid in the oontrair or ony panes contenit thairintill / Anent the quhilkis his hienes dispenses be thir present? Promitting in Verbo Peincipis To cans the same be ratifeit and apprevit be his hienes and his three esteatis in his nixt parliament or conuentiouu And that lettre? be direct to officeris of armes shereffis in that parte / chargeing thame to pas to the mercat croceis of the heid burrowis of this realme / and thair be oppin proclamatioixn Mak publicatioun of the premissis Quhairthrou nane pretend ignorance of the same / and to command and charge all and sindrie his hienes liegis That nane of thame tak vpoun hand / To refuse the said Money for the price foirsaid vndir the pane of Tressoun etc XXI. — 17 Jan. 1593, Act anent the Cunyie of gold and siluer. Vol. IV. p. 49. The quhilk day oure Souerane lord considdering the grite confusioun and inconuenient presentlie within the realme / throu the multitude of diuers sortis of money alsweill gold siluer as allay propir and foreyne of variant weeht fynes prentis and priceis current without ony certane stand or cry (bot at the appetyte of the gevair oute or ressauer) to the grite trouble fasherie and hinder of his hienes subiectis in all esteatis and degreis ffor Eemeid quhairof / and that thair may be ane vniuersall and vniforme gude money passand amangis his people / his Maiestie with avise and consent of his preuey counsall officeris of estate / commissionaris of the parliament for the cunyie / auditouris of the chekker and senatouris of the college of iustice vndirsubscryvand / Hes concludit and concludis that the haill gold siluer and allayed money within this realme be reducit to certane kyndis of gude cunyie / The gold to the fynnes of tuentie twa carret with twa granes of remeid alsweill abone as vnder at threttie pundis the vnee / to be sett furth in fyve pund peceis quhairof thair salbe sax peceis in the vnce with halfifis at L s the pece v/ith twa granes of remeid of wecht vpoun ilk pece alsweill licht as havj / haueand on the ane side / his Maiesteis portrat on horsbak armed / with this circumscriptioun Jacobus 6 . D . G . Eex Sootoru with the date of the yeir vndir the horse / and on the vthir syde The lyoun in a sheild crowned with this circumscriptioun / Spero Meliora / And that the haill siluer and allayed money (except the penneyis / twa penneyis and lait plakkis) be reduceit to xj d fyne with twa granes of remeid of fynnes / alsweill abone as vndir / and be sett furth at L § the vnce / in sortis of ten shilling / fyve shUling / and threttie penneyis and tuelff penny peceis with twa granes of remeid of wecht vpoun ilk pece alsweill licht as havy / The prent of the siluer to haue the portrat of his Maiesteis face bair heidit on the ane syde JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COIHAGE OF SCOTLAND. 123 with this circumscriptiouii Jacodus 6 . D . G- . Hex Scotoeum / aud on tlie vthir syde ane Acts of tlirissill crowned with three heidis / with this circumscriptioun Nemo me Tmpune 1593. Lacesset / and the date of the yeir / And for the furtherance of the werk of the said new ' money That all his hienes liegis / and vthiris within the houndia of his dominionis inhring to his cunyiehoug all gold siluer and allayed money alsweill foreyne as Inward vpoun the^ priceis following That is to say the Frenshe crowne of the sone / for fiftie sevin shillingis / and all vthir foreyne gold according to the rate thairof / and all gold of the cunyie of this realme for the priceis that thay ar presentlie current / and all sortia of siluer alsweill foreyne as Inward vpoun the pryceis following That is to say / The pece cunyeit for fourty shillingis / for fourty twa shillingis / and the threttie tuentie ten shUling peceis and testanes / and all vthir siluer according to the rate of the samin / and all maner of allayed money (not heirtofoir Exceptit) for the price that thai ar presentlie current / and that betuix the date heirof and the first day of Maij nixtocum / ffor the quhilk gold siluer and allayed money / swa ordanit tobe inbrocht to his hienes cunyiehous / The inbriugaris sal haue the pryceis befoir specifeit / and his hienes with anise and consent foirsaid Declaieis and decernis that all gold siluer and allayed money / now ordanit tobe inbrocht to the said cunyiehous as said is quhilk sail nocht be inbrocht to the same / betuix and the said first day of Maij nixtocum / salhaue na cours nor passage fra thynefurth / hot quhaireuir ony of the same may be apprehendit thaireftir / changeand wissilland or payand debtis or blokis / tobe intromettit with and escheitit Togidder with the pane and vnlaw of ane hundreth pundis / tobe vptakin of euery persone contravening this his hienes ordinance and proclamatioun and that the panes of the saidis escheat and vnlaw sail stryke vpoun quhatsomeuir persone or personis that takis vpoun hand / to by brek doun fyne or melt ony of the said gold siluer and allayed money without warrand and directioun of sic as his hienes lies grantit pouer and licence to do the same Fuether his Maiestie with auise and consent abone writtin / Decernis declairis and ordanis / That it sail nocht be lesum to mak reuersionis contractis obligationis decreitis or sentenceis vpoun ony kynd of money in tyme cuming eftir the date heirof / bot in the new cunyie of gold and siluer presentlie appointit tobe maid aud haue cou.rs / The gold of tuentie twa carrett fyne / and the siluer of xj d fyne / vndir the pane of Ane hundreth markis money of this Eealme / To be Incurrit be quhatsomeuir persone doing in the contrair / alsoft as thay salbe apprehendit / or salbe adingeit and decernit / to haue Incurrit the same pane / with tinsaiU and Escheitting of the saidis sowmes of money / Tobe vptakin and Intromettit with be sic as his Maiestie hes appointit / Thaiefoie ordanis lettrez tobe direct to officeris of armes shereffis in that parte for publicatioun heirof at the mercat croceis of the heid burrowis of this realme and vtheris placeis neidfull That nane pretend ignorance of the same And to command and charge all and sindrie the liegis To obserue and fulfill this his hienes ordinance and proclamatioun / safer as concernis thame and Eueryane of thame / and speciallie the maister cunyeour / wardanis assayair and sinkair in the cunyiehous To proceid with all diligence in making / prenting and geving oute of the said new money and all the liegis in inbringing of the said money appointit to be brocht in / and in accepting and Interchanging of the said new money / being gevin oute / vndir the 124 RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [james vi. Acts of panes abonespecifeit / and all vthir pane charge and offence quliilk thai and eueryane of 1593. ' them may committ and Inrin aganis his Maiestie in that parte / And that the proclamatioun tobe past vpoun this acte and ordinance be imprentit / for the quhilk the copie of thir presentz subscriuit be the clerk of Register / salbe to his hienes prentair sufficient warrand. XXII. — 22 April 1594, Ratejicatioun of the act and contract anent the Cunyie. Vol. IV. p. 85, Forsamekle as our souerane Lord in the last conventioun haldin at his hienes palice c. 74. . . . ^ of Haliruidhous in the moneth of Januar last bypast / ffor the eschewing of the greit confusioun and inconvenient than apperand to be within this realme / throw the multitude of diuers sortis baith of gold and siluer than passand without ony kynd of stande or cry / his hienes with auise and consent off the Lordis of his privie counsell officiaris of estait commissionaris of parliament for the cunyie / auditouris of his hienes chekker / and senatouris of the college of iustice Concludit that the haill gold siluer and allayit mone suld be reducit to certane kyndis of guid cunyie / viz the gold / To tuentie tua carrat fyne And the siluer of ane ellevin denier fyne / And than ordanit diuers and sindre pecis baith of gold and siluer to be prentit and cunyeit / And to haue passage / And to be current within this reahne in all tymes thaireftir vpoun sic wecht and fynnes as is contenit in the act maid thairvpoun as at mair lenth is contenit in the samyn act off the dait at Haliruidhous the xvij day of Januar last bypast At quhilk tyme / Or within veray schort space thaireftir / his hienes with auise and Consent foirsaid / sett in tak and assedatioun To the provest baillies Counsaill and communietie of the burgh of Edinburgh / as personis maist meit to sett fordward sa guid ane wark Tending baith to the honour proffite and commoditie of his hienes realme All and haiU his hienes cunyiehous / haill proffittis and commodities thairof / ffor all the dayis space and termes of tua yeris and thre monethis nixt and Immediatlie following thair entrie thairto / quhilk was vpoun the first day of Februar last bypast / ffor payment of the sowme of ane hundreth and ten thousand markis at sic tymes as is specifeit and contenit in ane contract maid betuix his hienes / with auise of the saidis lordis of his privie counsaill officeris of estait Commissionaris of parliament for the cunyie Auditouris of his hienes chekker and senatouris of the college of iustice and the saidis provest baillies and counsaill thairvpoun / quhilk is actit and registrat in the buikis of counsaill vpoun the day of Januar siclyk lastbypast Quhilkis act and contract haill claussis heidis' articles and conditiouis contenit thairin his hienes with auise of the estaitis of this present parliament Ratifies apprevis and confirmis in all pointis / And statutis and Ordanis that the said cunyie baith of gold and siluer alreddie cunyeit and to be cunyeit and prentit of the fynes wecht and prices as is contenit in the former act maid at the conventioun foirsaid / Salbe current and haif frie passage within this realme in all tymes heireftir / As alsua that the said contract maid betuix his Maiestie with auise foirsaid / and the saidis provest baillies counsaill and communitie JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 125 of Edinburgh / salbe obseruit kepit / and fiilfillit to tliame and thair assignais in all Acts of , « 1 , jt • r Parliament, pointis / coniorme to tne tennour tnairoi. 1594. XXIII. — Ratijication of the act anent the hulyeoun. Oure Souerane Lord with auise of his estatis in this present parliament / ratifies Vol. iv^ p. 86, and apprevis the actis maid alsueill be his Maiesties most noble progenitouris as alsua in his awin tyme / Anent the hamebringing of bulyeone / And to the effect that the mair diligence may be done for ingaddering thairof / alsweill for byganis as in tyme cuming The thesaurair his depuittis and vtheris admittit to the cure thairof To mak compt and rekning to the auditouris of the nixt chekker / And siclyk in tyme cuming. XXIV. — 22 May 1596, Act against fals cunyeowis. The Quhilk day The kingis maiestie with auise of his nobilitie counsall and Esteatis Vol. iv. p. 97. presentlie conuenit / hes decernit declairit and ordanit / and be thir presentis decernis declairis and ordanis That all and quhatsumeuir personis forgearis fenzearis meltaris counterfutaris and conceillaris of fals and adulterat money outputtaris and exchangearis of the same amangis his hienes liegis Salbe callit / takin apprehendit persewit and pvnist according to the lawis of this Eealme at all sic tymes as his Maiestie sail think meit and expedient / And that na remissionis geviu for ane kynd of money falslie cunyeit / Salbe extendit to remitt or pardone ony personis gilty of vthiris kyudis of money lykwayes falslie cunyeit / and yit not contenit in the same remissionis / bot that thay may be persewit and pvnist thairfoir according to the saidis lawis / or for ony cryme or offens committit be thame / tuicheing the said cunyie / by and attour that quhilk is specifeit in the same remissionis / nochtwithstanding thairof / or ony generall claus / thairin contenit / As giff the samin had neuir bene grantit / XXV. — 4 March 1596, Act anent the cunyie. The Kingis Maiestie his nobilitie counsale and esteatis presentlie conuenit voi.iv. p. 113. Considdering the grite scairsitie of cunyeit money presentlie current within this realme and the monyfauld hurtis and Inconuenientis quhilkis not onlie his hienes bot all esteatis of personis / hes sustenit and dalie sustenis be the want of gold siluer and allayed money / To mak exchange thairwith of all sortis of wairis and mercheandice / The proffeit of his maiesties cunyie being ane of the cheif rentis and casualiteis belanging to his hienes crowne / off the quhilk proffeit his maiestie has bene disapointit this lang tyme bigane / ffor Eemeid quhairof in tyme cwming / his maiestie with auise of his saidis nobilitie counsale and Esteatis hes gevin and grantit and be thir presentis / gevis and grantis his full power and conimissioun / Expres bidding and charge To his trusty and weilbelouittis Walter commendatar of Blantyre his hienes thesaurair Maister Johnne Lindsay of Balcarras his maiesties Secretair Sir Eobert Meluile of Murdocairny knicht Sir Johnne 126 BECOEBS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI, Acts of Cokburne of Ormestoun knicht Justice dark / Mark lord of Neixbottle maister Tholnas 1596. ' Hammiltoun of Drumcairne aduocat / maister Johnne Prestouu of Fentounbarnis maister " Edward Bruce commeudatair of Kinloss Sir Archibald Naper of Ediubillie knicbt maister Dauid Carnegy of Culluthy / Thomas Acbiesoun Thomas Foullis Henry Neebitt Johnne Arnott or ony seviu of thame coniunctlie To convene within the burgh of Edinburgh vpoun the first day of Aprile nixttocum or ony vthir day or dayis thaireftir they sail think maist conuenient And thair to aduyse confer and conclude Anent the proportioun and circumscriptioun of ane new cunyie tobe sett oute and haue course amangis his hienes liegis heireftir / keipand alwayes the pryce and fynnes of the siluer money presentlie current within this realme / The same conclusioun To sett doim and putt in forme and actis and proclamationia thairupoun to mak as vse is Declairing be thir presentz That quhatsvmeuir the foirsaidis personis or ony sevin of thame coniunctlie as said is Sail do and think meit to be done heirin That the samin sail stand and haue full force and effect at all tyme thaireftir / Lyke as his Maiestie with auise of his saidis esteatis presentlie Eatifeis and approvis the samin And generallie all and sindrie vtheris thingis to do and vse / that heirin and for executioun thairof is necessarlie requirit to be done fferme and stable balding all and quhatsumeuir thingis the saidis personis or ony sevin of thame sail do heirin. Xxvl.- — 4 March 1596, Act anent the Custtimes and hulyieoun, etc. Vol, IV. p. The Kingis Maiestie with aduise of his nobilitie counsale and Esteatis presentlie ll-3i conuenit / hes geviu and grantit and be thir presentis gevis and grantis his hienes full pouer and commissioun / expres bidding and charge to his trusty and "Vveilbelouittis Walter commendatar of Blantyre his hienes thesaurair / maister Johnne Lindsay of Balcarras his maiesties secretair / Sir Eobert Meluill of Murdocairny knicht / Sir Johnne Cokburne of Ormestoun knicht / Justice dark maister Thomas Hammiltoun of Drumcairne aduocat / Mark lord of Newbottle / maister Johnne Prestoun of Fentoucbarnis / maister Eduard Bruce commendatair of Kinloss maister James Elphingstoun of Barnetoun maister Johnne Skene dark of register / maister Dauid Carnegy of Culluthie / Sir Archibald Naper of Edinbillie knicht / maister George Young archideane of Sanctandrois / Thomas Achiesoun Thomas Foullis or ony sevin of thame coniunctlie / To convene and meit within the burgh of Edinburgh vpoun the first day of Aprile nixttocum with certane com^ missionaris of the princij)all burrowis of this realme And thair to treate confer aggree and conclude anent the payment to his maiestie of the custum of all guidis alsweill to be transportit furth of this realme / as quhilkis salbe inbrocht within the same heireftir As alsua anent the hamebringing of bulyeoun for the furnissing of his hieues cunyiehouse for the saidis guidis and all vthiris wairis and maircheandice quhilkis sail alsua be transportit furth of this Eealme or inbrocht within the same vnto the tyme of his hienes nixt parliament allanerlie The same aggreement and conclusioun to sett doun and putt in forme And the same To Eeporte to his Maiestie / and his Esteatis in the said parliament Tobe sene and considderit be thame That gif it be foundiu meit and conuenient to be JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 12^ obseniit and followit oute / Thay may giff thair ratificatioun and approbatioun thairvnto Acts of and ordane the same to haue full force effect and executioixn as a law at all tyme ^'^'15^96^"*' thaireftir / ffor quhilk purpois his Maiestie sail not onlie be himaelff consent to the said ' ratificatioun / bot als sail deale and procuir sa far as in him lyis / to haue the lyke consent and approbatioun thairof / be the saidis esteatis And in the meantyme quhill the said parliament his Maiestie with auise of his saidis Esteatis grantis licence to quhatsumeuir maircheantis awnaris of the saidis guidis To transporte the same guidis furthe of this Eealme / Thay finding cautioun to the custumaris of the burrowis and portis quhairfra the same guidis salbe sohippit To pay quhatsumenir sowmes of money in name of custum as salbo aggreit vpoun for the saidis guidis immediatlie eftir the same aggreement sail tak effect / Be It alwayes vndirstand That Incais the saidis commissionaris of burrowis sail not convene at the tyme foirsaid / or being conuenit / The tennour and effect of thir presentis in thair default salbe frustrat delayit and not tak effect nor execution afoir the first day of Maij nixttocum / That than and in that cais all former actis and ordinanceis maid anent the vplifting the saidis Custumes in that forme preseriuit thairin sail tak effect / and be putt to full and perfyte executioun thaireftir without contradie- tioun etc, XXVII. — 13 May 1597, Commissioun for Setting the priceis of the cunyie. The Kingis Maiestie with auise of his nobilitie counsale and esteatis presentlie con- Vol. iv.p.iiD, venit / Gevis and grantis full pouer and Commissioun Expres bidding and charge to Walter lord Blantyre thesaurair / Sir Archibald Naper of Edinbillie knicht Johne Arnot / Henrie Nesbitt / Thomas FouUis Williame Naper Francis Naper George Hereot eldair / Or ony fyve of thame coniunctlie To sett doun ane table of the prices of all gold and siluer / vsuallie inbrocht within this realme according to the avale wecht and fynnes thairof quhilk his maiesties maister cunyeour salbe astrictit to pay to the inbringaris thairof heireftir and that the same table be affixt oppinlie in the hous of exchange quhairthrou the samin may the bettir cum to the kuaulege of his hienes subiectis at all occasionis / fferme and stable balding and for to hald all and quhatsvmeuir thingis thay sail lauchfullie do heirin etc XXVIII. — 13 May 1597, Act anent the cunyie. The Kingis Maiestie his nobilitie counsaill and esteatis presentlie conuenit Considering voi. iv.p, 121. the preserit scairsitie of cunyeit money now current within this realme and the grite derth and exhorbitant pryceis quhairunto all sortis of gold and siluer alswele forayne as of his hienes awne cunyie ar presentlie redaetit be the libertie quhilk all sortis and degreis of personis takis at thair awne handis in rasing of the priceis of all gold and siluer at thair plesour / far abone the Just avale preseriuit in his hienes lawis actis and proclamationis maid thairanent/ Be the quhilk forme of doing and be the vnlauchfull transporting of cunyie at all tymes furth of this realme / grite disordour and confusioun lies bene inter- 128 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Acts of tenyit / and is liklie dalie to Incresce to the hurte of the commounwele and grite contempt 1597. ' of his hienes and his auctoritie giff the lawis alreddy maid heiranent sail not be putt to ' dew executioun in all pointis according to the tennour thairof with all conuenient expedi- tioun And thairfoir his maiestie with auise of his nobilitie counsall and esteatis foirsaidis hes thocht meit concludit and ordanit and be thir presentis Concludis and ordanis That the lawis alreddy maid Anent the dischargeing of the dalie rasing of the priceis of gold and siluer Salbe of new intimat to all and sindrie his hienes liegis be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croceis of the heid burrowis of this realme and all vthiris placeis neidfull / Quhairthrou nane pretend ignorance thairof And that all and sindrie personis transgres- souris of the saidis lawis in rasing of the saidis priceis sal be callit tryit and pvnist thair- foir with all extremitie / And forder / that his hienes with auise of his nobilitie counsaill and Esteatis foirsaidis / Hes thocht meit to declair and mak it manifest / That fra the xvij day of Maij instant The vnce of siluer cunyeit in x § peceis and vther smallair peceis of xj d fyne cunyeit according to the last act of parliament / Sail stand at fifty schillings / and the auld xxx s peceis being of the lyke wecht and fynnes at the same price / and the new XXX s peceis being three quarteris of ane vnce / at xxxvij s vj d / and the auld and new xx and x s peceis according thairto pro rata / And the vnce of gold of xxij carrett fyne being his hienes awne cunyie of v lib and Is/ peceis sail alsua stand at xxx pund the vnce / And forder / That the spaceis of money and fynnes thairof to witt of xj d fyne in siluer and xxij carrett fyne in gold / salbe cunyeit and haue course heireftir conforme to the act of parliament maid thairanent And that all maircheantis or vthiris personis transportaris of the same furth of this realme / be tryit and pvnist according to the saidis lawis and actis foirsaidis / And Siclike That na foreyne cunyie of gold or siluer Salhaue course amang his hienes liegis heireftir / bot haillelie inbrocht to serue as bulyeoun to his maiesteis cunyie- hous And that all gold siluer or vthir cunyie quliilk salbe brocht within this realme heireftir / quhairunto his hienes subiectis ar astrictit to bring in be his Maiesteis lawis as bulyeoun / The vnce thairof being of xij deneiris or beand basser being suppleit be compt and quantitie tobe worth xij deneiris / The Mercheantis inbringaris thairof/ Salhaue ane vnce of his hienes awne cunyie of xj deneiris for euery vnce of bulyeoun brocht in maner foirsaid / And of all vther forayne cunyie That they sail voluntarlie bring in to the cunyie house of the said ordinarie bulyeoun That thair be onlie the xxx d thairof retenit to his maiesteis proffeitt And That lettrez be direct Chargeing officeris of armes To pas and mak publicatioun of all and sindrie the premisses to all his hienes liegis in maner foirsaid As alsua To command and charge all the saidis liegis To conforme thame selffis in this mater of the cunyie to the will declaratioun and determinatioun of his maiestie / his nobilitie counsale and Esteatis foirsaidis And on nawayes tak vpoun hand To infringe brek or contravene the samin in ony point As thay will ansuer to his hienes vpoun thair obediens / at thair vttermost charge and perrell And vndir the panes prescriuit in his hienes lawis actis and proclamatiounis foirsaidis to be execute vpoun thame without fauour / And to this effect That the thesaurair or his deputis insist and seik the executioun of the panis and pvnishementis prescriuit in the saidis lawis aganis the contrauenaris thairof with all rigour and extremitie As thay will ansuer to his hienes vpoun thair office and obedience / JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 129 And that the generall maister cunyeour wardane counter wardane assayair sinkare meltair forgeair and all vthiris officeris of his hienes cunyiehouse proceid to the cunyeing stryke- ing and forgeing of new cunyie according to the lawis alreddy maid and this present act and ordinance As thay will ansuer to his hienes vpoun thair office / And to the effect / his maiesteis subiectis may be resoluit of the priceis of aU gold and siluer tobe brocht be thame within this realme and quhilk the maister cunyeour salbe astrictit to pay to thame conforme to the tennour of thir presentis / he salbe astrictit to haue oppinlie aflixt in the house of exchange ane autentik table tobe maid be his hienes commissionaris appointit to that effect Contening the particulair pryceis of all spaceis of foreyne gold and siluer vsuallie inbrocht within this cuntrey according to the availl wecht and fynnes thairof / And that the clerk of his hienes Eegister caus imprent thir presentis and all vtheris actis maid concerning the cunyie custumes and bulyeoun / quhairthrou his hienes subiectis pretend na ignorance thairof / XXIX. — 13 May 1597, Act anent the cunyie. The Kingis Maiestie with aduise of his nobilitie counsale and Esteatis presentlie Vol.iV.p.l22. conuenit considdering how that be the grite scairsitie of small penneyis presentlie current within this realme / not onlie is the exchange of gold and siluer and of all vther sortis of wairis and march eandice quhilkis commounlie lies bene entertenyit amangis his hienes subiectis / gritlie impedit and hinderit bot the puir commoun people quhais indigence and miserie hes bene relevit be the supporte and confort quhilk oftymes thai ressaue be the liberalitie of sic as wer movit to pitie thair estate / hurte and preiugeit and the said exchange liklie with tyme altogidder to decay to the grite hurte of the commoun wele giff tymous remeid be not prouidit / And thairfoir his Maiestie being movit of pitie and commiseratioun towardis the puir without respect to ony proffeit or commoditie to redound to his hienes as indeid his maiestie nather seikis nor gettis na kynd of commoditie be the cunyie following hes with auise of his nobilitie counsaill and esteatis thocht meit concludit and resolvit That thair salbe ane hundreth stane wecht of copper vnmixt with ony vther kynd of mettale wrocht and forgeit in ane miln and be the said miln maid reddy to the prenting eftir the accustumat forme of his maiesties cunyiehouse / with pyle and cursell quhairthrou the same be not counterfute ffor making of the said exchange and releiff of the indigence and miserie of the puir / In penny and twa penny peceis ilk twa penny pece weyand three deneiris and ilk penny pece weyand ane deneir tiielff granes Quhairof threescoir foure peceis of the saidis tua penny peceis to be in the mark wecht / with twa of the saidis twa penny peceis of remeid of wecht alswele havy as licht on the mark wecht thairof and Saxscoir aucht peceis of the saidis penny peceis to be in the mark wecht with foure of the saidis penny peceis of remeid of weight alsuele havie as licht on the mark wecht of the samin / haueing on the ane syde the kingis face bair heidit with this circumscriptioun / Jacobus 6 . d . g . Eex. Scotoeum and on the vther syde / three thrissillis distinct / with this circumscriptioun Oppidum Edinbuegi, and the saidis spaceis to haue course amangis his hienes liegis for Twa pennyis and ane penny ilk pece / Be it alwayes R 130 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. vndirstand / That nane of his maiesties subiectis sail be astrieted To ressaue the said kynd of copper money in payment of debtis or vtheris bloikis wairis or marcheandice abone the valu of tuelff pennyis ilk pund and swa furth pro rata of all soumes grite and small And ordanis lettres to be direct / chargeing ofl&ceris of armes to pas and mak publicatioun heirof / be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croceis of the heid burrowis -of this realme and vthiris placeis neidfull/ Qahairthrou nane pretend ignorance of the samin And To command and charge all his hienes liegis To ressaue the saidis copper peceis in payment of all blokis debtis wairis and marcheandice in maner foirsaid / And on nawayes to refuis the samin vndir quhatsumeuir cuUour or pretense vnder the pane of tressoun / And That the maister Cunyeour wardane counter wardane and sinkair proceid to the workeing forgeing and printing of the said copper cuinyie In maner foirsaid / As thay will answer to his maiestie thairupoun. XXX. — 1 Nov. 1597, The pricis of gold and siluer of forene cunyie and hulyeoun. Voi.iv. p. 131. Our Souerane Lord and estaitis of this present parliament Eatifeis apprivis and confirmis the acte maid at Dundie The fourtene day of Maij The yeir of God j™ fourscoir sewintene yeiris Anent the douncrying of the siluer : off the quhilk the tennour followis / The Kingis Maiestie his nobilitie counsaill and esteatis presentlie conuenit Considering the present scairsitie of cunyeit money now current within this realme and the grite derth and exhorbitant pryceis quhairunto all sortis of gold and siluer alswele forayne as of his hienes awne cunyie ar presentlie redactit be the libertie quhilk all sortis and degreis of personis takis at thair awne handis in rasing of the priceis of all gold and siluer at thair plesour / far abone the Just avale prescriuit in his hienes lawis actis and proclamationis maid thairanent / Be the quhilk forme of doing and be the vnlauchfull transporting of cunyie at all tymes furth of this realme / grite disordour and confusioun hes bene intertenyit / and is liklie dalie to Incresce to the hurte of the commounwele and grite contempt of his hienes and his auctoritie giff the lawis alreddy maid heiranent sail not be putt to dew executioun in all pointis according to the tennour thairof with all conuenient expeditioun And tliairfoir his maiestie with auise of his nobilitie counsall and esteatis foirsaidis hes thocht meit concludit and ordanit and be thir presentis Concludis and ordanis That the lawis alreddy maid Anent the dischargeing of the dalie rasing of the priceis of gold and siluer Salbe of new intimat to all and sindrie his hienes liegis be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croceis of the heid burrowis of this realme and all vthiris placeis neidfull / Quhairthrou nane pretend ignorance thairof And .that all and sindrie personis transgressouris of the saidis lawis in rasing of the saidis priceis salbe callit tryit and pvnist thairfoir with all extremitie/ And forder/ that his hienes with auise of his nobilitie counsaill and Esteatis foirsaidis / Hes thocht meit to declair and mak it manifest / That fra the xvij day of Maij instant The vnce of siluer cunyeit in x § peceis and vther smallair peceis of xj d fyne cunyeit according to the last act of parliament / Sail stand at hfty schillings / and the auld xxx s peceis being of the lyke wecht and fynnes at the same Acts of Parliameut, 1597. JAMES VI.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 131 price / and the new xxx s peceis being three quarteris of ane vnce / at xxxvij s vj d / and Acts of the auld and new xx and x s peceis according thairto pro rata/ And the vnce oi gold or 1597. xxij carrett fyne being his hienes awne cunyie of v ii and Is/ peceis sail alsua stand at xxx pund the vnce / And forder / That the spaceis of money and fynnes thairof to witt of xj d fyne in siluer and xxij carrett fyne in gold / salbe cunyeit and haue course heireftir conforme to the act of parliament maid thairanent And that all niaircheantis or vthiris personis transportaris of the same furth of this realme / be tryit and pvnist according to the saidis lawis and actis foirsaidis / And Siclike That na foreyne cunyie of gold or siluer Salhaue course amang his hienes liegis heireftir / hot haiUelie inbrocht to serue as bulyeoun to his maiesteis cunyiehous And that all gold siluer or vthir cunyie quhilk salbe brocht within this realme heireftir / quhairunto his hienes subiectis ar astrictit to bring in be his Maiesteis lawis as bulyeoun / The vnce thairof being of xij deneiris or beand basser being suppleit be compt and quantitie tobe worth xij deneiris / The Mercheantis inbringaris thairof / Salhaue ane vnce of his hienes awne cunyie of xj deneiris for euery vnce of bulyeoun brocht in maner foirsaid / And of all vther forayne cunyie That thay sail voluntarlie bring in to the cunyie house of the said ordinarie bulyeoun That thair be onlie the xxx d thairof reteuit to his maiesteis proffeitt And That lettrez be direct Chargeing oflficeris of armes To pas and mak publicatioun of all and sindrie the premisses to all his hienes liegis in maner foirsaid As alsua To command and charge all the saidis liegis To conforme thame selfiis in this mater of the cunyie to the will declaratioun and determinatioun of his niaiestie / his nobilitie counsale and Esteatis foirsaidis And on nawayes tak vpoun hand To infringe brek or contravene the samin in ony point As thay will ansuer to his hienes vpoun thair obediens / at thair vttermost charge and perrell And vndir the panes prescriuit in his hienes lawis actis and proclamatiounis foirsaidis to be execute vpoun thame without fauour / And to this effect That the thesaurair or his deputis insist and seik the executioun of the panis and pvnishementis prescriuit in the saidis lawis aganis the contrauenaris thairof with all rigour and extremitie As thay will ansuer to his hienes vpoun thair office and obedience / And that the generall maister cunyeour wardane counter wardane assayair sinkare meltair forgeair and all vthiris officeris of his hienes cunyiehouse proceid to the cunyeing strykeing and forgeing of new cunyie according to the lawis alreddy maid and this present act and ordinance As thay will ansuer to his hienes vpoun thair office / And to the effect / his maiesteis subiectis may be resoluit of the priceis of all gold and siluer to be brocht be thame within this realme and quhilk the maister cunyeour salbe astrictit to pay to thame conforme to the tennour of thir presentis / he salbe astrictit to haue oppinlie affixt in the house of exchange ane autentik table to be maid be his hienes commissionaris appointit to that effect Contening the particular pryceis of all spaceis of foreyne gold and siluer vsuallie inbrocht within this cuntrey according to the availl wecht and fynnes thairof/ And that the clerk of his hienes Register cans imprent thir presentis and all vtheris actis maid concerning the cunyie custumes and bulyeoun / quhairthrou his hienes subiectis pretend na ignorance thairof / quhilk act abonevrittin our said souerane lord with adwyis of the saidis estaitis in parlia- ment Ratefeis apprivis and confirmis in all poyntis efter the tennour thairof / and deceruis 132 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [james vi. Acts of and declaris the samiu to haif the strenthe force and effect of ane law and act of parliament Parliament, • n , 1597. m all tym dimming XXXI. — 1 Nov. 1597, Ane act anent copper cunyie. Viii. IV. p. OuRE SouERANE LoRD and estaitis of this present parliament Eatefeis apprivis and 154, (.'. G6. confirmis this act vndervrittin maid at Dundie the xiij day of Maij J"" fourscoir sewintene yeiris off the quhilk act tlie tennour followis. The Kingis Maiestie with aduise of his nobiUtie counsale and Esteatis presentlie conuenit considdering how that be the grite scairsitie of small penneyis presentlie current within this realme / not onlie is the exchange of gold and siluer and of all vther sortis of wairis and marcheandice quhilkis commoiinlie hes bene entertenyit amangis his hienes subiectis / gritlie impedit and hinderit bot the puir commoun people quhais indigence and miserie hes bene relevit be the supporte and confort quhilk oftymes thai ressaue be the liberalitie of sic as wer movit to pitie thair estate / hurte and preiugeit and the said exchange liklie with tyme altogidder to decay to the grite hurte of the commoun wele giff tymous remeid be not prouidit / And thairfoir his Maiestie being movit of pitie and commisera- tioun towardis the puir without respect to ony proffeit or commoditie to redound to his hienes as indeid his maiestie nather seikis nor gettis na kynd of commoditie be the cunyie following hes with auise of his nobilitie counsaill and esteatis thocht meit concludit and resolvit That thair salbe ane hundreth stane wecht of copper vnmixt with ony vther kynd of mettale wrocht and forgeit in ane miln and be the said miln maid reddy to the prentiug eftir the accustumat forme of his maiesties cunyiehouse / with pyle and cursell quhairthrou the same be not counterfute ffor making of the said exchange and releiff of the indigence and miserie of the puir / In penny and twa penny peceis ilk twa penny pece weyand three deneiris and ilk penny pece weyand ane deneir tuelff granes Quhairof threescoir foure peceis of the saidis tua penny peceis to be in the mark wecht / with twa of the saidis twa penny peceis of remeid of wecht alsuele havy as licht on the mark wecht thairof and Saxscoir aucht peceis of the saidis penny peceis to be in the mark wecht with foure of the saidis penny peceis of remeid of weight alsuele havie as licht on the mark wecht of the samin / haueing on the ane syde the kingis face bair heidit with this circumscriptioun / Jacobus 6 . d . g . Rex Scotorum and on the vther syde / three thrissillis distinct / with this circumscriptioun Oppidum Edinburgi, and the saidis spaceis to haue course amangis his hienes liegis for Twa pennyis and ane penny ilk pece / Be it alwayes vndirstand / That nane of his Maiesties subiectis sail be astricted To ressaue the said kynd of copper money in payment of debtis or vtheris bloikis wairis or marcheandice abone the valu of tuelff pennyis ilk pund and swa furth pro rata of all soumes grite and small and ordanis lettres to be direct / chargeing officeris of amies to pas and mak publicatioun heirof / be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croceis of tlie held burrowis of this realme and vthiris placeis neidfull / Quhairthrou nane pretend ignorance of the samin And To command and charge all his hienes liegis To ressaue the saidis copper peceis in payment of all blokis debtis wairis and marcheandice in maner foirsaid / And on iiawayes to refuis the samin \ JAMES VI.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 133 vndir quhatsumeuir cullour or pretense vuder the pane of tressoun / And That the maister Acts of Cunyeour wardane counter wardane and sinkair proceid to the workeing forgeing and ^'^^15^97^" printing of the said copper cuinyie In manor foirsaid / As thay will answer to his maiestie thairupoun. XXXII. — 29 June 1598, Anent the Cwinyie. Our Souerane Lord and Estaitis Haifing considerit the present estait of the money voi. iv.p. 164. of this Realme And that it is nawyis expedient the samyn be alterit ather in pryce or °" ^' fynenes. Thairfoir thinkis it meit and expedient that cair be takin be the thesaurare how the said cunyiehous may gang / bulyeoun be imbrocht / and the actis of parliament maid heirtofoir anent the pryce of the money put to dew executioun in all pointis quhilk thay think not onlie to be ane grit benefeit to the haill leigis bot lykwyis ressonabill commoditie may result thairof to his Maiestie Sic subscribitur James R. XXXIII. — 30 Oct. 1598, Act anent the course of Forrayne Coyne. The Kingis Maiestie/ his nobilitie counsall and estaitis presentHe convenit Con- Vol. iv. p. 175. sidering the grit confusioun and inconvenient presentlie within this Realme throw the multitude of diuerse sortis of forayne gold and siluer of variant wecht prentis and pryces current without ony certane stand bot at the appetyte of the gevear out / and ressavear To the grit trouble faschrie and hinder of his hienes subiectis of all estaitis and degries. For remeid quhairof albeit thair hes bene diuerse actis maid be his maiestie his nobilitie counsall and estaitis heirtofoir dischargeiug the course of all forayne gold and siluer within his realme And vpoun quhat pryces the samyn suld be inbrocht to serve as bulyeon to his maiesteis cunyiehous yit the samyn actis hes tane na effect nor executioun bot ar and hes bene planelie violate and contravenit be grit numberis of his hienes leigis / And the rysing and intertenying of the derth of forayn cunyie sua fosterit and awowit that the samyn is far abone the pryces of his maiesteis proper money Albeit in all vtheris weill governit commounwealthis and Republickis all forayne cunyie licenced to haif course is euer vjDoun inferior pryces to thair awin proper cunyie And now his maiestie his nobilitie counsall and estaitis presentlie convenit Considering the present estait and conditioun of his hienes subjectis quha ar not able to vnderly the extremitie of the saidis actis And his maiestie being alvyis cairfull to moderate the samyn for thair ease and releif and for the commoun Weill and benefeit of the haill realme His maiestie thairfoir with advyse foirsaid Hes concludit statute and ordauit that the vnce of forayne siluer of the fynenes of ellevin denneir salhaif course heireftir within this realme for fourtie aucht schillingis allanerlie and the vnCe of forayne gold of tuentie tua carret fyne for tuentie aucht pundis xvj s. And that the particular spaces and peces of forayne gold and siluer salhaif course and pas vpoun the pryces following agreable alvyis to the particular pryces of the vnce That is to say the 134 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI, Arts of Inglis testane weyand four denneiris and auchtene granis at ix § vj d The fyftein sous pece Vms!^" ' v/eyand seviu denneiris and xij granis at fyftein schillingis The Sj)anisclie ryell weyand xxj denneiris and sex granis at xliij s iiij d The croce dolour weyand xxij denneiris and ten granis at xlij s And all his hienes awin money to haif course conforme to the former proclamatioun / The Spanische pistolet weyand tua denneiris and xiiij granis at iij ti ij s / The croun of the sone weyand tua denneiris .and xiiij granis at iij ti iij s iiij d The Harie doucat of France weyand fyve denneiris tuelf granis at vj ti xviij § The gun holl angell weyand four denneiris at v ti The doubill doucat weyand fyve denneiris ten granis at vij ti The Ghentis nobill weyand sex denneiris vij ti xiij § iiij d The Portingall doucate v/eyand ane vnce and four denneiris at xxxv ti / The angell noble weyand four denneiris at v ti iij s iiij d The Harie noble weyand fyve denneiris ten granis at vij ti And the auld roisnoble weyand sex denneiris at vij ti xv s And with thir his maiesties thirscell noble to geve heirefter vij ti xvj s / the hat pece iiij ti ix s / the lyoun pece v ti And the remanent of his maiesties gold cunyie nawyis to be brokin doun bot to haif course and pryce according to the rait of the vnce of xxij carret fyne at xxx ti as the act of parliament appointis. And ordanis lettres to be direct to mak publicatioun heirof be oppin proclama- tioun at the mercat crocis of the held burrowis of this realme Quhairthrow nane pretend ignorance of the samyn And to command and charge all his hienes subiectis To conforme thame selfis to the premissis And on nawyis tak vpoun hand To ressave or outgeve in exchange ony of the particular spaces abonewrittin of gold and siluer vpoun hier pryces nor is particularlie abonexpremit vnder the pane of escheiting thair haill movable guidis and geir to be imbrocht and vpliftit to [his] maiesties vse And ordanis lettres of publicatioun to be direct heirvpoun. xxxiv. — 14 Dec. 1598, Act anent Forrayne. Coyne. Vol. IV. 1). 178. [This act is word for word the same as the immediately preceding, with the exception that the cross dollar is xlij s iiij d instead of xlij §.] XXXV. — 81 July 1599, Commissioun anent the Cunyie. Vui.iv. ji, isi: FoESAMEKiLL as his maiesties maist necessare and Vrgent effairis quhilkis presentlie occurris Eequyris sum present suppKe to be maid to hia hienes and seing the cvnyie is ane of the speciall pointis belanging to the crowne and the profeit that may be had be the same Is appropriat be aU princes within thair Eealmes and dominiounis to thair awin particular vses And it hes bene sene be experience that princes vpoun necessitie of weiris and vther wechtie effairis hes at all tymes raisit and hechtit the prices of the cvnyie And as the occasioun of the same wes tane away Thay cryit doun and rebaittit the same to the tirst moderate prices suffering nane of thair subiectis to haif ony greit loss thairby And his hienes evir abone all thingis preferring the weill of his guid and loving subiectis and nawayes being of that mynd or intentioun that with purchessing ane small gayne to himself they sould be in ony maner greitumlie indamnageit bot that the meanis micht be fund JA.MES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 135 alsweill to supplie the present necessitie as that the same micht be with the leist hmt Acts of possible to the liegis And oure souerane lord being maist willing that thir materia sould ^'^'{599^° nawayes be precipitat or haistielie and tumultuarlie handlit hot rather with guid aduyse and mature deliberatioun concludit Hes Thairfoir with aduyse of the estaittis Gevin and grantit full poware and commissioun To the ordiner lordis of his hienes priue counsall or samony of thame as may be maist convenientlie assemblit at the day apointit Adioyning to thame James commendater of Incheffray Patrik commendater of Lundoris Williame commendater of Tungland Siris James Scrymgeour of Dudope knicht Duncane Campbell of Glenvrquhy Patrik Hepburne of Lufnes knichtis Jolinne Touris of Inuerleith maister George Lauder of Bass Henry Nisbet Niniane M'^moraine and George Heriot burgessis of Edinburgh Johnne Traill burges of Dundy Oliuer Young burges of Perthe and Duncane Balfour citiner in Sanctandrois To meit within the burgh of Edinburgh the fourt day of September nixtocum And thair aduyse conclude and detennine how the heichting of the said cvnyie to thrie pundis the vnce of siluer of ellevin d / fyne and gold swa proportionalie may be with sum profeit to his hienes and with small hurt and loss to the lieges And gif thai find the same may be done in ony measour to effectuat baith the ane and the vther With full poware to thame To conclude thairanent in quhat forme and prent the new cvnyie salbe strukin and all vther thingis that salbe requisite for that purpois Onlie retening the fynnes of the gold and siluer that the same wes of befoir Quhilk conclusioun salbe of als greit strenth force and effect as gif the same wer concludit in this present conventioun And gif the same beis fund nawayes to redound to his maiesties profeit and yit salbe ane greit hurt to the lieges "With poware to the saidis commissioneris To refuis all overtouris to be presentit to thame thairanent And to ressone adixyse and find out sum vther best meane how his hienes adois may be suppliet with the leist hurt greif and detriment to the lieges And to conclude thairanent quhilk salbe of als greit strenth and effect as gif it wer concludit in this present conventioun And siclike that thay ressaue quhateuer overture sal be presentit be his maiesties thesaurar comptroller or collectour for furthering and advanceing of his hienes profeit And to conclude thairvpoun as the same salbe fund ressounable. XXXVI. — 15 Nov. 1600, Act anent Cunyie. Oure Souerane lord and Estaittis of parliament haveing at leuth ressonit Anent the Vui. iv. p. 230, state of the cunyie As the samin is presentlie current within this Realme / declaris that in this present parliament they will on nawayes alter the fynes nor prices of the cunyie / ather of gold or siluer Bot that the samyn haif frie passage and course heireftir as it presently geves / And becaus his Maiestie and Estaittis vnderstandis that thair is great scarsetie of cunyie for the present within this Eealme Thairfoir hes gevin power and commissioun To the lordis of his hienes secrete counsall for ordour taking anent the hamebringing of bulyeoun for furnessing of the ciuiyehous And dischargeing the transporting and awaytaking of gold siluer and vther forbiddin geir / vnder the pane of punischement of thair bodeis and gudis According to the discretioun of the saidis commis- 136 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of sionaris Quhairby the cuntrey may be furnessit with abundance of cunyie of sic fynnes and **ieoo"^*' prices as the samyn presentlie geves and hes passage within this realme And thir presentis to be publissit to all oure souerane lordis lieges. XXXVII, — 11 Sept. 1601, Act anent a new cunyie of Gold and Siluer. Vol. IV. p. 257. OuRE SouERANE LoRD and estaitis presentlie convenit Considering the grit scairsitie of money within this cuntrey procurit pairtlie be the careing away in the lait yeiris of derth of grit quantitie of the same for bringing hame of victuall and prouisioun and pairtlie pro- ceeding vi^oun the meane and law pryce that the same presentlie gevis thairby sindrie taking occasioun to transport the same making thair gaine thairof For Kemeid quhairof It is statute and ordanit That the haill gould and siluer alsuele of his maiesteis awne cunyie as forreyne salbe Imbrocht to his hienes cunyiehouse and the samyne to be strickin and imprentit in the spaceis eftir specefeit and the valour and pryce of the said money to be cunyeit To be at the rait following That is to say The gould to be of tuentie tiia carret fyne with tua granis of remeid of fynnes alsueiU. abone as vnder at threttie sax pundis the vnce quhairof sax sail wey the vnce and to be sett furth at sax pundis the peice with tua granis of remeid of wecht vpoun ilk peice alsueill havie as lycht with halfiis at thrie pundis the peice with ane graine of remeid of wecht vpoun ilk peice alsuele havie as lycht The saidis peiceis haueand on the ane syde ane sceptour and ane suorde in forme of Sanct Androis croce and the croun abone thame and ane thrissell in euerie syd with the yeir of God beneth all contenit within the Inner ring and with this superscriptioun Salus poj)uli Suprema lex with ane little roise at the begynning of the ditone on ather syde and on the vther syde his maiesteis armes within ane scheild and ane croun with this circumscriptioun Jacobus sextus D . G . R . scotorum And als that the haill siluer sal be Imbrocht to his maiesteis cunyiehous and be reduceit to the particular dewtie efterspecefeit That is to say The siluer to be of ellevin deneir fyne with tua granis of remeid of fynnes alsueill abone as vnder at thrie pundis the vnce To be set furth in merk peiceis halfmerk peiceis fourtie penny peiceis and tuentie penny peiceis Quhairof nyne of the said halfmerk peiceis sail wey the vnce with tua granis of remeid of wecht vpoun ilk peice of the said merk and half peicis and vpoun ilk peice of the saidis tuentie and fourtie penny peiceis ane grane of remeid of wecht alsueiU havie as lycht Off the quhilkis fourtie penny peceis thair salbe cunyeit in ilk staine wecht tua pi;nd wecht and of tuentie penny peiceis ane pund wecht Ilk peice of the said siluer spaceis haveand on the ane syde ane thrissill with tua leaves and ane croun abone the held of the thrissill The croun to extend to the vtmost ring of the circumscriptioun quhilk foUowis Eegem Joua protegit and on the vther syde his Maiesteis armes in a scheild crownit and the croun to be within the vtter ring of the cir- cumscriptioun as followis Jacobus sextus d . g . r . scotorum and the yeir of God to be put in the thrissell syde of the siluer / And to the effect that all oure souerane lordis liegeis may be the better movit to bring in all the saidis sortis of cunyie alsuele forreyne as his maiesteis awin / and that sic as hes presentt money in thair handis sail nawyse find thame selffis hurt or preiudgeit be this presentt act It is speciallie appointit That all sic as in JAMES VI.] RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 137 ony wyse sail bring in ony gould or siluer to the cunyiehous aall haue in all tymes comeing delyuerit to thame for the same fyftie fyve schillingis for euerie vnce of siluer of ellevin denier fyne and threttie thrie pundia for euerie vnce of gould of tuentie tua carrat fyne and proportionallie thairto for euerie sort of money alsueill forreyne as his maiesteis awin cunyie pre.gentlie currand according to the fynnes thairof and A. B. C. to be maid thairanent Alwayis It is declairit that the haill cunyie alsuedl his maiesteis awin as forreyne sail nawyse pas nor haue course amangis the liegeis bot for the accustumat pryce quhilk the same presentlie gevis Conforme to the last actis and proclamationis maid thairanent and that allanerlie quhill the first day of Januar nixtocome Betuix and the quhilk day it is appointit that the same sal be Imbrocht to the cunyiehouse for the j)ryce abone specefeit to be gevin for the samyne be the maister of the cunyiehous and sic vtheris as his hienes thesaurar sail appoint for ressaveing thairof Efter the quhilk first day of Januar nixtocome It is expreslie inhibit and forbiddin That ony ather his maiesteis awin or forreyne cunyie except that quliilk ressauis this new Impressioun sail onywyse haue course or be inter- changeit amangis the lieges vnder the pane of escheiting and confiscatioun thairof and the sowme of ane hundreth pundis To be vpliftit alsueill of the gevar oute as ressauer and thay to be incarcerat and wairdit quhill the payment of the saidis panis And that it sal be lauchfuU to convene the transgressouris of the same ather befoir the sessioun or secrete counsall summarlie vpoun sax dayis wairning and the probatioun ather be aith of pairtie or tua famous witnesses to be sufficient It is alwayis declairit that it salbe perniittit efter the said day to be brocht in for bulyeoun to the cunyiehouse and the pryce abouespecefeit to be payit thairfoir And als oure said souerane lord and estaittis vpoixn the considera- tioun of the grit hurte that the puire sustenis throw the inlaik of small money Hes ordanit and appointit tua hundreth stane wecht of copper to be cunyeit in tua penny peiceis quhairof nyne sail wey ane Just vnce And in the delyuerie of ony sowmes the ressauer sail nawyse refuis to accept tuelf penneis of the said small money in the payment of euerie tuentie schillingis of his debt And the same to haue the Impressioun and circum- scriptioun that the vther tua penny peices had of befoir Quhairfoir his Maiestie and estaitis Ordanis and commandis the generaU maister cunyeour wardane compter wardane sincker assayer and all vtheris offlceris and workmen of the said cunyiehous To proceid in working sincking of the Irnis making forgeing prenting and outputting of the said new' cunyie of gould and siluer and als of the copper cunyie abonewrittin of the wecht abone expressit for the quhilk thir presentis sail serue and be to thame and ilk ane of thame a sufficient warrand Promitting in verbo principis To cans the same be ratefeit and apprevit be his hienes and his thrie estaitis in his Maiesteis nixt conventioun and parliament thair- efter / And his hienes and his saidis estaitis hes ordanit and appointit this presentt new cunyie alsueill of goidd and siluer as copper To haue onlie course amangis the liegeis Commanding thame heirby to gif oute and ressaue the same at the pryceis appointit in the payment of all blokis debtis wairis and merchandice and nawyse to refuis the same vnder quhatsumeuer pretence cullour or excuise vnder the paine of Tressoun And hes ordanit that letteris be direct to officeris of armes schireffls in that pairt Chargeing thame to pas to the mercat croceis of the held burrowis of this realme and thair be oppin 138 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [james vi. Acts of proclamatioun mak publicatioun of the premissis That naue pretend ignorance of the Parliament, 1601. same XXXVIII. — 4 Aug, 1621, Commissioun anent Moneyis. Vol. IV. p. FoESAMEKLE as the present scairsitie of money can not Convenientlie in schort tyme ' ' be redressit and all thingis tending to the inbringing of money and to the Incres and aboundance thairoff within this kingdome Can hardlie be foirsene and ordered without gude and mature aduyse and deliberatioun Thairfore oure souerane lord and estaittis of this present parliament Hes gevin and grantit fuU power and Commissioun to the per- sounes following viz The archebischope of Sanctandros The archebischope of Glasgow / The Bischope of Brechin The Bischope of Eoss / The erle of Mortoun The erle of Eoxburgh The lord Elphingstoun and Lord Carnegie Murray off Balvaird George Afilect off Balmanno maister Jhonne Leslie of Newtoun and Sir Alexander Naper of Laurenstoun Dauid Aikinheid provest and Johnne Byires dene of gild off Edinburgh Andro Gray provest of Pearthe and maister Alexander Wodderburne toune Clerk of Dundie Togidder with the four officers Oif estate following viz The Lord Chancelare The Lord thesaurer The lord secretare and The lord Clerk of Eegister / or onye thrie off everie ane off the foirsaidis Eankis of persounes for trying and cognosceing the maist proffitable and vsuall waye for the Weill of this kingdome to Inbring money and mak the samen incres and abounde within this Cuntrie With Power to tharae to convene and meit at sick tymes as they sail think meitest and to call before thame and Inquyre of any persoun best skilled in materis of money alsueill traddismen as Cunyearis and all vtheris quha can giff greatest licht and knawledge thairintill And to do all vther thingis maist expedient for furtherance Off that quhilk is Committit heirby to thair charge / And quliatsoeuir The saidis commissioneris or thrie of everie ane of the saidis Eankis togidder appoyntis statutes and ordanis in the premissis Oure said souerane Lord and Estaittis off this present parliament declairis to be of als gryit force strenthe and effect As gif the samen wer now presentlie Concludit actit and ordanit in this present Parliament. ACTS OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL, XXXIX. — 31 August 1567, Neio Cunye. Vol. 1567- It is statute and ordanit be my lord regent wyth avyis and Counsale of the lordis of 1569, f. 31. Sec^git Counsale that thair be Cunyeit ane penny of siluer callit the James ryall the fynes of ellevin deneris fyne and of weclit ane vnce troyis wecht wyth twa granis of remeid alsweill of wecht as fynes havand on the ane syde ane Sword wyth ane croun vpoun the same On the ane syde of the said croun ane hand putting ane finger to the price of the pece On the vther syde thairof the dait of the yeir half on the ane syde half on the vther of the swerd wyth this circumscriptioun begyuning at the syde of the croun directiie abone the JAMES VI.] KECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 139 said price Pro me si mereor in me and vpoun the vther syde oure souerauis armes coverit Acts of the wyth ane clois croun and ane J crownit on the ane syde and ane R crownit in like maner ^'^^1507^"'^ on the vther syde of the samyn wyth this circumscriptioun begynnand directlie abone the Croun wyth thre codes Jacobus 6. Dei gratia rex Scotorum The said penny to haue cours for threttie schillingis money of this realme. The twa part for twentie schillingis and the thrid part for ten schillingis all of the same fynes and prent and of wecht equiuolent to wit the twa part of wecht of sextene deneris and the thrid part of aucht deneris troyis wecht In considderatioun quhairof my said lord regent wyth avyis of the Secreit Counsale in oure Soueranis lordis name commandis and chargeis Dauid Forest generall of his hienes cunyehous Johnne Achesoun maister cunyeour Andro Hendirson wardane James Mosman assayour and James Gray sinker and all meltaris forgearis and prentaris within the said cunyehous ilk ane in thair awin office to do thair diligence in melting forgeing and prenting of the saidis pecis as thai salbe commandit be the generall and maister cunyeour thairto according to the wecht and fynes within thair remediis as is abone specifiit and that letteris be direct for publicatioun heirof in dew forme as efferis swa that nane pretend ignorance heirin, XL. — 1570, Act anent new Cunyie of Merh and Half Merh pieces. Cunyie. The Quhillc day my lord Eegentis grace with auise of the Lordis of secreit counsaU Minutes of lies statut and ordanit that thair salbe siluer money cunyeit of the availe quantitie and v'o'i.'i.7f"i58. fynnes following That is to say ane siluer penny to haue cours and passage for xiij s iiij d Library money of this Eealme to be callit the merk peice and the half of the same for vj § viij d 34 -2 -2. to be callit the halff merk peice The merk peice haiffand on the ane syd om souerane lordis armes and crown abone the same with this circumscriptioune Jacobus Dei gratia Eex Scotorum and on the wther syd ane thrissill crownit haveing besyd the same thrissill xiij s iiij d With the circumscriptioune Nemo impune ledet 1571 and swa to alter the yeir of God as the yeir chaingeis and the half merk peice to be of the lyk prent saififing besyd the thrissell to have vj s viij d and the same siluer monye to be nyne penny fyne and the said merk peice to be of the wecht of elevin deneiris xij graynes troyse wecht withe graines of remeid alsweill of wecht as fynnes Thairfoir my lord Eegentis grace with auise of the lordis of secreit counsall in our souerane lordis name commandis and chairges the generall maister cunyeour wardanis assayaire sinkar meltaris forgearis and prentaris of the cunyehous present and to cum ilk ane in thair office to do thair diligence in melting forgeing and prenting of the saidis peices as thay salbe commandit be the generall and maister cunyeour thairto according to the wecht and fynnes abone writtin with thair Eemeid as is abone specifeit and that letteris be direct for publicatioune heirof in dew forme as effeiris swa that nane pretend ignorance of the same. 140 RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [james vi. Acts of the XLi. — 12 May 1572, Proclamation of the neiv Coinage. Privy Council, Forsamekill as oure soueraue lord my lord regentis grace and thre estaittis laitlie i5°72^^/^"ll8 ^^^^^^^^^ parliament hes statute and ordanit aue new cunye of siluer money to be set 119. out for payment and sustentatioun of the chargeis of this present ciuile and intestine wears rasit aganis his hienes and his authoritie be certane declarit tratouris rebellis and conspira- touris / quhilkis eftir the murtheris of the King his maiesteis dearest fader and of his guidschir and vncle regentis of this realms ceissis not alsua be plane resisting of his hienes authoritie to seik his awin lyff and sa far as in them lyis to pull his royall croun of his heid / Quhilk money is diuisit and strekin in haill and half pecis The haill pece to haue cours and passage for sex schillingis aucht penneis and to be callit the half merk pece and the half thairof to haue cours and passage for thre schillingis four pennyis and to be callit the fourty penny pece The said haill pece havand on the ane syde oure souerane lordis armes and croun betuix the figuris of 6 and 8 with this circumscriptioun Jacobus Sextus Dei gratia rex Scotorum and on the vther syde ane croce and betuix the granis thairof twa thirsillis and twa crownis with this circumscriptioun Saluum fac populum tuum Domine 1572 The fourty penny pece berand the lyke prent in all thingis saalffing his hienes armes placeit betuix the figuris of 3 and 4 to signifie iij schillingis iiij penneis as the vther on the haill signifiis vj schillingis viij penneis Quhairfoir my lord regentis grace with auise of the saidis lordis of secreit counsale ordanis letteris to be direct to mak publicatioun heirof at the schoir and peir of Leyth and at the marcat croces of all heid burrowis of this realme and vtheris places neidfull, And to command and charge all and sindry oure souerane lordis liegis to ressaue the said money in thankfull and reddy payment and on na wayis to presume or tak vpoun hand to refuis the same vpoun quhatsumeuir collour or pretens vnder the pane of tressoun certifeing thame that failyeis thay salbe demanit to the deid with all rigour in exempill of vtheris, XLii, — 6 August 1572, TJie Plackis of 1651 prohibited. Forsamekle as it is vnderstand to my lord regentis grace and lordis of secrete counsall that the plakkis cunyeit in the regnne of the queue our souerane lordis moder his hienes gTiidame the queue dowarrer of gude memory then being regent of this realme / bering in the circumscriptioun the dait of the yeir of God 1557 ar of late counterfaittit and adulterat as alsua the siluer money laitlie sett furth in half merk and fourty penny pecis To the grit preiudice of his maiesteis estate and to the grit harms of the commoun weiU of this realme And albeit proclamatioun past of befoir suspending the cours and passage of the saidis plakkis bering the daitt of the yeir abonewrittin vniversalie quhill the nixt parliament Neuirtheles the said proclamatioun has not as yit takin full effect mony pretending ignorance that the same come not to thair knawlege and thairfore that the grit Incon- venient als Weill of ths ane as of the vther counterfaittit and adulterat money may sa fer as is possible be avoidit my lord regentis grace with auise of the lordis of secrete counsall ordanis letteris to be direct chargeing all and sindrie oure souerane lordis liegis That nane JAMBS VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 141 of thame tak vpoun hand To offer or ressaue in pament ony plakkis beringin the circum- p^°*^ scriptioun the dait abone specifiit quhill the said nixt parliament vnder the pane of 1572. tressoun and siclike that na maner of personis quhilkis hes siluer to sell cunyeit or vncunyeit brocht furth of vther cuntreis or vtherwyis presume or tak vpoun hand be thame selffis or be mediat persounis to sell furneis gif or ley thair said siluer or ony vther raettall that may be cunyeit to ony persounis or places quhair the said counterfaitt and adulterat money in half merk and fourtie penny pecis is cunyeit or sal be cunyeit to the hurt and preiudice of his hienes estate Bot that thai ofier the same and mak exchange thairof with the maister of his hienes awin cunyehous or sic vtheris as hes the manyment thairof vnder the said pane of tressoun and ordanis the prouest and baillies of Edinburgh and all vtheris the provest aldermen and baillies of the cieties and burrowis within this realme and vtheris officiaris thairof To serche and seik the personis contravenaris or suspectit to contravene this present act and ordinance and to put thame in firmance and captiuitie quhill thay may be tryit according to justice and the lawis of this realme that they have deseruit, XLiii.' — 12 July 1573, Anent fals Cunye. The quhilk day my lord regentis grace and lordis of secreit counsall vnderstanding the Vol. 1.572- greit dampnage sustenit be the commoun weill throw the inbringing within this realme of ' ' ^' fals and corruptit money counterfaitit in the partis of Flanderis and vtheris beyond sey quhilk is the mair bauldlie attemptit becaus of the negligent sercheing of the schij)pis and veschellis returning in this realme furth of foreyn cuntreis For remeid quhairof in tyme cuming ordanis letteris to be direct to command and charge all and sindry the maisteris skipparis marchandis and marinaris and vtheris arryvand in quhatsumeuir portis havynnis raidis or vtheris partis of this realme from Flanderis or vtheris partis beyond sey That nane of thame tak vpoun hand to brek bowk or losse ony maner of gudis or kistis quhilkis salhappin to be brocht hame be thame in the saidis schippis or vtheris veschellis vnto the tyme the same be sene sercheit and visiit be the ordinar sercheour of that toun accompaneit* with the prouest or ane of the baillies thairof or quhair na propir sercheour is be the ordinar magistrattis quhatsumeuir vnder the pane of confiscatioun of the schip with the gudis of all sic personis as saU do in the contrair to oure souerane lordis vse and that his maiesteis comptrollar gif attendance that this act and ordinance be diligentlie obseruit and the contravenaris pvneist as he will ansuer to oure souerane lord vpoun his diligence, XLiv. — 13 October 1574, Anent Transporting of Gold and Siluer furth of the Realme. Forsamekill as diuers gude and lovabill actis of parliament hes heirtofoir bene maid VoL 1572- be oure souerane lordis maist nobill progenitouris forbidding the careing and having of gold and siluer furth of this realme quhilkis be a certane space bigane hes tane na effect bot hes bene planelie contravenit partlie be misknawlege of the saidis actis and partlie becaus the offendaris hes not bene pvneist. Thairfoir my lord regentis grace 142 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Acts of the with auise of tlie lordis of Secreit counsall ordanis lettres to be direct to ofi&ciaris of "^^StT."'^^ ' armes sclieriffs in that part chargeing thame to pas to the niarcat croce of Edinburgh peir and schoir of Leyth and all vther marcat croces and places neidfuU within this realme and thair be oppin proclamatioun in our souerane lordis name and authoritie mak publicatioun and intimatioun of the saidis actis of parliament that nane pretend ignorance of the same and to command and charge thame that nane of thame pretend or tak vpoun hand to tak away or cary furth of this realme ony gold or siluer in ony tyme heireftir quhill the nixt parliament vnder the pane of eschetiug of the samyn and of all the remanent of thair movabill gudis that dois in the contrair Certifeing all and quhatsumeuir personis that will cum reveill and schaw of the carearis and awaytakaris of the said gold and siluer and gif thair names The reveillaris sal haif the ferd part of the said gold and siluer and remanent of thair movabill gudis The samyn being tryit be thair reveling and in cais the revelar be partinar of the away taking and careing out of the realme of the said gold and siluer In that cais he salbe fre of all panis dangearis and perrellis that he may incur be the said act and sal haif for his reward as is before specifiit lyke as he had bene na partinar thairof and that this present proclamatioun haif the full force and effect vnto the nixt parliament prouiding that all marchandis and vtheris passing furth of this realme according to the lawis of the samyn may haue samekill gold and siluer allanerlie as may be thair necessar expenssis quhill they cum to the partis beyond sey quhair thay haue thair necessar bissines ado And further to command and charge all customaris and sercheouris To note quhat schippis departis laidynnit and empty and likewyis with quhat kynd of gudis or marchandice thay returne chargeit to this realme as thay will ansuer vpoun thair diligence at thair vttirmest charge and perrell. XLV.- — Apud Haliruidhous quinto Marcii anno etc., Ixxiiij. Vol. 1572- [This Act is exactly the same as the Act of Parliament of same date, see p. 110, vii.] 1575, vv 310, 311. XLVi. — 5 March 1576, Contract anent the Cunye. Vol. 1575- At Edinburgh the fyft day of Marche the yeir of God j"" v= Ixxvj yeris. It is ' ' ■ ' appointit aggreit and finalie contractit betuix the rycht nobiU and michtie lord James erll of Mortouu lord of Dalkeyth Ptegent to our souerane lord his realme and liegis in his hienes name on that ane part Johnne Achesoun maister of his hienes cunye on the vther part and Abraham Petersoun, Flemyng, on the third part in maner forme and effect as efter foUowis That is to say the said Johnne sail ressaue all siluer that salbe deliuerit to him of quhatsumeuir fynnes and sail deUuer the samyn to the said Abraham Petersoun with the aUay thairto to be reduceit to the fynnes of aucht deneiris and the said Abraham having ressauit the said siluer sail melt the samyn and reduce it to the said fynnes of aucht deneiris quhilkis being meltit sail deliuer the samyn to the forgearis to be forgeit on the said Johnnes expenssis and thaireftir the said Abraham saU ressaue the said siluer forgeit quhilk he saU alsua bailye ready in aU thingis to the prenting and salbe anserabill JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 143 to oure souerane lord and his said regent for the remeidis of the fynues Taking in his awin Acts of the Privy Counci hand and vpoun his chargeis all that is abuiff the iust fynnes and for his recompence he 1576. to half ane grane of remeid vnder the said fynnes of aucht deneiris for the quhilk he sail ' " nocht be chargeit nor comptabill hot gif it be vnder the half grane and yit within the haill grane the said Abraham salbe comptabill to the king for the haill grane and in cais be assay the siluer meltit salbe found vnder the said fynnes of ane haiU grane of remeid (as God forbid) The haill swa fundin to be cuttit doun be the wardanis without ony allowance of chargeis to the said Abraham for melting and builyeing thairof bot the said Abraham to be haldin to refound content and pay to the said Jolmne for all expenssis and inlaikis maid and sustenit be him in the forgeing and prenting of the werk cuttit doun and for the twa granis of remeid of wecht The said Johnne Achesoun sail tak the lois vpoun his awin chargeis of samekill as salbe found havy abuif the iust wecht and samekill as salbe found licht within the remeidis of twa granis of wecht contenit in the actis of parliament maid thairanent The said Johnne sail pay the samyn to our souerane lord or his said regent as he salbe requirit at his hienes gude will and pleasour according to the wardanis bukis monethlie or yeirlie Providing that the assayis contenit thairin be deliuerit to the said Johnne as his dew and the said siluer swa reduceit to aucht deneiris fyne The said Johnne Achesoun maister cunyeour foirsaid sail cans forge and imprent in half merk and fourty penny pecis according to the said act of parliament and sail deliuer agane in cunyeit money to our souerane lord or his said regent the haill stock and proffeit of quhatsumeuir siluer ressauit in thair names and to all marchantis furnissouris quhatsumeuir the haill stock according to the ordinance to be maid be his grace to the said Johnne thairupoun being comptabill alwayis to his hienes for the haill proffeit thairof Deduceing for the laubour of the cunyeing allay and all vther expenssis quhatsumeuir fyve schillingis money of this realme of ilk merk cunyeit money and the said Johnne sail content and pay to the said abraham for ilk merk of the said cunyeit money that sail be meltit builyeit and maid reddy to the prenting be him as said is twa deneiris wecht of the said fynnes and sail furneis him all sic werklwmis and vther necessaris as the said Johnne hes presentlie in his handis of our souerane lordis to that effect and the said Johnne sail pay the forgearis and prentaris him self as he and thay can aggre and as towart the gold the said Johnne sail ressaue all gold of quhatsumeuir fynnes and deliuer the samyn to the said Abrahame to be reduceit to the fynnes of xxij carrettis or xxij carrettis and ane half as sail pleis our souerane lord and his said regent to appoint / quhilk being reduceit sail deliuer the samyn to the forgearis to be forgeit on the said Johnne's expenssis And thaireftir the said Abrahame sail ressaue the said gold forgeit quhilk he sail alsua bwilye reddy in all thingis to the prenting and salbe ansuerabill to our souerane lord and his said regent for the remeidis of the fynnes Taking in his awin hand and vpoun his chargeis all that is abuif tlie iust fynnes and for his recompance he to half half ane grane of remeid vnder the said fynnes of xxij carrettis or xxij carrettis and ane half quhilk of the saidis beis appointit for the quhilk he sail not be chargeit nor comptabill bot gif it he vnder the half grane and yit within the haill grane the said Abraham salbe comptabill to tlie king for the haill grane and in cais be assay the gold meltit salbe found vnder the said fynnes of ane haill grane of remeid 144 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the (as God forbici) The liaill swa found to be cuttit doun be the wardanis without ony "^576?'^'^^ ' allowance of chargeis to the said Abraham for melting and builyeing thairof Bot he in ~" cais it be in his defalt to be haldin to refound content and pay to the said Johnne for all expenssis and inlaikis maid and sustenit be him in forgeing and prenting of the said werk cuttit doun and for the twa granis of remeid of wecht vpoun ilk pece contening ane vnce wecht and of the half and quarter pecis eftir the rait of the haill The said Johnne Achesoun sail tak the lois vpoun his awin chargeis of samekill as salbe found havy abuif the iust wecht and samekill as salbe found lycht within the remeidis of twa granis contenit in the act of parliament maid thairanent The said Johnne sail pay the samyn to our souerane lord or his said regent as he salbe requirit at his hienes gude will and pleassour according to the wardanis bukis at the oppyning of the boxis yeirlie Providing that the assayis contenit thairin be deliuerit to the said Johnne as his dew and the said gold swa reduceit to xxij carrettis or xxij carrettis and ane half as salbe appoiutit as said is The said Johnne Achesoun maister cunyeour foirsaid sail caus forge and imprent in twenty ten and fyve pund pecis according to the act maid thairupoun and sail deliuer agane to our souerane lord or his said regent in cunyeit gold the haill stok and proffeit of quhatsumeuir gold ressauit in thair names and to all marchantis furnissouris quhatsumeuir thair haill stock according to the ordinance to be maid be his grace to the said Johnne thairupoun being comptabill alwayis to his hienes for the haill proffeit thairof Deduceing for the laubour of the cunyeing allay and all vther expenssis quhatsumeuir of ilk vnce cunyeit gold twa schillingis quhairof the said Johnne sail pay to the said Abraham for the affyning melting and builyeing of ilk vnce reddy to be prentit nyne penneis money and for the gold that marchantis or vthers sail bring to the cunyehous to be cunyeit the saidis Johnne and Abraham sail tak for thair panis of affyning and passing the samyn the Irnis alsmekill proffeit as thay and the inbringaris of the said gold can ressonablie aggre vpoun or salbe specialie appoiutit heireftir or taking alsmekiU fyne gold abuif the ordinar fynnes as to allay it that is within the fynnes in the melting And forder the said Abraham is content that the inlaikis of wecht betuix that quhilk he sail ressaue frome the said Johnne and deliuer agane to be prentit ayther of gold or siluer togidder with the expenssis and inlaikis maid and sustenit be the said Johnne in forgeing and prenting of ony werk that happynnis to be cuttit doun in the said Abrahamis default salbe defalkit and allowit be the said Johnne to him in the first end of the dewitie abone writtin appoiutit to be payit to him for his panis and laubouris and for the gold of the mynis the said Johnne sail ressaue the samyn unmeltit and sail deUuer it to the said Abrahame quhilk he sail fyne to the foirsaid fynnes Deduceing onelie for his panis sex schillingis for the merk wecht and for the inlaikis and chargeis auchtene granis of ilk vnce thairof and the samyn being sa fynit the said Johnne sail deliuer the haill vnces prentit as is abone writtin in cunyeit money to our said souerane lord and his said regent for twa schillingis onelie of ilk vnce for his laubour to be rebaitit and this present contract and appointment to induir quhill it be dischargeit be ony of the partiis on fourty dayis warning Attour the said lord regent and the said Johnne Achesoun and Abraham Petersoun ar content and consentis that this present contract be actit and registrat in the bukis of JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 145 secreit counsale To have the strenth of ane act and decreit of the lordis thairof and that Acts of tlie lettres and executoriallis be direct thairupoun in forme as efferis In witnes of the quhilk "^1577""*^' thing thay haif subscriuit the samyu contract with thair handis as followis day yeir and place foirsaidis Befoir thir witness Archibald Naper of Edinbilly knycht, Alex'' Jarden Alex"" Hay and Williame Wylie wrettaris seruandis to the regentis grace with vtheris diuerss Sic subscribitur James Eegent Johnne Achesoun Abraham Pretersson XLVii, — 31 May 1577, Against transporting Coins of the Realm. Forsamekill as be sindry lovabill lawis and actis of parliament It is expreslie statute Voi. 1575- 1577 f 47 and ordanit that nane of the liegis of this realme sould presume or tak vpoun hand to cary furth of the samyu gold or siluer vnder the pane of escheting of the same gold or siluer and of all the remanent movabill gudis of thame that dois in the contrair and siclyke that quhatsumeuir personis will cum reveill and schaw the contravenaris and gif vp thair names The same personis sail haif the ferd part of the gold and siluer and remanent of thair movabill gudis the same being tryit be thair reveling as in the saidis actis of parliament at mair lenth is coutenit Nochtwithstanding throw the ueoligent executiouu of the same actis vpoun the contravenaris thairof in tyme bigane The liegis of this realme and vtheris departing furth of the samyn hes not ceissit nor ceissis not to cary and transport furth of the samyn gold and siluer and specialie his hienes awin siluer money of testanis and xxx XX and ten schilling pecis makand ojDpin and plane marchandice thairof in Flanderis and vtheris partis beyond sey To the greit hurt of his maiestie and commoun weili of his realme quhair throw within schort space littill or nane of the said siluer money salbe left current within this realme gif remeid be not prouided Thairfoir the regentis grace with auise of the lordis of Secreit Counsale ordanis lettres tobe direct to of&ciaris of armes sclieriffis in that part chargeiug thame to pas to the marcat croces of the held burrowis of this realme and vtheris places neidfull and thair be oppin proclamation in his hienes name and authoritie mak publicatioun and intimatioun of the saidis actis of parliament of new That nane pretend ignorance of the same and als to command and charge all and sindry his hienes liegis and strangearis quhatsumeuir That nane of thame tak vpoun hand to transport or tak away furth of this realme ony mauer of gold and siluer and specialie Scottis testanis or xxx . xx . or x schilling pecis vnder the pane of escheting of the money with all the remanent movabill gudis of the awnaris and transportaris of the same money Togidder with the schip and remanent movabill gudis of the maisteris skipparis and awnaris of the schip quhairin the said money salhappin to be apprehendit be the sercheouris tobe depute be his hienes in euery town and vther part that hes a port And that the sercheouris or vtheris personis tliat will reveill and schaw the transportaris of the said gold and siluer and gif vp thair names that brekis the saidis lawis and actis sail haif the ferd part of the said gold and siluer and remanent movabill gudis of the contravenaris that salbe tryit be thame reveling Conforme to the effect and meaning of the saidis actis of parliament in all pointis And that this present ordinance be exactlie execute for the space of ane yeir eftir the dait heirof in T 146 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. . A cts of the forme and maner as is abone appointit and further ay and quhill further and mair special! '■''TY^TOlNrii^!^^'-'^^ be tane in this behalf. XLVIII. — 29 July 1578, Proclamation anent the xxx, xx, and x schilling peces. Voh^i577- Forsameikle as be act of parliament laitlie maid at Striuiling Castell vpoun the ' ^ ' day of J uly instant Commission wes gevin be oure Souerane lord with auise of his thre estaittis to the lordis of his hienes priuie counsale or the maist part of thame to tak ordour how the xxx . xx and ten schilling pecis with the testanis mycht be haldin within this realme and not transportit furth thairof as commounlie it is be diuerse the liegis of the same and maid oppin and plane merchandice in Flanders and vtheris partis beyond sey To the greit hurt of our souerane lord and commoun weill of his realme quhairthrow within schort space littill or nane of the said syluir money salbe left current within the same gif tymous remeid be not prouidit Thairfoir the saidis lordis of secreit Counsale considdering the caus of the transporting of the saidis syluir pecis tobe throw the rising of the prices of syluir in vther realmes and cuntreis howbeit not aggreabill with his hienes cunyie foirsaid in wecht and fines and willing thairfoir to tak ordour for retening of the same within this realme clipping of sic as ar fals and adulterat and advanceing of maiesteis proffeit and commoditie in tyme cuming conforme to tlie act of parKament foirsaid Hes eftir mature aduise and deliberatioun concludit decernit and ordanit That all the saidis xxx . xx and ten schilling pecis and testanis salbe be brocht in to the Cunyehous and deliuerit to our Souerane lordis maister cunyeour betuix the dait heirof and the first day of Marche nixtto- cum vpoun the prices following that is to say the xxx schilling pece for xxxij schiUingis vj d . the XX schilling pece for xxj schillingis viij d, and the ten schilling pece for x schillingis x d, and the testane for sex schillingis vj d. To the effect that sameikle of the same money as beis fund counterfait and adulterat may be clippit doun and deliuerit agane to the awnar and that the lauchfull trew cunyie may be markit with a crownit Blank in thus and deliuerit lykwyis agane to the awnar to haue course and passage thaireftir as foUowis That is to say the xxx schilling pece for xxxvj schillingis ix d, the XX schilling pece for xxiiij schillingis vj d, and the x scliiUing pece for xij schillingis iij d, and the testane for vij schillingis iiij d, Deduceand of everie xxx schilling pece and accordinglie of the rest pro rata to his hienes and the said maister cunyeour for his lawbouris iiij schillingis iij d and of the testane x d Quhairfoir his maiestie with auise of the saidis lordis of secreit counsale ordanis lettres to be direct to officiaris of armes schireffis in that part chairging thame to pas and mak publicatioun heirof be oppin proclamatioun at the marcat croces of the held burrowis of this realme and vtheris places neidfuU and to command and charge all and sindrie his hienes liegis havaris of the saidis pecis in thair handis To bring or send the same to the said maister cunyeour betuix the dait heirof and the said first day of Marche nixtocum to the effect abonewrittin with certificatioun that sic of the saidis pecis as sail not be markit betuix and the said day sail nawyis have course or passage thaireftir amangis our souerane lordis liegis Bot the JAMES Vl] RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 147 personis quhatsumeuir with quhom thay salbe fund thaireftir vnmarkit salbe persewit Acts of the and pvneist as accordis And ordanis and commandis the wardanis and assayer of our ^"^y ^„°^'"'^''' Souerane lordis cunyehouse to be present at the marking of the foirsaid cunyie as thay sal- be chargit thairto and keip just register of sameikle as salbe dalie markit and that the assayar mak the assayis of all sic cunyie as salbe fund fals or counterfait and registrat the same in his bukes as the saidis wardanis and assayar will ansuer vpoun the executioun of thajr offices. XLIX. — 18 Sept. 1578, Warrant for New Coinages. Forsamekill as be ane act of parliament laitlie maid at Striuiling Castell vpoun the Vol. 1577- day of July last bipast commissioun was gevin be our souerane lord with auise of his thre estaittis to the lordis of his hienes priuie counsale than electit and to the officiar adioinit to thame to tak ordour vpoun the forme inscriptioun wecht availl and price of ane penny or peace of siluir to be strikin of the fynes of elevin deneiris to the commoditie of the realme and weilfair of our souerane lord and as the said counsale or the maist part of thame fand maist meit to be done in that behalf His maiestie and thre estaittis Decernit thair Declaratour and ordinance to have the strenth of ane act of parliament as the foirsaid act at mair lenth proportis Quhairfoir the saidis lordis of secreit counsale considdering how not only necessar it is that the said syluir penny be strukin and cunyeit Bot als ane penny or pece of gold of ressonabill wecht and fynes aggreabill with the prices of the current gold and money in vtheris realmis and havand course thairof amangis oure souerane lordis subiectis may be proffeitabill for the realme and commodius to his maiestie Hes eftir mature aduise and deliberatioun concludit statute and ordanit that thair salbe ane penny or pece of gold [prenjtit and Cunyeit of twentie ane carret fyne and the same to have course and passage for fourtie schillingis money of this realme contenand and to be callit the Scottis croun havand on the ane syde tlie Croun Scep[tour] makand in the middis the form of Sanctandrois Croce and on the ane syde of the Croce the ane half of the dait of the yeir in this forme 15 and on the vther syde the vther half of the dait of the yeir in this forme 78 with this circumscriptioun. Original Hactenus invicta miserunt. and on the vther syde of * in the middis thairof ane I and ane E laissit with the tigoure of 6 vnder written about ad te centum et quinque proaui And siclyke that thair be and cunyeit ane penny of syluir of the fynes of ellevin deneiris in haill and half pecis the haill pece to have course and passage for twentie sex schillingis aucht pennyis weyand seventene deneiris and ellevin granys and to be callit the twa merk pece the half pece to haue course for threttene schillingis foure pennyis and to be callit the merk pece The said haill pece havand on the ane syde ane thrissill I on the ane side of the thrissill and ane E on the vther syde of the thrissill with this circumscriptioun Nemo me impune lacesset and on the vther syde of the said penny the kingis armes and this circumscriptioun J acobus 6 dei gratia rex scotorum The merk pece havand the lyke prent wecht and fines in all thingis pro rata Quhaufoir the saidis lordis of secreit coimsale ordanis lettres to be direct to mak 148 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the publicatioun heirof be oppin proclamatioun at the marcat croces of tlie heid burrowis of "^^57°8."" ' this realme and vtheris places neidfull and to command and charge all and sindrie our souerane lordis liegis To ressaue the said gold and money in reddy and thankfull payment And on nawyise to presume or tak vpoun hand to refuise the samyn vpoun quhatsnmeuir cullour or pretens vnder the pane of tressoun and siclyke to certifie all his maiesteis liegis of the prices of gold and syluir to be brocht into his hienes cunyehous That is to say the vnce of vtter fyne of gold to be bocht for twentie pundis money and all vther gold of quhatsnmeuir fynes to be aggreabill in price according to the fynes (The inlaik of courser gold nor is appointit to be cunyeit being modifijt) and the vnce of vtter fyne of syluir to be bocht for xxxiiij schillingis money and all vther syluir of quhatsuiueuir fynes to be aggTeabill in price according to the fynes (The inlaik of courser syluir nor is appointit to be cunyeit being lykwyise modifiit) And that it salbe lesum to all his maiesteis subiectis to inbring to our souerane lordis cunyehouse and deliuer to his hienes maister cunyeour all sortis of gold and syluir ayther in platwerk or cunyie vpoun the prices abone specifiit And ordanis and commandis the generall maister cunyeour wardanis assayer sinkar meltaris forgearis and prentaris of the cunyehouse present and tocum ilk ane in thair awin ofiices to do thair diligence in melting forgeing and prenting of the saidis pecis of gold and syluir as they salbe commandit be the said generall and maister cunyeour thairto according tD the wecht and fynes abonementionat as thay and ilk ane of thame will ansuer to our souerane lord vpoun the executioun of thair offices And this ordour to induir quhill the nixt parliament appointit to be haldin the fift day of Marche nixttocum. L. — 18 Sept. 1578, That none refuis the stampit Siluer. Vol. 1577- Forsamekill as proclamatioun wes laitlie maid Commanding all and sindrie our 1579, p. C6. souerane lordis liegis havaris in thair handis of threttie twentie and ten schilling pecis with the testanis To bring or send the samyn to his hienes maister cunyeour betuix and the first day of Marche nixttocum vpoun the prices following That is to say the xxx § pece for xxxij s vj d the xx s pece for xxj s viij d and the ten schilling pece for x § x d And the testane for vj s vj d To the effect that sameikill of the same money as ware found counterfait and adulterat mycht be clijipit doun and deliuerit agane to the awnar And that the lauchfiill and trew cunyie mycht be markit with a crownit thrissill and deliuerit lykwyis agane to the awnar To haue cours and passage thaireftir as followis That is to say the xxx s pece for xxxvj s ix d the xx s pece for xxiiij vj d and the x § pece for xij s iij d And the testane for vij s iiij d as at mair lenth is contenit in the said proclamatioun direct thairvpoun And albeit according thairto Thair be alreddy a greit nowmer of the saidis pecis merkit with the said crovnit thrissill and gevin out to have cours vpoun the price abone writtin nochtwithstanding thare is diuers his hienes liegis quhilkis makis sum difficultie to ressaue the same pecis expres contrair the tennour of the said proclamatioun And in hie contemptioun of our souerane lordis auctoritie and lawis Thairfoir the lordis of secreit counsale ordanis lettres to be direct to officiaris of armes scliereffis in that pairt Chairging thame to pas to the mercat croces of the heid burrowis of this Eealme and JAMES VI.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 149 vtheris places neidfull And tliair be oppin proclamatioun in his Menes name and auctoritie Acts of the Command and charge all and sindrie his liegis That nane of thame tak vpoun hand to ^"^Vv78." refuis the foirsaidis pecis merkit vpoun the prices abonewrittin respectiue in reddy and thankfull payment vnder qiihatsumeiiir cullour or pretens vnder the pane of deid and confis- catioun of all thair guidis movabill to his hienes vse Certifeing thame that f ally ies being tryit The said pane of deid salbe execute vpoun And all thair movabill guidis eschetit and inbrocht with all rigour and extremitie. LI. — 25 Feb. 1578, All Coins to he stamped before 1 May. Forsameikle as be act and ordinance of the priuie Counsale past vpoun ane act of Vol. 1577- 1579 x> 14 parliament maid in the moneth of Julii last bi]3ast all and sindrie our souerane lordis liegis havaris in thair handis of xxx, xx and x s pecis with the testanis war ordanit and be lettres chargit To haue brocht or send the sarayn to his Maiesties maister cunyeour betuix the dait of tlie said act quhilk is the xxix day of Julii last bipast and the first day of IMarche nixttocum vpoun the prices following That is to say the threttie schilling pece for xxxij s vj d the XX s pece for xxj s viij d and the x s for x § x d and the testane for vj s vj d. To the effect that sameikle of the same money as wes found counterfait and adulterat mycht haue bene clippit doun and deliuerit agane to the awnar And that the lauchfull and trew cunyie mycht haue bene markit with a crownit thrussill and deluierit lykwayis agane to the awnar. To haue coi;rs and passage tliaireftir as foUowis. That is to say the threttie schilling pece for xxxvj s ix d The xx g pece for xxiiij s vj d and the ten § pece for xij s iij d and the testane for vij s iiij d with certificatioun that sic of the saidis pecis as sould not be merkit betuix and the said day sould nawayis haue cours or passage thairefter amangis our souerane lordis liegis Bot the personis quhatsumevir with quhom they sould be fund tliaireftir vnmarkit sould be be persewit and pvneist as accordis As at mair lenth is contentit in the said act and ordinance maid thairvpoun And albeit according thairto thair be alreddy a greit nowmer of the saidis pecis merkit and gevin out to haue cours in maner abonewrittin yit is it meanit that the full and haill nowmer of the saidis pecis is not yit merkit quhairthrow albeit his maiestie hes iust cans alsweill to discharge thame to haue cours or passage eftir the said first day of Marche nixttocum As to pvneis the personis with quhome they salbe fund thaireftir conforme to the said act yit his hienes being willing to schaw Lenitie and favour to all his gude subiectis and to tak away from thame all pretens of Ignorance vpoun quhat- sumeuir cullour Hes thairfore eftir mature aduise and deliberatioun thocht gude concludit and ordanit that the day be prorogat to the first day of ]\Iaii nixttocum And thairfoir ordanis Lettres to be direct chargeing offlciaris of amies To pas and mak publicatioun and intima- tioun of the said prorogatioun be oppin proclamatioun at the marcat croces of the heid burrowis of this realme and to command and charge all and sindrie his hienes Liegis havaris in thair handis of the saidis pecis To bring or send the samyn to the said maister cunyeour betuix and the said first day of Maii nixttocum To the effect abonewrittin with certificatioun as is abone mentionat and ordanis and commandis the warden and assayer of 150 PtECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Acts of the oiir soueraue Lorclis cunyehouse To be present at the merking of the foirsaid cunyie as "^1578""" ' ^^^y salbe chargit thairto and keip iust register of sameikle as salbe merkit dalie And that the assayer mak the assayis of all sic cunyie as salbe fund fals and counterfait and registrat the same in his buikis as the saidis wardanis and assayer will ansuer vpoun the executioun of thair offices. Lil. — 15 May 1579, Proclamation for stamjjmg Coins. Vol. 1577- Forsameikle as commissioun being gevin be our souerane lord and his thre estaittis 1579, p. 2-30. . in parliament to his hienes Counsale or the maist pairt of thame how the threttie tuentie and ten schilling pecis with the testanis may be haldin within the Keahne and not transportit furth of the same his maiestie be act and ordinance maid be aduise of his said counsale ordanit all his hienes Liegis havaris in thair handis of the saidis xxx, xx and x § pecis with the testanis To bring or send the samin to his maiesties maister cunyeour betuix the dait of the said act quhilk is of the xxix day of Julii last bipast and the ferst day of Marche thaireftir following for the prices vnderwrittin That is to say the xxx § pece for xxxij s vj d the xx s pece for xxj § viij d and the ten schilling pece for x s x d and the testane for vj s vj d To the effect that sameikle of the same money as sould happin to be found counterfait and adulterat mycht haue bene clippit doun and deluerit agane to the awnar and that the lauchfull and trew cunyie mycht haue bene markit with a crownit thrissill and deliuerit lykwayis agane to the awnar To haue cours and passage thaireftir as followis That is to say the xxx § pece for xxxvj § ix d the xx s pece for xxiiij g vj d and the x s pece for xij s iij d and the testane for vij s iiij d with certificatioun that sic of the saidis pecis as sould not be markit betuix and the said day sould na wayis haue cours or passage thaireftir amangis his hienes liegis Bot the personis quhatsumeuir with quhome they sould be fund thaireftir vnmarkit sould be persewit and pvnist as accordis As in the act and ordinance maid thairvpoun at mair lenth is contenit Bot becaus a greit nowmer of the saidis pecis wer not brocht in to the cunyehous and merket to haue cours in manor abonewrittin befoir the said first day of Marche Thairfoir his hienes eftir mature aduise and deliberatioun thoch gude concludit and ordanit that the said day sould be prorogat to the first day of Mali lykwyis now bipast quhairvpoun dew publicatioun and intimatioun wes maid notwithstanding sindrie of his hienes liegis hes not oidie abstractit the saidis pecis being in thair handis frome his hienes cunyiehous Bot als hes lettin the same pecis haue cours as gif they hed bene brocht in to the said cunyehous vpoun the first price contentit in the said act And sa not onlie obstinatlie hes dissobeyit and dissobeyis his hienes chairgis and commandmentis Bot intertenys a confusit and incertane treade of changing of the said money quhairthrow it is impedit to haue vnniuersale cours according to his maiesteis actis and proclamatiounis foirsaidis past thairvpoun Bot his maiestie and his priuie counsale being credibillie informit that thair is a gude nowmer of the saidis pecis as yit vnmarkit qidiilk stayit partlie be occasioun of the stormy wether that happanit this last wyntir and springtyme and partlie in hoip to ressaue gretar prices thairfoir vpoun JAMES VI.] KECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 151 report of the reductioun of the alleyed money in fyne syluir as thocht the breking doun of Acts of the the saidis pecis wald haue bene permittit quhilk his hienes nor his counsale nenir intendit "^1579^ Bot rather to diminische the price of syluir for vniuersale commoditie of his hienes his realme and subjects Hes thairfoir thocht expedient and concludit that the werk of the marking of the saidis pecis sail yit be prorogat and indiire quhile the first day of August nixttoeum And for the bettir furthering of the same wark ordanis lettres to be derect to officearis of armes schereffis in that part cliairging tliame to pas and mak publicatioun and intimatioun of the said prorogatioun be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croces of the heid burrowis of this realme and vther places neidfull and to command and charge all and sindrie his hienes liegis havaris in thair handis of the saidis vnmarkit pecis of the said syluir money That nane of thame tak vpoun hand To offer or ressaue the same vnmarkit pecis in payment or exchange for further or gretar pecis than thay war first cunyeit That is to say the xxx § pece for xxx s the xx § pece for xx s the x s pece for x § and the testane for v s vnder the pane of escheitting of the vnmarkit pecis that salbe found offerit or ressauit in payment for ony gretar prices Except samoney as salbe presentit to our souerane lordis maister cunyeour To quhome his hienes hes gevin and be the tennour heirof gevis power and licence to pay thairfoir the prices contentit in the said first act and proclamatioun Prouiding that the haill be brocht in to the said cunyehous betuix and the said first day of August nixttoeum with certificatioun to thame quha abstractis the saidis vnmarkit pecis and bringis thame not to the cunyehous betuix and the said day They salhaue na further cours or passage thaireftir bot for the prices that they war first cunyeit And the haill pecis apprehendit vnmarkit thaireftir salbe escheittet the tua pairt to our souerane lordis vse and the third pairt of the same to the apprehendar for his travellis and in lyk maner to command and charge that na officiar of his hienes cunyehous goldsmyth meltar or assayar deforme melt affyne allay or brek doun ony of the saidis pecis of syluir money Eftir the forme and tennour of the auld act of parliament maid thairanent vnder the pane to be execute to the death as ane fals cunyeour And further our said souerane lord Ordanis and commandis the Wardanis and assayer of his hienes cunyiehous to be present at the marking of the said money as thay salbe chairgit thairto and to keip iust register of sameikle as salbe dalie market and that the assayer mak the assayis of all sic cunyie as salbe fund fals and counterfait and registrat the samin in his buikis as the saidis wardanis and assayer will ansuer "v^oun the executioun of thair offices. Liii. — 14 July 1579, Prorogation of stamping of the Money. The quhilk day the lordis of secreit counsale Continewis and prorogattis the stamping Vol. 1577- of the threttie twentie and ten schilling pecis with the testanis to the xx day of October nixttoeum Conforme to the formar act in all pointis 152 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES Acts of the Liv. — 28 April 1580, Cunyie of Gold. Piivy Council, Forsameikle as be act of our soueraue Lordis parliament lialdin in the moneth of is'si'^i/ 433 October lastbipast It wes concludit statute and ordanit That thair sould be ane penny or pace of gold prentit and cunyeit of xxj carret fyne And the same to haue cours and passage for xl s money of this realme contenand ten in the vnce and to be callit the Scottis croun with a certane circumscriptiouu mentionat in the act maid thairvpoun as the samin at mair lenth beiris Notwithstanding inspectioun and consideratioun being had of the forme and fassoun of the said pecis It is thocht that the same alterit in the forme portratour and quantitie keipand alwayis the fyn[nesl mentionat in the said act and price agreabill with the wecht pro rata That it salbe to the bettir satisfactioun of his maiestie and his subiectis And thairfoir and for diuers vtheris ressonabill caussis and considera- tiounis moving his maiestie It is concludit statute and ordanit be his hienes [with] auise of his secreit counsale That thair salbe ane penny or pe[ce of] gold prentit and cunyeit of the fynes abonewrittin Contenand f[yve] in the vnce And to haue passage for foure pundis money of this r[ealme] and to be callit the Scottis ducat havand on the ane syde the portr[ait] of his hienes face with this circumscriptioun Jacobus 6 dei gratia rex scotorum and on the vther syde his maiesteis armes crownit with this circumscriptioun Exurgat Deus et dissipentur Inimici eius Quhairfoir his hienes with auise of the saidis lordis Ordanis lettres to be direct To mak publicatioun heirof be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croces of this realme and vtheris places neidfull And to command and charge all and sindrie his Maiesties liegis To ressaue the said gold in redy and thankfull payment. And onnawayis to presume or tak vpoun hand to refuis the samyn vpoun quhatsumeuir cuUour or pretens vnder the pane of tressoun And siclyke to certifie all his maiesteis liegis of the prices of gold to be brocht in to his maiesteis cunyehous That is to say the vnce of vtter fyne gold to be bocht for xxj pundis money and all vther gold of quhatsumeuir fynes to be agreabill in price according to the fynes The inlaik of courser gold nor is appointit to be cunyeit being modifiit And that it salbe lesum to all his maiesteis subiectis To inbring to our souerane lordis cunyehous and deliuer to his hienes maister cunyeour all sortis of gold ayther in plat werk or cunyie vpoun the prices abonespecifiit And ordanis and commandis the generall maister cunyeour wardanis assayer sinker meltaris forgearis and prentaris of the cunyehous present and tocum ilkane in thair awin offices to do thair diligence in melting forgeing and prenting of the said j)ece as they salbe commandit be the said generall and maister cunyeour thairto according to the wecht and fynes abone mentionat As they and ilkane of thame will ansuer to our souerane Lord vpoun the executioun of thair offices LV. — 4 May 1580, Coinage of Half-Merh and Forty-Penny pieces ordered. iris i.^^!^ 438. The kingis maiestie and lordis of Secreit Counsale gret and extraordinar chargis expensis a.'iu'i'd' dettis con[tractit by his] maiesteis officiaris in furnissiiig of his hienes and susteaning JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 153 of vtheris the commoun effaires of the cuntrie chiefly sen the acceptatioun of the Acts of the governament of this realme on his awin persoun and finding that his hienes propirtie nor ^"Tsso"" casualtie is nocht abill to relief the same and susteine the saidis vther commoun chairgis and affairis of the cuntre qnhilk dalie incressis Hes thairfoir thocht guid concludit and ordanit That quhill as the saidis superexpenssis be payit and his maiestie releuit of the present debt That thair salbe sex hiindreth stane wecht of vtter fyne syluir cunyeit and strikin in half merk and fourtie penny pecis Beirand the lilte forme circumscriptioun wecht and fynes as they ar presentlie currant within this realme And to what effect Commandis the generall maister cunyeour synkar meltar and all vtheris officiaris of his hienes cunyehous ilkane in thair awin offices to do thair diligence in stryking of the saidis pecis as they will ansuer to our souerane lord vpoun the executioun of thair offices. LVi. — 27 Feb. 1580, Anent the neiv Cunye. This Act of Privy Council is the same as the Act of Parliament (see p. Ill, x.), with Voi. ]579" the addition of the following clause : — 638. ' ^' " Attoure it is alsua concludit statute and ordanit That thair salbe ane i^enny or pece of gold structin of xxj carrat fyne with twa granis of remedis alsweill abone as vnder quhairof fyve of thame sail mak ane vnce Paricij and ilk pece to haue course for foure pundis foure schillingis with twa granis of wecht of remedis als weill licht as heavie of ilk pece." LVii. — 1 July 1581, Anent the Cunyie. Forsamekle as the kingis Maiestie his nobilitie counsale and estaittes convening at Vol. 1579- Halyrudehous vpoun the xxvij day of Februar last bipast Considering the skaith and ^' incommoditie that his hienes and the commoun weill of this realme daylie ressauit throw the great quantitie of allayit money having courss within the samin and being of mynd to follow the gude exemple of fluresing commounwelthis preceding chieflie vpoun the occasioun of the fynes of money currant witliin the samin ffor the weill and proflfite of his Maiestie and subiectis Concludit statute and ordanit That thair suld be peces struccin of the fynes of ellevin deneris That is to say in sextene aucht four and twa schilling peces of this prent The Lyoun within the scheild with ane clois croun abone the scheild with this circumscriptioun Jacobus 6 Dei gratia Eex Scotorum vpoun the ane syde and vpoun the vther syde ane thrissill with ane leif vpoun ilk syde with ane J on the ane syde of the thrissill and ane E on the vther with this circumscriptioun Nemo me impune lacesset with the dait with ane littill croun And als ane pece of gold of twenty ane carrat fyne of foure pundis iiij s ilk pece callit the kingis ducat of this prent The Lyoun within the scheild witli ane clois croun and this circumscriptioun Exurgat deus et dissipentur Inimici eius on the ane syde And on the vther syde the Kingis face bairhedit with this circumscriptioun Jacobus 6 del gratia Eex Scotorum And thir peces baith of gold and siluer to be of the fynes foirsaid having sic wecht and remedis of wecht and fynes as is particularlie specifeit in ane act u 154 RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the and assedatioun maid be the Kingis maiestie with auise of his nobilitie counsale and "^"i58i!" ' ' estaites thairvpoun Quhairfoir and to the effect that the premissis may tak the bettir effect and execntioiin The Kingis maiestie with auise of the lordis of secrete counsale Ordanis lettirs to be direct Chairging all and sindrie his hienes Liegis and vtheris quhom it efferis be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croces of the heid bixrrowis of this realme and vtheris places neidfull That nane of thame tak vpoun hand to mak ony impediment in ressauing of the foirsaidis peces of gold and siluer of the prices abonementionat Bot that the samin be ressauit in thaukfull payment and na refuis maid thairof vpoun quhatsumeuir cuUour or pretens vnder the pane of tressoun And siclike to command and charge all and sindrie his maiesties Liegis be oppin proclamatioun as said is That nane of thame tak vpoun hand to brek doun ony cunyie of this realme Except the takkismen of his hienes cunyiehous and thair seruandis allanerlie vnder the panis following That is to say the eschete of samekle as salbe apprehendit brokin and ane hundreth pund for euerie fait to be. employit as followis To witt ane thrid to his maiestie the nixt thrid to the takkismen and the last thrid to the revelaris sercheouris and apprehenders for thair panes and labouris. LViii. — 15 March 1581, Anent the Cunyie. Vol. 1581- Forsamekle as be act of oure souerane Lordis lait parliament It wes statute and ordanit that thair suld be ten schilling peces structin of ellevin penny fyne quhairof foure suld mak ane vnce In this forme That is to say haveand on the ane syde the portractour of His maiesties body armit with ane croun vpoun his heid and ane sword in his hand with this circumscriptioun Jacobus VI Dej gratia Rex Scotorum and on the vther syde his hienes armes in ane scheld with ane croun abone the same scheild with the dait of the yeir vpoun ane of the sydes with the circumscriptioun Honor Regis indicium diligit as at mair lentil is contenit in the said act maid thairvpoun quhairin na mentioun is maid of ony remedis in forgeing and stryking of the saidis pecis Bqt the samin negligentlie omittit in the said act Albeit it is maist certane that the samin peces can not be formit and cunyeit kepand the iust wecht and fynes Nather wes it euir sa accustumed bot in all aiges past sum remedis hes bene grantit to the maister cunyeoure present for the tyme alsweill of wecht as fynes vnder and abone Without the quhilk seing it is impossible that the saidis pecis can be structin The Kingis Maiestie with aduise of the Lordis of secrete counsale be thir presentis concludis statutis and ordanis That ilkane of the saidis peces salbe formit and cunyeit with twa granis of remeid alsweill of wecht as fynes under and abone Commanding heirfore the generall maister cunyeoure and all vtheris officers of the cunyie house Ilkane in thair awin offices To forge prent and caus be forgit and preutit sic peces of wecht and fynes with thair remedis as is abonementionat Willing and declaring that thir presentis salbe als sufficient warrand and securitie to thame and ilkane of thame for cunyeing of the saidis peces with the saidis remedis in maner foirsaid as gif the samin had bene speciallie mentionat and comprehendit in the said act of parliament Exonerand thame of all pane and danger that they may incur thairthrow for euir. JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 155 Lix. — 15 March 1581, Anent the Cunyie. Acts of the Privy Comicil, Forsamekle as be act of oure souerane Lordis lait parliament It vves statute and ordanit That the lait silner cunyie having cours vpoun sa heich price and sua hurtfull and ^^gg^Y^Q^ preiudiciall to the [com]moun weill of this realme sould be reducit and brocht in agane To be cunyeit of new, be his Maiesteis maister cunyeour betuix and the xj day of Marche instant in ten schilling peces of ellevin deneir fyne contening foure in the vnce In this forme That is to say haveand on the ane syde the portratoure of His Maiesteis body armit with ane croun vpoun his heid and ane sword in his hand with this circumscriptioun Jacobus 6. dej gratia Eex Scotorum And on the vther syde his hienes amies in ane scheild with ane croun abone the same scheild with the dait of the yeir vpoun ane of the sydis with this circumscriptioun Honor Eegis indicium diligit ffor inbringing and reductioun of quhilk money Thair wes nominat and appointit William Naper and Thomas Aitchesoun To remane at Edinburgh to ressaue all the said cunyie to the nowmer of twa hundreth ellevin stane and ten pund wecht fra his hienes subiectis and deliuer thame vther money thairfore vpoun the samin prices that they wer gevin out for betuix and the said xj day of Marche As at mair lenth is contenit in the said act of parliament maid thairvpoun Notwithstanding be ressoun of sindry impedimentis and occasionis quhilkis hes inter ve nit sensyne and speciallie the want of sic preparationis as wes necessar for furthsetting of the work of the said new cunyie Nather culd the samin be structin nor yit culd the said lait cunyie be brocht in within the tyme foirsaid appointit in the said act thair not being sic quantitie structin of the said new cunyie to mak the exchange as wes necessar Without the quhilk it apperis that thair salbe ower great delay in the making of the said reductioun And thairfore his maiestie with aduise of the saidis lordis having deliberat that the said reductioun sail yit tak effect sa sone as possible may be to the commoun benefite of all estaittis of personis within this realme Hes for this effect prorogat the said day vnto the first day of Julij nixtocum Vnto the quhilk tyme the said lait cunyie salhaue cours allanerlie And ordanis lettirs to be direct To mak publicatioun heirof be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croces of the heid burrowis of the realme and vtheris places neidfull quhairthrow nane of our Souerane Lordis Liegis pretend ony ignorance of the same And als to command and charge all the saidis Liegis in quhais handis the said lait cunyie or ony part thairof presentlie remanis To bring and deliuer the same to the personis foirsaidis vpoun the prices that they wer gevin out for as said is To the effect that thay may be reducit in maner abonewrittin betuix and the said first day of Julij nixtocum Certefeing thame and thay failyie That the said lait cunyie sail not haue further cours nor the foirsaidis personis sail not be astrictit to ressaue the same thairefter Attour his Maiestie and the saidis lordis considering that the said reductioun can not tak effect without sum remedis of wecht and fynes in the forging and stryking of the saidis peces and that the samin remedis hes bene grantit to the maister cunyeour present for the tyme in all aiges past Without the quhilk seing it is impossible that ony expeditioun can be maid in the said work The Kingis maiestie with auise of the saidis lordis be thir presentis concludis statutis and ordanis That ilkane of the saidis peces salbe formit and cunyeit with 156 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Acts of tiie twa granis of remeid alsweill of weclit as fynes vnder and abone Commanding heirfore the "^^58l"'°'^' gsnerall maister cunyeour and all vtheris officiaris of the Cunyiehous llkane in thair awin offices To forge prent and cans be forgit and prentit sic peces of wecht and fynes with thair remedis as is abonementionat Willing and declaring that thir presentis salbe als sufficient warrand and securitie to thame and ilkane of thame for cunyeing of the saidis peces With the saidis remedis in maner foirsaid as gif the samin had bene specialie mentionat and compre- hendit in the said act of parliament Prouiding alwyse that the saidis peces tobe cunyeit of the said lait cunyie be ellevin . d . fyne with twa granis of remedis or within of wecht and fynes and not to exceid the samin according to ane vther act maid granting the remedis of the said new cunyie And to the effect that na fraude be vsit in the reductioun of the said lait cunyie and that the samyn may be hallelie reducit at leist samekle as salbe brocht in within the tyme foirsaid His maiestie with aduise of the saidis lordis hes alsua concludit and ordanit That the samin lait cunyie salbe meltit or clippit and cunyeit be it seK In presence of Archebald Naper of Edinbillie Knycht generall of the Cunyiehous appointit be his hienes to this effect And keip register of haill wecht and fynes immediatlie efter the melting, and siclike of the quantitie of the same As alsua the assey thairof to put and caus be kepit in the assey box To be furthcumand alwyse to the maister cunyeour efter the prufe had of the samin . ffurther becaus his maiesteis cunyiehous besyde Halrydehous is presentlie rwynous vnmeit for working of the said Work His hienes with aduise of the saidis Lordis thairfore Commandis the saidis generall maister cunyeoure and vtheris ofl&ciaris of tlae said cunyiehous ilkane in thair awin offices To work the samin work within the duelling houss of Archebald Stewart in Edinburgh in tyme cuming ay and quhill thay be commandit in the contrar As thay will ansuer to his Maiestie vpoun thair office and obedience. LX. — 25 March 1582, The price of Silver Jixed. Vol. 1581- The quhilk day the Kingis maiestie with auise of the Lordis of secrete counsale for 1585 f 13 ' ■ the bettir furtherance of the work of his hienes cunyie and. advancement of his maiesties proffite ordanis and commandis Thomas Aitchesoun his present maister cunyeoure To bye all siluer of ellevin . d . fyne in tyme cuming vpoun the price of xxxvij s ilk vnce and all vther siluer accordinglie pro rata To be cunyeit in the new cunyie of ten schilling peces according to the lait act of parliament And that the said Thomas do his vtter diligence heiranent . as he will ansuer to his hienes thairvpoun ffor the qulrilk thir presentis salbe to him suflicient warrand. LXi. — 14 A])ril 1582, Warrant for coining xl g, xxx §, and xx § pieces. Vol. 1581- Eorsamekle as be act of oure souerane lordis lait parliament It wes statute and 1586, f. 17. ordanit That thair suld be ane penny or pece of siluer cunyeit of ellevin . d . fyne quhilk suld wey ane quarter vnce troyis wecht and to haue cours for ten schillingis berand sic forme and circumscriptioun as is mentionat in the said act Notwithsanding it being vnder- stand to his maiestie and lordis of secrete counsale That the saidis peces In respect of the JAMES VI.] RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 157 price is not of sic quantitie as is requisite And that not onlye his hienes subiectis sail tak Acts of tiie occasioun thairtbrow to mislyke of thame Bot als his maiestie salbe greatlie dampnifeit 1582. and hinderit of his proffite Be ressoun that gretar laboure travell and diligence mon be bestowit vpoun the working of the same then gif thay wer of gretar quantitie And sua of necessitie mon diminische his hienes prof&te ffor remeid quhairof his maiestie and the saidis lordis following the custum that fra tyme to tyme in all aiges past hes bene obseruit to the contentment of his hienes subiectis advancement of his maiesteis proffite and com- moun benefite of the haill cuntrie Statutis and ordanis That thair salbe peces structin and cunyeit of ane vnce thre quarters of ane vnce half ane vnce and ane quarter vnce wecht with twa granis of remeid of wecht and fynes vnder and abone to ilk ane of the saidis peces And to be of wecht proportionalie ilkane mair nor vther equiuolent to the price And aU the same peces tobe of the like forme fynes and circumscriptioun as is contenit in the said act Commanding heirfore the generall maister cunyeoure warden sincar and assayer ilkane in thair awin offices to work and cans be wrocht the foirsaidis peces with the saidis remedis according to the tennour and eff'ect of thir presentis Quhilk his maiestie and the saidis lordis declaris salbe als sufficient warrand vnto thame as gif the same and haill contentis thairof wer expreslie mentionat in the said act of parliament. LXii. — 26 July 1582, Assedation of the pertineris of the Cunyie. Forsamekle as oure Souerane Lord with auise of the thrie estaitis of this realme In Vd._l58l- the parliamente begun at Edinburgh the xxiiij day of October The yeir of god J™ Ixxxj yeiris ordanit the lait cunyie of sextene aucht foure and twa schilling peces suld be reducit and inbrocht to his hienes cunyiehoue Be Alexander Clerk of Balbirny prouest of Edin- burgh William Naper of Wrichtishousis NicoU Vddart Henry Neisbitt Richard Abircrumby Robert Abircnmiby burgessis of the said burgh of Edinburgh and Thomas Aitchesoun maister of oure souerane lordis cunyie quha had thre yeris takkis thairof Quhilkis takkis be the said act of parliament wer declarit tobe of nane avale in all tyme thairefter Allowing alwyse that quhilk thay haue done be virtew of the saidis takkis befoir the charge of the reductioun and ressait of the said new cunyie wes gevin to the saidis William Naper and Thomas Aitchesoun, quha wer obleist to ressaue the said new cunyie for the prices for the quhilk the samin wes gevin furth, and to reduce the samin to fourtie schillingis the vnce betuix the dait of the said act of parliament and the xj day of Marche nixt thairefter In the yeir of god jm yc ixxxj yeris Quhilk day for gude and ressonable considerationis wes be act of secrete counsale prorogat to the first day of Julij nixt thairefter And now oure souerane Lord and lordis of secrete counsale hes taken perfyte tryall That the saidis pertiners of the cunye be virtew of the said tak hes be the saidis William Naper and Thomas Aitchesoun speciallie depute thairto Reducit and ressauit all the said new money quhilk wes presentit vnto thame befoir the said first day of Julij And that yit thair restis vnreducit of the said new cunyie quhilk past the Irnes the nowmer of threscoir ane stane wecht remanand yit in the handis of oure souerane lordis liegis And on nawyse off"erit nor presentit to the saidis pertiners befoir the said first day of Julij And als oure souerane lord and lordis of secrete 158 RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI, Acts of the coimsale foirsaid vnderstanding that the saidis pertiners hes satisfeit his hienes deares "^^582™"^' cousing and counsalour Esme Duke of Lennox Earl Darneley Lord Torboltoun Dalkeith and Aubigny heich and great chalmerlane of his maiesteis realme his donatoure not only for the profiite of the said thre scoir ane stane wecht not reducit Bot of all proffite and commoditie quhilk oure said souerane lord and his hienes thesaurar mycht onywyse ask cleame or repeit fra the saidis pertiners be ressoun of thair assedatioun of the said cunyie or ony melling or intromissioun thairwith ayther afore the said act of parliament or sensyne Thairfore oure said souerane Lord with aduise of the saidis lordis of secrete counsale grantis him tobe sufficientlie satisfeit and payit of all proffite and commoditie quhilk his hienes mycht craue fra the saidis pertiners of the said cunyie alsweill be ressoun of the said reductioun as of the said quantitie of money not reducit And for the superplus or excrescens of the heichar prices of the said new cunyie quhilk past the Irnis or of quhat- sumeuir vther cause quhairby the saidis pertiners mycht be chargeit for ony commoditie or proffite be his hienes And in respect of the said payment and satisfactioun maid to his hienes said richt traist cousing and counsalour, His hienes with aduise foirsaid declaris the samin to be als sufficient as gif the said payment and satisfactioun had bene maid to his hienes self or his thesaurar in his name and as gif the said haill new cunyie had bene imbrocht and reducit as said is efter the forme and tennour of the said act of parliament Dischargeand the saidis pertiners thair aires executouris and assignayis and all vtheris haueand interes thairof for -now and euir. Attoure oure said souerane Lord be aduise of the saidis lordis of secrete counsale be the tennour heirof Declaris That the saidis pertiners of the foirsaid cunyie haue dewtefuUie and lauchfullie dischargeit thair dewtie in all thingis quhilk appertenit to thame according to the said assedatioun ay and quhill the samin wer declarit of nane avale And sensyne be reductioun of samekle of the said cunyie as to thame wes presentit befoir the said first day of Julij and now quhatsumeuir thing done be thame in the premissis And farther that the saidis pertiners ar not nor sail not be obleist to ressaue ony mair of the said new money tobe reducit as said is Becaus the samin wes not offerit nor presentit vnto thame within the tyme contenit in the proclamatioun maid thair- vpoun. Sicklike oure said souerane Lord with aduise foirsaid in verbo regio faithfullie promittis That an act salbe maid conforme heirto in the nixt parliament in forme as efferis. Lxiii. — 24 Dec. 1583, Act anent the viij d and iiij 6[ pecis. Vol. 1581- The Kingis Maiestie with his nobilitie and estaittes presentlie assembled considering 1585, f. 74 . ^j^g greit skaith and inconvenient quhilk his hienes and the commoun weill of his realme presentlie sustenes Throw the diuersitie of the price of siluer in sindry peces of allayed money now current amangis his hienes liegis Be reasoun quhairof a gret quantitie of the same namelie of the xij d peces babeis and awld plakkes is found now to be decayed and wanting previe persones frustrating his maiestie of his rycht and proffit of his counye (being ane of the speciale pairtes of the rentes and casualiteis belanging to his croun) in the vnlawfull transporting breking doun and fyning of the foirnamyt kyndes of allayed money alsweill furth of the cuntre as within the same for remeid quhairof hes thocht expedient JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 159 ordanit and concliidit thairfoir That all the saides twelf pennie peices babeis and plackes Acts of the with the thre pennie grottis and half plackes now current salbe brocht in to his hienes ^"^^1583!"'''' cunyehous not being fals counterfite and brokin downe with all gudlie diligence and thairof new money to be cunyeit of thre pennie fyne in grottes at aucht penneis the pece and hawlf grottes at iiij d with tua granes of remeid of fynes alsweill abone as vnder And that thair be ane hundreth threttie fyfe of the saidis viij d grottis in the merk or tua hundreth thre- scoir and ten of foure penny grottis in the nierk wecht of the said money with allowance of aucht of the saidis aucht penny grottis or xvj of the foure penny grottis for remeid of wecht alsweill havie as licht vpoun everie merk wecht of the said money passand the Irnes Of the quhilkis remeidis the maister cunyeour salbe comptabill according to the ordour as alsua ansuerabill of the proffeit of every Jornay to our thesaurar As at mair lenth is specifeit in his contract and that the said money have on the ane syde ane thrissell crowned with this circumscriptioun oppiduni Edinburgi and on the vther syde his maiesteis armes crowned with this circumscriptioun Jacobus 6 dei gratia Eex Scotorum Thairfoir ordanis and commandis the generall maister cunyeour sinkare assayar wardanis forgearis prentaris and vtheris officiaris of his hienes cunyiehous to proceid in making and wirking of the said new money with all possible diligence and that Letteris be direct for publicatioun heirof that nane pretend ignorance of the same With command in the same to all and sindrie oure souerane lordis liegis havearis of the. saidis xij d pecis babeis and plakkis thrie penny grottis and half plakkis in thair handis That they bring in and present the same to his hienes maister cunyeour betuix and the first day of Julii nixtocum quha sail deliuer to thame thairfoir schilling for schilling in the said new money with certificatioun to thame that failyies the said day being bypast His maiestie with auise of his secreit counsale will discharge the cours of the saidis pecis or cry the same to les avale as salbe thocht maist expedient commanding alsua his maiesteis haill liegis to accept and ressaue the said new money in exchange and pament and on nawayes tak vpoun hand to refuis the samin as thai will ansuer to his maiestie vpoun thair obedience at thair vttirmest charge and perrell, LXiv. — 31 Jan. 1583, Anent the Cunye. Forsameikle as albeit proclamatioun wes laitlie maid ordaning all the xij d pecis Vol. 1581- babeis and plakkis with the thrie penny grottis and half plakkis to be inbrocht to our souerane lordis cunyiehous not being fals counterfute nor brokin doun with aU gudlie diligence To the effect that ane new money mycht be cunyeit of thrie penny fyne in grottis at viij d the pece and half grottis at iiij d the pece as at mair lenth is contenit in the said proclamatioun direct thairvpoun Notwithstanding few or nane of the saidis pecis ar lyklie to be inbrocht to the said cunyiehous Sa lang as thai salbe sufferit to haue cours or that his maiesteis liegis sail not ressaue sum commoditie be the inbringing of the samin quhairof seing his hienes hes had pruif and experience sen the maiking of the said act and publicatioun thairof And that the inconuenient quhilk his maiestie and the commounweill of this realme presently sustenis Throw the diuersitie of the prices of syluer in sindrie pecis of allayed money can not be removit hot be inbringing and r 160 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the exchangeing of the samin in the said new money The Kingis maiestie thairfoir with anise "^1583""" ' of the saidis lordis Ordanis and commandis his hienes Maister cunyeour present and tocum To vse diligence in ressaving inbringing and exchangeing of the saidis xij d pecis babeis plakkis thrie d grottis and half plakkis in the foirsaidis pecis of new money and to deliuer xij d mair Comptand for euerie vnce of vtter fyne syluer of the saidis xij d pecis babeis plakkis and grottis nor is contenit in the contract maid betuix his maiestie and the said maister cunyeour thairvpoun Quhilk his maiestie with auise of the saidis lordis ordanis to be allowit to him in his comptis be the auditouris thairof quhairvnto thir jjresentis sail serve him for a sufficient warrand in the menetyme. Lxv. — 7 Feb. 1583, Aneiit the Cunye. Vol. 1581- Forsamekle as the Kingis Maiestie with his nobilitie and estaittis assembled in the 1585 f. 78''. . lait conuention considdering the greit skaith and inconuenient quhUk his hienes and the commounweill of his realme presentlie sustenis throuch the diuersitie of the prices of siluer in sindrie pecis of allayed money now current amangis his hienes liegis Be ressoun quhairof a greit quantitie of the same namelie of the xij d pecis babeis and auld plakkis wes fund to be decayit and wanting Priuie personis frustrating his maiestie of his richt and proffeit of his cunyie (being ane of the speciall pairtis of -the rent and casualiteis belanging to his croun) In the vnlauchfull transporting and breking doun and fyning of the foirnemmit kyndis of allayed money alsueiU furth of the cuntrie as within the same ffor remeid quhairof his hienes his saidis nobilitie and estaittis thocht than expedient and concludit that all the saidis xij d pecis babeis and plakkis with the thrie d grottis and half plakkis now current sould be brocht in to his hienes cunyiehous not being fals counterfute and brokin doun with all gudlie diligence as in ane act maid thairvpoun at mair lenth is contenit and ordanit and commandit the generall maister cunyeour synkar assayar warden forgearis prentaris and vtheris officiaris of his hienes cunyiehous to proceid in making and wirking of the said new money with all possible diligence thaireftir fifor publicatioun of the quhUkis premissis his maiesteis proclamatioun wes direct and laitlie maid chargeing all and sindrie his hienes liegis havearis of the saidis xij d pecis babeis and plakis thrie penny grottis and half plakkis in thair handis To bring and present the samin to his hienes maister cunyeour betuix and the first day of Julii nixtocum Quha sould deUuer to thame thairfoir schilling for schilling in the said new money with certificatioun to thame that failyeit the said day being bipast His Maiestie with auise of his secreit counsale wald discharge the cours of the saidis pecis or cry the samin to les avale as sould be thocht maist expedient as at mair lenth is contenit in the said proclamatioun Notwithstanding quhairof the Kingis maiestie and the lordis of his hienes secreit counsale being informit that his hienes jDroff'eit is far hinderit and his hienes cunyiehous in a maner constranit to ly ydill throu oceasioun of sindrie hes hienes subiectis That driftis and differis the inbringing of the saidis Kyndis of allayit money appointit to be brokin doun and reducit as said is quhiU the approcheing of the day foirsaid appointit to that effect quhilk may import a speciall hurt and inconuenient to the kingis Maiestie and the commounwele in the menetyme Ffor avoyding JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 161 quliairof The Kingis maiestie with anise of the saidis lordis of his secreit counsale Hes Acts of the declairit ordanit and concludit and be thir presentis declaris ordanis and concludis That ^"^1583""*^''' the saidis xij d pecis babeis plakis thrie penny grottis and half plakis sail haue na maner of cours within the burgh of Edinburgh quhair his hienes cunyiehous is situat nor yit within the sherefdome of Edinburgh and constabularie of Hadingtoun quhair his maiesteis subjectis may haue the same dewlie interchangit at all tymes Efter the day of and ordanis letteres to be direct to officiaris of armes scherefi&s in that pairt chargeing thame to pas to the mercat croce of Edinburgh and vthiris placis neidfull and mak publicatioun and intimatioun heirof sua that nane pretend ignorance of the samyn. LXVi. — 26 Feb. 1583, To deliver theproffit of the Cunye to Schir Robert Meluite. The Kingis maiestie and lordis of secreit counsale In respect of the greit chargis and Vol. 1581- expenssis sustenit be Schir Eobert Meluile of Murdocairny knicht thesaurar depute in ^' ' outredding of the commoun effairis of the cuntrie and that he is presentlie movit be his hienes to accept vpoun him the pament of sum debtis to Johnne Johnstoun of that ilk warden of the west merchis of this realme ffor his releif Hes thocht gude concludit and resoluit That the haill proffeit of his maiesteis cunyie salbe monethlie or oulklie as the said Schir Eobert sail think gude vptaikin intromettitwith and applyit be him as followis That is to say the ane half thairof for sustening and outredding of the commoun debtis chargis and effairis of the cuntrie And the vther half of the samen to be deliuerit be the said Schir Eobert or be his maiesteis maister cunyeour present and to cum be the said Schir Eobertis precept to Williame commendatar of Pittinweme capitane and commander of his hienes gaird ay and quhill he be completlie pait of the sowme of xiiij I™ ti commanding heirfoir the said maister cunyeour present and to cum To mak compt rekniug and payment to the said Schir Eobert of the proffeit of the said cunyie in maner at the tymes and to the effect abonewrittin and to nane vtheris Notwithstanding ony actis of counsale preceptis or vtheris letteris maid past or to be maid past and direct in the contrar quhUkis his maiestie with auise of the saidis lordis dischargis and decernis to be null and to haue na force nor effect in tyme cumming Lyke as his maiestie and the saidis lordis Promittis on nawayis to pas or direct ony preceptis or vtherwayis to do or command ony thing to be done Tending to the annulling or dirogatioun of thir presentis or ony pairt of the samen be ony maner of way at ony tyme heireftir. Lxvii. — 14 March 1583, Anent the Cunye. Forsamekle as the greit skaith and Inconuenient quhilkis our souerane lord and Vol. 1581- . 1585 f 84'' the commounweill of this realme sustenit throw the diuersitie of the prices of syluer in > • • sindrie pecis of allayed money current amangis his hienes liegis being considerit be his maiestie his nobilitie and estaittis assemblit togidder in the moneth of December last bipast and that be reasoun thairof a greit quantitie of the same money namelie of the xij d X 162 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. ptif' Council ^^^^^^ ^abeis and auld plakkis wes fund to be decayit and wanting Priuie personis 1583. ' frustrating bis maiestie of bis ricbt and proffeit of bis cunyie (being ane of tbe speciall pairtis of tbe rentis and casualiteis belanging to bis bienes croun) In tbe vnlaucbfull transporting breking doun and fyning of tbe saidis pecis alsweill furtb of tbe cuntrie as witbin tbe samin ffor remeid qubairof concludit and ordanit Tbat all the saidis xij d pecis babeis and plakkis witb tbe tbrie penny grottis and balf plakis sould be brocbt in to bis bienes cunyiebous not being fals counterfute and brokin doun witb all diligence and tbairof new money to be cunyeit of tbrie penny fyne in grottis at viij d tbe pece and half grottis at iiij d as in tbe act and proclamatioun maid tbairanent at mair lentb is contenit Quhilk lies tane effect and executioun sen tbe tyme foirsaid of tbe maiking tbairof Lyke as the same dois presentlie to tbe proffeit of bis maiestie and commounweill of bis haill realme notwithstanding becaus his bienes vnderstude sum bruttis and reportis to baue bene spred amangis his bienes subiectis that tbe saidis new pecis in wecht fynes and vther circumstancis wer not correspondent to tbe tennour and effect of tbe said act in all pointis qubairof his bienes being desirous to baue knawin the certaintie alsweill for bis maiesteis awin assurance as for the bettir satisfactioun of all bis subiectis ffor tbe same purpois appointit certane Lordis of bis priuie counsale with tbe provest and baillies of Edinburgh and vtberis of best iudgement and experience in sic caissis to try be fornis and experience the estait of tbe said cunyie Quba according to his bienes appointment having ressauit tbe said tryell His maiestie vpoun thair report and suir knawledge bad be fornis of tbe trewtb Hes tbocht gude to declair and assuir all bis bienes subiectis tbat tbe saidis new pecis in wecbt fynes and all vther circumstances ar correspondent to tbe tennour and effect of tbe said act in all pointis and according to tbe rait equall in fynes witb tbe saidis xij d pecis babeis and plakkis and exceidis not the sowme of xlv § of euery vnce passand tbe Irnis qubilkis malcis ane equalitie alsua in fynes witb tbe balf merk and xl d pecis ather of thame makand ane vnce of syluer in xlv s and natbiug different frome tbe price of tbe vther fyne syluer current v,'ithiu this realme And sua thair being ane equalitie in tbe money It wes fund as it is provin indeid and as experience will forder declair Tbat his maiestie and tbe commounweill is greitlie proffitit And tbe vnlaucbfull transporting breking doun and fyning of tbe foirnemmit kyndis of allayed money greitlie hinderit And thairfoir to stop tbe moutbis of sic malicious reportis in tyme cumming His maiestie with auise of tbe saidis lordis Ordanis Lettres to he direct to officiaris of amies scbereflfis in that pairt chargeing thame to pas and mak publicatioun and intimatioun of the premissis to all and sindrie his maiesteis liegis qubairthrow nane pretend ignorance of the samin. Lxviii. — 27 April 1584, Allowance to the Maister Cimyeour. Vol. 1581- Forsamekill as it is vnderstanding to the kingis maiestie and lordis of secreit counsale 1^85, t. 91. ^j^^^ prices of syluer hes bene greitlie heicbtit and raisit be certane bis bienes subiectis talking vpoun thame tbe name of excbangearis and tbat sum vnder cuUour of bis maiesteis preceptis purcliest for ansuering to thame of bis bienes proffeit of sic syluer as wer furneist and gevin in to be past tbe Irnis for panient of thame selffis of certane debtis contractit JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 163 be his hienes Hes boclit syluer far abone tlie avale or that the samen wes accustumat to Acts of the gif for the tyme be the quhilk the derth of syluer dalie iucresset Lyke as his maiesteis ^"^1584""^ maister cunyeour for the advanceing of his hienes proffeit payment of the waigis of his gaird and ontredding of sindrie vtheris his hienes effairis quhilk micht ressaue na delay for the tyme wes constranit to by syluer vpoun the like prices as being vnhable vtheruise ather to haue satisfeit his maiestie or yit to haue inbrocht the sortis of syluer Ordanit to be brokin doun in sic quantitie as his hienes proffeit onywyis mycht haue bene knawin Quhairof his maiestie and the saidis lordis haveand consideratioun and willing as reasoun wald that the said maister cunyeour salbe na lossar seing that all thingis done be him in this behalf wes for his hienes proffeit Hes thairfoir allowit and be thir presentis allowis to the said maister cunyeour xxxvij s vj d for ilk vnce syluer coft be him without deductioun or defalcatioun of ony pairt thairof notwithstanding onie Act or compt past or vther forme prescriuit or appointit of befoir in the contrair quhairanent his maiestie dispenssis Lyke as his maiestie with auise of the saidis Lordis for the bettir expeditioun and advanceing of his hienes proffeit in tyme cumming Hes appointit and be thir presentis appointis to the said maister cunyeour for his price of bying of ilk vnce of xj d fyne heirefter threttie sevin schillingis vj d and all vther syliier equiualent pro rata Commanding heirfoir the auditouris of his hienes comptis To allow to him the said price of bying of the syluer in tyme bigane and in tyme cumming conforms to the forme appointit and prescriuit to him be thir presentis ffor the quhilk the same presentis to be producit in compt salbe to thame- sufficient warrand. LXix. — 3 August 1584, Prorogatio7i of the tyme appointed for inhringing of the iij A ptecis haheis and auld p)lakkis. Forsamekill as our souerane lord with the nobilitie and estaittis assemblit in the Vol. 1.581- 1585 f 10' moneth of last bipast Considdering the greit skaith and inconuenient quhilk his hienes and the commounweill of the realme sustenit throw the diuersitie of the prices of syluer in sindrie peces of allayed money current amangis the liegis Be reassun quhaii'of a greit quantitie of the same namelie of the xij d pecis babeis and auld plakkis was fund to be decayit and wanting Priuie personis frustrating his hienes of his rycht and proffeit of his cunyie (being ane of the speciall pairtis of the rentis and casualities belanging to his croun) In the vnlawfull transporting breking doun and fyning of the foirnemmit kyndis of allayed money alsweill furth of the cuntrie as within the samen ffor remeid quhairof his maiestie his saidis nobilitie and estaittis Thocht than expedient ordainit and concludit That all the saidis xij d pecis babeis and plakkis with the thrie penny grottis and half plakkis current sould be brocht in to the cunyiehous not being fals counterfute and brokin doun with all gudlie diligence As in ane act maid thairvpoun at mair lenth is contenit And ordanit and commandit the generall maister cunyeour sinkar assayar wardanis forgeaiis prentaris and vtheris of3ticiaris of the cunyiehous to proceid in making and working of the new cunyie with all possible diligence thaireftir ffor publicatioun of the quhilkis premissis proclamatioun wes direct and maid chargeing alsua all and sindrie the liegis havearis of the saidis xij d pecis babeis and plakis thrie d grottis and half plakis in thair handis To 164 RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [.JAMES vr. Acts of the haue brocht and presentit the samen to the maister cunyeour betuix and the first day of ^"^iSsT™"^' J^ilij lastbipast quha sould deliuer to thanie thairfoir schilling for schilling in the said new money with certificatioun to thame that falyeit the said day being bypast His hienes with auise of the lordis of secreit connsale wald discharge the cours of the saidis peels as at mair lenth is contentit in the said proclamatioun Notwithstanding quhairof and that the said day be of lang tyme bigane yit diners of the saidis liegis driftis and delayis to inbring the saidis kyndis of allayed money to be reducit as said is in hie contempt of his maiesteis proclamatioun foirsaid and greit hinder of his hienes proffeit quhairthrow albeit his maiestie hes iust cans presentlie to discharge presentlie the cours of the saidis pecis and vtheruise to pvneis the personis with quhom thay remaine and salbe fund yit continewing his hienes favourable dealing towardis thame and to tak away ignorance and excuis that onywise thai may pretend in this behalf Hes thocht gude of new to proroge the inbringing of the saidis pecis in this maner That is to say for all pairtis and boundis of this realme distante the space of twenty mylis fra the burgh of Edinburgh vnto the fyftene day of October nixtocum And ordanis letteris to be direct to mak publicatioun heirof be oppin proclama- tioun at the mercat croces of the heid burrowis of this realme and vtheris places neidfuU quhairthrow nane pretend ignorance of the samen And thairfoir command and charge all and sindrie his hienes liegis To inbring the saidis pecis to the said maister cunyeour dayis respectiue foirsaid Certifeing thame and thay failyie that his maiestie with auise of the saidis lordis will discharge Lykeas thay now as than and than as now dischairgis the same pecis to haue cours at ony tyme eftir the said day commanding the saidis liegis on nawayis to ressaue thame in exchange or payment of quhatsumeuir waris gudis or merchandice thaireftir vnder quhatsumeuir cullour or pretence vnder the pane of tressoun And to the effect the contravenaris heirof sail not eschape vnpvneist To com- mand and charge all and sindrie schireffis stewartis provestis and baillies of burrowis To tak and apprehend the personis with quhom the saidis peces or onie pairt of thame sail remane eftir the foirsaid day and to keip and hald thame in sure firmance and captiuitie ay and quliill iustice be ministrat vpoun thame as accordis as the saidis schiref&s stewartis and vtheris foirsaidis will ansuer vpoun thair offices and obedience. A Lxx. — 24 August 1584, Anent the Cunyeing of Gold. Vol. 1581- Forsamekle as be ane act maid be our souerane lord and his thrie estaittis in his lait 1585, f. 103. paj.iij^jj^Qnt It wes thocht gude statute and ordanit That thair sould be cunyeit twa pecis of gold The ane of sax pecis in the vnce of the fynes of xxj carrettis and ane half to haue cours and passage for thrie pundis xv s The vther of nyne in the vnce of the wecht of the croun and of the fynes foirsaid and to haue cours for fiftie schillingis And as toward the forme and circumscriptioun thairof with the remedy of wecht and fynes His maiestie and estaittis foirsaidis Eemittit the samen to the Lordis of his secreit counsale and be the tennour of the said act gaif and grantit commissioun to thame to tak order thairaneut as they sould think expedient as in the said act at mait lenth is contenit Quhairfoir the saidis Lordis of secreit counsale considdering how the auncient and auld gold within this JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 165 cuntrie lies bene and is fra tyme to tyme transportit be strangearis passengeris and vtberis Acts of the sua that presentlie litle remains within this realme sauffand the gold of vtberis cuntreis and ^"^^1584"" ' princes quhilkis hes cours at the pleasour of sic as byis and sellis and not according to resounable prices at the iudgeraent of his maiestie and bis estaittis Quhilk not being remedit may report greit inconuenient and frustrat his hienes of bis commoditie and thairfoir following the commandement of the said act for the proffeit of his maiestie and commoun Weill of this realme and all estaittis of personis within the samen Hes thocht gude that the saidis pecis of gold be cunyeit with sic diligence as may be according to the said act with this additioun that thair be alsua cunyeit thrie pairtis of the samen fynes and wecht equiualent pro rata within the saidis haill and half pecis with this imprent and circumscriptioun That is to say on the ane syde ane cors haveand on ilk quarter thairof ane I R crownit as for the kingis maiesteis name with ane S in the middis of the said cors in ilk quarter the figure as for the dait of the yeir with this circumscriptioun Deus indicium tuum regi da and on the vtlier syde ane crownit lyoun sitting on etc. having in the hand ane sword and in the vther hand one sceptour with this circumscriptioun Post 5 et 100 proauos inuicta manent hec and that in this forme and for remeid Blank in of fynes to haue ane sext pairt of carrett alsweill abone as vnder wdth ane grane of remeid ^""'S"'^^' vpouii ilk i^eice alsweill liavy as licht And ordanis Letteris to be direct to niak publica- tioun heirof be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croces of the heid burrowis of this realme And to command and charge all and sindrie his hienes liegia To ressaue the saidis pecis of gold in reddy and thaiikfull payment And on nawyse pressume to tak vpon thame to refuis the samen Vnder the pane of tressoun And that the generall maister cunyeour wardanis assayar sinkar meltaris forgearis and prentaris of the cunyiehous present and to cum Ilkane in thair awin offices do thair diligence in melting forgeing and preiiting of the saidis pecis of gold as thai salbe commandit be the said generall and maister cunyeour thairto According to the wecht and fynes aboiiementionat as thay and ilkane of thame wdll ansuer to his hienes vpoun the execution of Thair offices. Lxxi. — 23 June 1585, The Mint to he taken to Dundee. The Kingis maiestie with auise of the lordis of secreit couiisall in respect of the Vol. 1585 1587 f 1' present infectioun of the pestilence enterit at God's plesure within the burgh of Edin- burgh Ordanis and commandis the generall and maister of his hienes cunyiehous to trarisporte the same and all officiaris furniture werklwmis and necessaris belangand thairto fra the burgh of Edinburgh to the toun of Dundee with all possible diligence and thair to entir and continew in cunyeing and wirking of gold siluer and allayed money according to the actis and warrandis past thairaiient of befoir alterand the circumscriptioun of the allayed penneis Oppidum Dnndie for Oppidum Edinburgi and eikand ane ring within the lettres as thay haue alreddy outwith the same quhaireuir it sal happin the said money to be wrocht and that they cans prepair all iiecessar houssis for working strakiiig and transporting of the officiaris of the said hous vpoun bis raaiesties expenssis quhilk salbe allowit in the compt of the said maister of the cunyie- 166 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI Acts of the hous Chairgeiiig alswa the wardanis sinkar assayare and all vtheris ofi&ciaris and seruandis "^^1585.°*^' ' of the said hous To remove and transporte thame selfis with diligence to the said burgh of Dundie quhair his hienes ordanis thame thankfullie tobe ressauit and weill vsit and intertenyit and to enioy sik immuniteis fredomis and preuilegeis during thair remaning thairin as thay had in Edinburgh or vtheris touns of thair dwelling and residence of befoir. LXXil. — 21 Oct. 1585, The Mint to he taken to Perth. Vol. 1585- The Kingis maiestie with auise of the lordis of secreit counsall in respect of the 1587 f 156 ' ■ ■ present infectioun of the pestilence enterit at Gods plesure within the burghis of Edin- burgh and Dundee Ordanis and Commandis the generall and maister of his hienes cwnyiehous to transporte thame selfl&s the prenting Irnes Say box and all officiaris furniture Warklwmis and necessaris belanging to the said house fra the pairtis and places quhair thai presentlie remane To the burgh of Perth with all j)0ssible diligence and thair to entir and contiuew in cunyeing and wirking of gold siluer and allayed money according to the actis and ordinanceis past thairvpoun of befoir Alterand the circumscriptioun of the allayed penneis Oppidum Perth for Oppidum Edinburgi and eikand a King within the lettres as thai haue alreddy outwith the same quhaireuir it salhappin the said money to be wrocht And that thai cans prepair all necessar houssis for wirking of the said work and lugeing of the said officiaris and werkmen of the said house and to transporte the officiaris and furniture vpoun his Maiesteis expenssis quhilk salbe allowit in the compt of the said maister of the cunyiehous Chargeing thairfoir the said generall maister cunyeour the wardanis sinkar assayar and all vtheris ofi&ciaris and seniandis of the said house To remove and transporte thame selffis with diligence to the said burgh of Perth and to that effect ordanis and commandis the prouest baillies and counsall of the said burgh of Perth To ressaue the generall maister cunyeour and haill remanent oflficiaris of the said hous thankfullie and to suffer and permitt thame and euery ane of thame To vse and enioy all sic immuniteis preuilegiis and liberteis within the said burgh of Perth during thair remaning thairin in thair vocatiouns and craftis as thay had and vsit in ony vthiris burghis quhair thai wer fremen and burgessis and wrocht heirtofoir. Lxxiil. — 11 Dec. 1585, Anent the Cunyie, Vol. 1585^ The Kingis maiestie and lords of secreit counsall considering how that pairtlie [be the] OrSna/^^ infectiouu of the pestilence quhilk at Godis plesure thair toun of Edin- deffced. burgh .... and pairtlie be the drift and delay vsit be his hienes subiectis in inbringing and deliuering to his maiesties maister cunyeour of the allayed peceis of money namelie of the xij d peceis babeis and plakkis and three penny grotes to haue bene brokin doun and sett oute in new cunye according to the actis of parliament and diuerss his hienes proclamationis maid be the same effect Not onUe hes the officiaris of his hienes cunyie bene constraint to ly ydUl this lang tyme bigane Bot the vnlauchfuU transporting breking down and fynning of the saidis peceis hes bene vsit in the meantyme alsweill outwith the JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 167 cuntrey as within the same to the grete hinder of his maiesteis proffite and hurt of the Acts of the commounweill. The said cunyie being ane of the chief rent and casualitie belangand to his ^"^^585 crowne Be the quhilk the personis appointit for the gaird of his hienes persoun hes bene accustumat tobe payit and sindrie vtheris necessar effearis of the cuntrey outred and furnist Qiihairfoir his maiestie with auise of the saidis lords Hes thocht meit concludit and ordanit That the saidis oiSciaris of his hienes cunyie sail transporte thame selffis with thair haill werklwmis to the burgh of Perth with all possible diligence and thair entir and continew in cunyeing and wirking of gold siluer and allayed money according to the saidis actis and ordinanceis past thairvpoun of befoir And to the effect that nane pretend ignorance of the same Ordanis lettres to be direct to officiaris of armes schereffis in that pairt chairgeing thame to pas and mak intimatioun and publicatioun of the premissis To all and sindrie his hienes liegis be oppin proclamatioun at the mercatt croceis of the heid burrowis of this realme and vthiris placeis neidfull And als to command and charge all the saids lieges To inbring and deliuer to his hienes maister cunyeour the saidis peceis of allayed money betuix and the day of nixtocum Certefeing thame with quhome the saidis peceis of allayed money salbe fundin eftir the said day That the same salbe confiscatt and intromettit with to his hienes vse and thair awin personis committit to warde to remane during his hienes will And to the effect the contravenaris heirof sail not eschaip punishment To command and charge all schereffis stewartis Prouestis and baillies of burrowis To tak and apprehend all and sindrie personis with quhome the saidis peceis of allayed money salbe fundin eftir the said day The same money to intromettit- with and inbring and deliuer to his maiesties thesaurare to his hienes vse and the saidis personis to committ to warde To remane ay and quhill his hienes declair his will and mynd towardis thame as the saidis schereffis stewartis and baillies will ansuer to his maiestie vpoun thair obedience at thair vttermost charge and perrell. Lxxiv. — 10 Dec. 1586, Assayis tane of the Cunyie. The quhilk day in presence of the Kingis maiestie and lords of secreet counsall Vol. 1585- 1587, f. 21' comperit personalie Schir Robert Meluill of Murdocairny Knycht and maister Dauid Carnegy of Calluthy and exponit and declarit that thay accumpanyit with Michael Gilbert goldsmyth and burges of Edinburgh James Achesoun sone to Johnne Achesone sumetyme maister cunyieour and certane vtheris of gude jugement and experience in the mater vndirwrittin convenit togidder in his maiesteis cunyiehous within the burgh of Edinburgh vpoun the tent day of May last bipast and according to his hienes act and ordinance and commissioun gevin be his maiestie causit oppin the boxis quhairin wer the assayis of all sortis of gold siluer and allayed money quhilkis wer cunyeit alsweill in the tyme that the said Johnne Achesoun wes maister cwnyieour to his hienes as sensyne be Thomas Achesoun present maister cwnyieour and finding in the said Thomas box the assayis of the lyoun noblis and new crownis haill and half fra the secund day of Nouember the yeir of God j'" v° Ixxxiiij yeiris to the auchtene day of Aprile last bipast inclusive and of the thretty twenty and ten s. peceis fra the sext day of Aprile the yeir of God j™ v<= Ixxx 168 RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of tiie twa yeiris to the tent day of May last bipast exclusive and of the xvj and auoht schilling "^^158°6^'^'^' peceis fra the xxLx day of Junij The yeir of God v'= Ixxx twa yeiris to the fourte day of Nouember the same yeir and of the aucht and foure penney peceis fra the xiij day of Januare The yeir of God j™ v'^ Ixxx three yeiris to the said tent day of May last bipast exclusive And in the said Johnne Achesonis box the assayis of the halff mark and xl d peceis fra the xj day of Aprile Ixxvij to the xxiij day of August fourescoir yeiris and of the twa mark peceis fra the xvj day of December Ix nyntene to the xxuij day of August Ixxx yeiris and of the [kinjgis ducatis of gold fra the secund day of August Ixxx to the xxix day of Nouember in the same yeir The prufe of quhilkis haill assayis of gold siluer and allayed money particularlie abone expremit being tane and the same tryit be fyre and vthirwayes according to the ordour obseruit in sic caissis and thaireftir comptrollit and considerit be the saidis Robert and maister Dauid and vthiris foirsaidis being in cumpany with thame according to the tennour of the said commissioun It wes reportit be thame that thay fand all the saidis assayis kepit the iust fynnes appointit in the seuerall actis and ordinanceis maid thairanent and past nocht beneth the granes of remeid prescriuit in the same actis as alswa that the nowmer of the assayis wer correspondent to the dayis jornayis the wardanes buikis The Kingis maiestie and lordis of secrete counsall accepting and allowing of the tryale tane be the saidis Schir Robert and Mr. Dauid in this behalff, and finding that thairin thay had procedeit verie ordourlie, circumspect! ie and with gude discretioun and deHberatioun Declairis thairfoir that the generall wardane countre wardane and the saidis Johnne and Thomas Achesonis, the Assayaris sinkare meltare forgeare of the said gold siluer and allayed money and all vthiris officiaris of his hienes cunyiehous haue dewlie, treulie, faithfullie and vprichtlie vsit thair offices conforme to the tennour of the saidis actis and ordinanceis in all pointis Twicheing the said assay and Exoneris thame and euery ane of thame of the same for euir be thir presentis. defaced. Lxxv. — 13 Oct. 1587, Act in favouris of the Maister Cunyeour. Vol. 1585- Forsamekle as albeit it be specialie prouidit in the contract maid betuix the [Kingis] 1587, f. 254. jjjg^jgg^ig yfi^ii auise of his hienes thesaurair and thesaurair depute on the ane [parte] and Thomas Achesoun his maiesteis maister cwnyeour on the vthir parte that the said Thomas suld not be dischargit of workeing and cunyeing of the aucht peceis Bot vpoun the Original premonitioun of xl dayes yet vpoun co and preiudice quliilk his hienes and his liegis sustenit allayed and base money current within this realme be the lait act of parliament for ordour taking with vther new money for his maiesties better of all forder workeing and laubouring of the same maiesteis proftitt and conditiouns contenit And that na ordour is yit tane for the avancement of his hienes profl&te and releiff of his dalie chairgeis be ony new cunyie Thairfoir his maiestie haueand occasioun presentlie to burden the said Thomas with a certain sowme of money quhilk is to be employed for his Graces honnour hes with auise of the saidis lords ordanit and JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 169 commandit and be the tennour heirof ordanis and commandis the said Thomas and vthiris Acts of the his officiaris of the said cunyiehous To cunyie and cans be cunyeit the haill werk restand ^"^58™'"^' in his hands vnperfyted and to by and cans be bocht ressauit and wrocht in the foirsaid cunyie alsmekle mair as will extend to sevinscoir stane wecht without cryme skaith or dangeare to be incurrit be thame thairthrow in thair personis landis or guids Nochtwith- stauding the foirsaid discharge actis statutes or proclamationis maid in the contrair Quhairanent his hienes dispensis be thir presentis Commanding the generall wardane countare wardane sinkare and assayare meltaris forgearis and prentars of his maiesteis cunyiehouse To awaitt vpoun thair ordinare seruice ilkane in thair seuerall chargeis And to do heirin quhilk to eueryane of thair oflRceis propirlie appertenis As they will ansuer to his maiestie thairvpoun at thair vttermost charge and perrell. Lxxvi. — 29 March 1588, Tlwmas Foullis contra James Achesoun. Anent the complaint maid to oiire Souerane Lord and Lordis of his Secrete counsall Vol. 1587- 15S9 f 19 be Thomas Foullis sinkare of the Cunyiehouse Makand mentioun That quhair James ' Achesoun sone to Johnne Achesoun in the Cannogait having laitlie obtenit ane Licence of his maiestie for prenting of countaris lies vndir cuUour thairof insinuat him selff in the said complenaris office Sinkis and makis Irnes instrumentis and matriceis alsweill for prenting of siluer as of lattoun Albeit the said complenare hes obtenit his maiesteis gift of that office during all the dayis of his lyftyme, In doing quhairof the said James hes committit a maist hie and proude attemptat aganis his Maiestie be violating of the Actis of parliament maid anent the kepmg and sinking of the Irnes of the cunyiehous Quhairunto withoute remeid be prouidit vtheris sail tak occasioun to do the like and anent the charge gevin to the said James To haue comperit personalie befoir his maiestie and the saidis Lordis To haue hard and sene him dischargeit of all forder sinking and making of the saidis Irnes and matriceis or vsing of ony thing concerning that office Bot to suffir and permitt the said Thomas pecablie to brouke loiss and vse the said office conforme to his said gift as alswa to haue hard and sene him decernit To deliuer all sic Irnes and matriceis as he hes in his handis to the generall of the cunyiehous to remaue and be kepit in his handis Or ellis to haue schawne ane ressonabill caus quhy with certificatioun and he failyeit the saidis Lordis wald discharge and decerne in maner foirsaid Lyke as at mair lentil is contenit in the said complaint The said Thomas Foullis comperand personallie produceit his gift vndir the preuey seO.1 makand him Sinkare of the Irnes of the cunyiehous during his Lyftyme of the date the nynt day of Januar The yeir of God J™ v'^ Ixxxiij yeiris and the said James Achesoun comperand alswa personalie Produceit lykwayes a licence and preuilege grantit to him to Grave sink and mak countaris of lattoun with sic pylis and tursallis as may serue to that effect for the space of Ten yeiris eftir date of the said Licence quhilk is the xx day of Januare lastbipast Quhilk licence and gift foirsaid with diners the ressonis and allegationis of baith the saidis pairteis being hard sene and considerit be the saidis Lordis and thay ryplie auisit thairwith The Lordis of secreit counsall ffindis that the said Licence and preuilege grantit to the said James Achesoun on Y 170 EECOKDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of tiie nawayes dois preiuge the said Thomas Foullis gift off the said office of sinkare nor of the "^1588™°^ ' profifite and commodite appointit to liim for vsing thairof and thairfoir ordanis the said James Achesoun To brouke and possess the foresaid priuilege grantit to him for graving sinking and making of Countaris of lattoun allanarlie with sic pylis and tursallis as may serue to the same effect during the space foirsaid Expressit in the said Gift and conforme to the tennour of the same. Lxxvii. — 30 July 1588, Anent the cunyeing of audit and foure penney peceis. Vol. 1587- Forsamekle as the Kingis maiestie hes thocht meit to direct his richt traist cousing ^' ^' and counsallour Francis Erll Bothuill Lord Hallis Creichtoun and Liddisdale to the north His and pairtis of this realme ffor repressing of the insolence and reduceing to his hienes obedience of a grite nowmer of disordourit personis inhabitantis thairof be quhome his maiesteis peccable and gude subiectis ar havelie opprest and the tred of fisheing in thay pairtis gritUe impedit ffor quhUk purpois thair is certane cumpanyes of men of weir leuyed and appointit to accumpany him Quhilkis as his maiestie vndirstandis can not gudlie be transported to the saidis pairtis nor yit at thair being thair serue to ony purpois without sum advancement of money afoirhand for bying of poulder bullett victuallis and all vthir prouisioun and preparationis requisite for the furtherance of this actioun And thairfoir his maiestie with auise of the Lordis of his secrete counsall ordanis and commandis the generall Thomas Achesoun maister of his hienes cunyiehous and vtheris officiaris of the said cunyiehous To cunyie and caus be cunyeit fourescoir stane wecht of aucht and foure penney peceis by and attour the quantitie Expressit in the Act and ordinance maid vpoun the xiij day of October last bipast and the prof&te of the same to deliuer and caus be delyuerit to the said Erll to the effect foirsaid deduceand onlie the worke menis wageis of the first and reddiest thairof ffor the quhilk his hienes with auise of the saidis Lordis decernis and declairis that the said generall Thomas nor vtheris his hienes officiaris of the said cunyie sail incur na skaith nor dangear in thair personis landis nor guidis nor that he sail not be called nor accused crimiualie nor ciuilie be ony maner of way in tyme cuming Nochtwithstanding ony actis or statutes maid in the contrare Exonering thame be thir presentis of all pane and dangear that thay may mcur thairthrow for euir dischargeing all his hienes iugeis and ministeris of his lawis of all persewing or onywayis preceding aganis thame for the same and of thair ofticeis in that part. Lxxviii. — 30 August 1588, Act anent the cunyeing off ane penny and twa penny plakkis. Vol. 1587- Forsamekle as throw the penuritie and scantnes of penneyis and vtheris small money 1589, p. 90. present within this realme It is perfytlie vndirstand to the Kingis maiestie and Lordis of Secreit Counsall that the pure people ar grittimelie endomageit and that the victualis sic as breid drink fishe and vthir penny worthis being sauld in small ar sett to JAMES VI.] EECOEDS or THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 171 heichar priceis and greitare derth nor thai wald be incais thair wer sufficient quantitie of Acts of the small money liaueand cours amangis the subiectis of this realme Thairfoir and for certane "^''^^583!""'' vtheris ressonable caussis moving his maiestie and the saidis Lordis It is thocht expedient that ane penney and twa penneyis of allayed money be maid forgeit and imprentit and sett furth of tuelff grane fyne with twa granes of remeid alsweill abone as vndir fourty of the penneyis weyand ane vnce and tuentie of the twa penny plackis weyand ane vnce Quhairof Three hundreth and tuentie penneyis weyis ane merk with tuelff pece of remeid vpoun ilk merk and ane hundreth and Ix twa penny plackis in the merk wecht with aucht pece of remeid vpoun the merk alsweill licht as havy The penny haueaud on the ane syde ane Lyoun ramping thus with this circumscriptioun Vincit Veritas and vpoun the vthir syde of the penny IE in a sipher crowned thus with this No figmes circumscriptioun Jacobus Sextus D.G.R. Scotorum and the plak haueand on the ane syde oriAna" ^'''^ the Lyoun within a Sheild crowned thus with the foirsaid circumscrip- tioun Vincit Veritas and vpoun vthir syde I.E. crowned with this circumscriptioun Jacobus 6 D.G.E. Scotorum and to haue cours throw all the legis of this realme for a penny and twa penneyis and that onlie ffourtie stane of vttir fyne siluer with the allay correspondent in this Cunyie pas throw the Irnis of the cunyiehous ffor quhilk purpois his hienes with auise of the saidis Lordis Grantis licence to his hienes maister cunyeour and vthiris officiaris To by and brek quhatsumeuir siluer or allay within this realme. Quhairfoir his maiestie commandis and ordanis the generaU maister cunyeour sinkar assayar wardanis and vthiris officiaris of his hienes cunyiehous To proceed in making and sinking of the Irnis and in making forgeing prenting and outputting of the said money to the quantitie abone writtin and to be Comptable for his maiesteis proffitt to his hienes thesaurair and Schir Eobert Meluill of Murdocairny Knycht depute in the office of thesaurare The officiaris feis and dewiteis being first deducit ffor the quhilk prenting forgeing making and outputting of the said money This present act and ordinance sail serue the said generall Maister cunyeour sinkar sayare wardanis and vtheris officiaris of his hienes cunyiehous foirsaid for sufficient warrand and thay nor nane of thame sail incur ony skaith or dangeare thairthrow in thair personis landis or guidis nor sail not be callit nor accused for the same criminalie nor ciuilie be ony maner of way in tyme cuming Notwithstanding quhat- sumeuir lawis actis of parliament statiitis constitutionis or proclamationis maid or to be maid in the contrair or ony panes contenit thairintill Anent the qiihilk his hienes dispenssis be thir presentis Promittand in verbo principis To gett the same ratifeit and apprevit be his hienes and his three esteatis in his hienes nixt parliament or conuentioun, Attoure his maiestie and the saidis Lordis considering the grite diuersitie betuix foreyne gold now rissin to ane exhorbitant price and his maiesteis awne gold cunyeit within this realme cheiflie the iij ti xv s peceis remaining as yit at the same price that thay wer first gevin oute for howbeit the same be of greitare valu and in that respect aucht to be augmentit in price correspondent alwayes with the priceis of the said foreyne Gold Quhair- throw the same may remane and not be transported as hithertillis it hes bene furth of this reahne to the grite hurte of the commounweill Thairfoir his maiestie with auise of the saidis lordis hes thocht meit and concludit That all the saidis peceis of gold ellis cunyeit 172 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the and to be cunyeit within this realme salhaue course in tyme cuming for iiij ti money of 1588. ' tliis realme, and nane to be ressaued nor haue passage Except thai keip the iust wecht with the ordinare remeid and that Letteris be direct to officiaris of armes schereffis in that parte chargeing thame to pas to the mercat croceis of the heid burrowis of the scheriffdomes of this realme and vtheris placeis neidfull and thair be oppin proclamatioun in his hienes name and auctorite mak iutimatioun and publicatioun of the preniessis That nane pretend ignorance of the same And to command and charge all and sindrie his hienes liegis That nane of thame tak vpoun hand To refuse the said gold and money for the priceis foirsaid vndir the pane of Tressoun. LXxix.— 13 September 1588, Act anent the cunyeing off Gold. Vol. 1587- Forsaniekle as the Kingis maiestie and lordis of Secrete counsall considering to quhat 1589, p. 96. \^q\q\^ priceis all forayne cunyeis of gold ar rased within this realme and that not onlie the same Bot alswa his hienes awne cunyie ar dalie transportit furth of this realme to the grite hurte of the commounweill Quhairthrow it is conuenient that his maiesteis cunyie of gold salbe equivalent in price and valu to the gold current in the realmis nixt adiacent hes thairfoir with auise of his said secreit counsall thocht meit and concludit That ane new penny of gold salbe strikin of the wecht and fjoines of the Inglis rois noble That is to say weyand ane qwarter of ane vnce Pareis wecht with halff peceis equivalent with ane grane of remeid alsweill havy as licht vpoun ilk pece and off the fynnes of Tuentie three carrett sevin granes with twa granes of remeid alsweill vndir as abone. The haill pece to haue course and passage for sevin pund sax schillingis aucht penneyis, and the half pece three pund xiij s iiij d, haueand on the ane syde twa scepteris crossit ane thirssill foure lyounis crownit and foure croAvnis with this circumscriptioun . florent sceptra piis regna his loua dat numeratque . and on the vthir syde ane ship with his maiesteis armes and vndir the same ane thirssill with this circumscriptioun . Jacobus 6 D. G. rex Scotorum. Quhairfoir his maiestie ordanis and commandis the Generall maister cunyeour sinkare assayare wardanis and vthiris officiaris of his hienes Cunyiehouse To proceid in making and sinking of the Irnes and in making forgeing prenting and outputting of the said gold and to be comptable for his maiesteis proffitt to his hienes thesaurare and Schir Robert Meluill of Murdocairny Knycht depute in the office of thesaurarie The officiaris feis and dewiteis being deduceit ffor . the quhillc prenting forgeing making and outputting of the said Gold This present act and ordinance sail serue the saidis generall maister cunyeour and vthiris officiaris foirsaidis for sufficient warrand . And that Letteris be direct to officiaris of armes schereffis in that part chargeing thame to pas to the mercatt croceis of the heid burrowis of this realme and vthiris placeis neidfuU . And thair be oppin proclamatioun in his hienes name and auctoritie mak iutimatioun and publicatioun of the premissis That nane pretend ignorance of the same . And to command and charge all and sindrie his maiesteis legis That nane of thame tak vpoun hand To refuse the said Gold for the availl and price foir- said vnder the pane of Tressoun. JAMES EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 173 Lxxx. — 6 Nov, 1588, The imprent off the twa ])enny jjlachis alterit. prtvy'^coundi 1588 Forsamekle as it is vndirstand to the Kingis maiestie and lordis of Secrete counsall that albeit the new penny and twa penny plaokis quhilkis wer laitlie cunyeit and sett furth 1539^ jf '105 be act and ordinance of counsall be euidentlie designit and may weill aneuch be decernit be the imprent fra his maiesteis vthir cunyie yit becaus the saidis twa penny plackis aggreis in quantitie with the audit penny pecis, sum avaricious and dissaitfull personis takis occasioun thairby to outputt the same plackis in exchange for aucht peuneyis To the grite hurte of the simple and ignorant personis ressauaris thairof, and in hie and manifest con- tempt of his maiestie his auctoritie and lawis . ffor remeid quhairof and removing of all occasioun of the like dissait in tyme cwming his hienes with auise of the saidis lordis of his secrete counsall ordanis the Generall maister cunyeour wardanis sinkare assayare and vthiris officiaris of his hienes cunyiehous To alter the imprent of the saidis twa penny plackis on ane syde thairof and cheiflie on that syde quhairon the Scheild is placit be removing of the same scheild quairin the Lyoun is conteuit and to ad thairto twa dobbis vpouu the bak syde of the Lyoun, kepaiid alwayis the same imprent on the vthir syde Expressit in the said act . And thaireftir to sett tliame furth in exchange amangis his hienes subiectis ffor the quhilkis thir presentis sail serue the saidis generall maister cunyeour and vthiris officiaris foirsaidis for a sufficient warrand . Nochtwithstanding ony act or ordinance past of befoir in the contrair . Quhairaneiit his hienes dispenssis and Exoneris thame of all pane and dangear that thay may incur thairtlirow for euir be thir presentis . And that Letteris be direct to niak publicatioun of the premissis to all and sindrie his hienes legis be oppin proclamatioun at the mercatt croceis of the same Quhair- throw nane pretend ignorance etc. Lxxxi. — 14 March 1589, Act anent the Cunyie. The quhilk day in presence of the lordis of secreit counsaill comperit personalie Schir Vol. 1.589- Eobert Meluill of Murdocairny knicht thesaurair depute and gaif in the letter vndirwrittin ^' subscriuit be the Kingis maiestie and lordis of his counsaill desiring the same to be actit and registrat in the buikis of secreit counsaill that the samin micht be decernit to haue the strenth of ane act and decreit of the lordis thairof and that tliair auctoritie micht be interponit thairto and letteris and executoriallis direct thairvpoun in forme as effeiris Quhilk desire the saidis lordis finding ressonabill lies ordanit and ordanis the same letteris to be actit and registrat in the saidis buikis to the effect foirsaid, off the quhilk the tennour followis . fforsamekle as we haue considderit how that Schir Eobert Meluill oure thesaurair depute lies largelie debursit and superexpendit him selff of diners and sindrie grite sowiiies of money for ws at oure command and to oure vtilitie and proffit quhairof we ar maist willing he suld be relevit Thairfoir we with aduise of oure secreit counsaill haue' assignit and be thir presentis assignis to him not onlie the casualities Bot alswa the haill profTeit and commoditie of oure cunyiehous ay and quliill he be sufficientlie relevit of his haill debursementis And to the effect the samin may the bettir be done we be thir 174 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [james vi. Acts of the presentis Prorogatis the cunyeing off all gold siluer and allayed money quhatsumeiiir and "^1589"" ' in speciall the aucht penny grotis and twa penny plackis ay and quhill the samin be specialie dischargeit be ws vpoun the premonitioun of ffourty dayis wau'ning allanerlie Nochtwithstauding of quhatsumeuir act or ordinance past of befoir in the contrair, commanding heirfoir the geuerall maister cunyeour wardanis sinkair assayaix and all vthiris labouraris in oure cunyiehous quhatsumeuir To continew in melting forgeing prenting of the foirsaid gold siluer and allayed money And to mak compt rekning and payment of the proffeittis of the same to the said Schir Kobert alwayes oure vthiris preceptis direct of befoir being first payit. Subscriuit with oure hand at Leith the xx day of October The Yeir of God J™ v<= Ixxx nyne yeiris. Lxxxii. — 13 July 1590, Anent the cunyeing of fourscoir stane wecht of Gold. Vol. 1589- ForsamekiU as be ane act and ordinance of secreit counsall maid at Edinburgh vpoun i.>9i, p. 377. ^.^j ^£ Junij lastbipast The maister cunyeour and remanent officiaris of the cunyehous wer ordanit To red the same hous of the allayit money betuix and the xx day of the said moneth and of the gold betuix and the xxvij day of the same moneth lykeas it wes than appointit that nayther gold siluer nor allayit money sould be cunyeit thaireftir quhill his hienes with aduise of his estaittis sould tak forder ordour anent the cunye as appertenis As the said act at mair lenth beris at the tyme of the making quhairof It wes then supponit be the lordis of secreit counsall and vtheris present for the tyme that sic quantitie of gold as of befoir wes appointit to haue bene wrocht and cunyeit for his maiesteis proffeit and satisfeing of sindry his creditouris mycht haue bene easelie done betuix the day of the dait foirsaid of the same act and the vther day thaireftir appointit for redding of the cunyehous of the said gold as it wes alwayis thair intentioun that the same quantitie sould be wrocht and cunyeit befoir the said act ony wayis sould tak effect Nochtwithstauding it is now certanelie vnderstand to his maiestie and to the maist part of the saidis lordis makaris of the same act and vtheris of his prevy counsall now present That thair is foure stane wecht of gold quhilk befoir the making of the said act wes appointit to haue bene wrocht and cunyeit as said is to the effect abone mentionat that as yit is not done nayther could the same haue bene done within sic schort space as is expressit in the same act And thairfoir necessar it is that the same quantitie be yit wrocht and cunyeit according to the intentioun of the saidis lordis makaris of the said act declarit be the maist pairt of thame now present ffor quhilk purpois his maiestie with aduise of the saidis lordis ordanis and commandis the generall maister cunyeour sinkar assayer prentar and vtheris officiaris of the said cunyehous To proceid in cunyeing and wirking of the said four stane wecht of gold allanerlie Quhilk his maiestie declaris saU na wayis infringe dirogat nor annuU the tennour and effect of the foirsaid act Bot onelie supple that pairt thairof twicheing the schortnes of the tyme foirsaid expressit thairin within the quhilk it wes than thocht that the said quantitie of gold now to be cunyeit mycht haue bene wrocht as said is And thairfoir for the cunyeing of the same gold sail JAMES VI.] EECOPtDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 175 thay not be callit qwerrellit nor accusit criminalie nor ciuilie be ouy maner of way in Acts of the tyme camming nor incur na skayth nor dangeare in thair personis landis or gudis ^"^590"'""' Noclitwithstanding the act foirsaid or ony vtheris actis statutis proclamationis inhibitionis letteres or cliargeis generall or speciall maid or tobe maid and direct in the contrair Exonering thame be thir presentis of all pane and dangeare that they may incur or be imput to thame thairthrow for euir and dischargeing all his hienes iugeis and ministeris of his lawis of all calling accusing or ony wayis proceding aganis thame for the samyn and of thair offices in that pairt for euir be thir presentis Quhilkis his hienes alsua declaris tobe als sufficient warrand and securitie to thame for the effect foirsaid as gif the samyn wer past be his hienes with aduise of his estaittis in parliament or conventioun generall of the same estaittis Promitting for thair forder securitie To ratifie and caus the same to be ratifeit in his hienes nixt parliament or conventioun of the saidis estaittis. Sic subscribitur James E. Hammiltoun J. Cancellarius Tho. thesaurarius. Sir Robert Meluil Lynclouden. Lxxxiii. — 3 Feb. 1590, Act for cimyeing off tiva hundreth vnce wecht of Gold. The Kingis maiestie and lordis of secreit counsaill with the commissionaris appointit voi. 1589- be the esteatis for ordour taking with the cunyie vndirsubscryvand considdering that his ^' ^"^ maiesteis propirtie casualiteis and vtheris his hienes rentis ar sa gritlie hurte and diminissit that presentlie the same is not able to beir oute the chargeis of his hienes house quhilk now be ressoun of his Mariage is augmentit in coyne and vthirwise nor yit pay the ordinair feis of his hienes officiaris and servandis far les to sustene the chargeis and Expenssis of the publict effearis of the cuntrey Thairfoir and for supporte of the present necessitie and (i[uhill as his hienes haill rentis now destinat and appointed for that Eirand may be collectit and Inbrocht according to the lait ordour tane thairanent His maiestie with aduise of the saidis lordis and commissionaris hes thocht meit and concludit That thair salbe wrocht and cunyeit Twa hundreth vnce wecht of vtter fyne gold in the thrissill noblis keipand the same wecht fynnes circumscriptioun and proportioun in all thingis as is mentionat and prescriuit in the act and ordinance maid thairanent of befoir And thairfoir ordanis and commandis the generall maister cunyeour sinkare assayair wardane counter wardane meltair forgeair prentair and remanent of&ciaris of his hienes cunyiehous To proceid in workeiug of the quantitie of gold abone writtin in maner abonespecifeit And to deliuer the free proffeit thairof appertening to his maiestie to Dauid Seytoun of Parbroith his hienes comptroller to the effect abonementionat And that nochtwithstanding ony act warrand or vthir discharge gevin of befoir in the contrair Quhairanent and all panes contenit thairintni his maiestie with aduise foirsaid dispenssis and exoneris the saidis officiaris of the said cunyehous of all pane and daugeir that thai may incur or be imput to thame thair- throw for euir. 176 KECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES YI. Acts of the Lxxxiv. — 26 March 1591, Assayis of Gold and Siluer to he deluerit to Privy Council, . . 1591. maistei' Fetir 1 oung. Vol. 1589- Anent the reporte maid to oure souerane lord be sic of his hienes privie counsaill as 1591 p 522 . . ■ ' ■ ■ laitlie wer present at his hienes command and directioun at the oppyuing of the assay box of his ciinyiehous and seeing of the assayis of gold and siluer being thairintill maid quhilkis alswa declairit the double clame maid for the same assayis be Schir Archibald Naper of Edinbillie knycht generall of the cunyiehous allegeing the same to pertene to him be priuilege of his office on the ane pairt and be Maister Petir Young of Seytoun maister Almoussair to his maiestie cravand the same to be deliuerit to him to be distributit to the puir according to his hienes precept direct to that effect Eequiriug his hienes to declair his will and plessour quhilk of thame suld haue the saidis assayis Oure souerane lord with auise of the lordis of his secreit Counsaill ordanis and commandis the saidis assayis of Gold and Siluer tobe deliuerit to the said maister almoussair tobe distributit to the puir according to his hienes foirsaid precept without delay as the havearis of the saidis Keyis will ansuer to his hienes vpoun thair obedience and giff neid be ordanis letteris tobe direct to charge thame thairto within xxiiij houris eftir the charge vndir the pane of rebellioun And giff thai failyie etc. To denunce etc. And to eschete etc. Lxxxv. — 21 May 1591, Assayis tane of the Cunyie. 1589- '^^^ quhilk day in presens of the kingis maiestie and lordis of secreit counsale com- ' P- perit personalie Schir Kobert Meluill of Murdocairny knicht thesaurair depute Walter Priour of Blantyre Schir Lues Bellenden of Auchnoull knicht iustice clerk maister George Young Archedeane of St Androis and Thomas FouUis goldsmith burges of Edinburgh and Exponit and declairit that thai conuenit togidder in his maiesteis cunyiehous within the burgh of Edinburgh vpoun the xxv day of Marche lastbipast and thair according to his hienes act and ordinance and commissioun gevin be his maiestie causit oppin the box quhairin wer the assayis of all gold siluer and allayed money quhilkis wer cunyeit sen the date of the first assay quhilk wes the xxvij day of Aprile the yeir of God j™ v'^ Ixxx sax yeiiis vnto the said xxv day of Marche lastbipast The pruiff of quhilkis assayis of gold siluer and allayed money being tane and the samin tryit be the fyre and vthirwayes according to the ordour obseruit in sic caissis and thaireftir comptroUit and considderit be the said Schir Eobert and vtheris foirsaidis being in cumpany with him according to the tennour of the said commissioun It wes reportit be thame That thai fand all the saidis assayis keipit the iust fynnes appointit be the seuerall actis and ordinances maid thairanent and past nocht beneth the granis of remeid prescriuit in the same actis as alswa that the noumer of the assayis wer correspondent to the dayis Jornayis mentionat in the wardanis buikis The Kingis Maiestie and Lordis of secreit counsaill Accepting and allowing of the tryale tane be the saidis Schir Eobert and vtheris foirsaidis in this behalf And finding that thairin Thay had procedit verie ordourlie circumspectlie and with gude discretioun and deliberatioun Declaris thairfoir that the generall wardane counter wardane maister JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 177 cunyeour The assayar sinkair meltair forgear of the said gold siluer and allayed money Acts of the and all vtheris officiaris of his hienes cunyiehous haue deulie treulie faithfuUie and ^"^y vprichtlie vsit thair officeis conforme to the tennour of the saidis actis and ordinanceis in all i^ointis Tuicheing the said assay And Exoneris thame and euery ane of thame of the samin for euir be thir presentis. Lxxxvi. — 13 Jan. 1591, Act anent the Cimyie. Forsamekle as the kingis maiestie his nobilitie counsaill and Esteatis quhilkis conuenit Vol. 1591- . 1594 p. 8S at Edinburgh in the moneth of August lastbipast considdering the grite skaith and inconuenient quhilkis his maiestie and the commounwele of this realme sustenit not onlie throw the diuersitie and chois of sindrie spaceis of money current within the same and the abundance of a grite quantitie of fals money haveand cours amangis his hienes liegis Bot als be the hichting and Rasing the pryceis of all sortis of money alswele foreyne as cunyeit within this cuntrey ffor remeid quhairoff concludit that the haill gold siluer and allayed money then current (the thrissill noble with the penny and tua penny plackis onlie exceptit) sould be reduceit and stricken as folio wis To witt the gold in ane [vthir] space of gold of twenty twa carrett fyne and to haue course for foure pundis with halffis accordinglie and the siluer and allayed money (Except befoir exceptit) in ane siluer space of money of the fynnes of Ten deneiris and ane halff and to haue course for sax schillingis aucht penneyis with halffis accordinglie Lyke as for the bettir effectuating of his maiesteis gude intentioun in this Point Tending alwayes to the Establissing of a constant and setled forme in the cunyie to be continewed heireftir without alteratioun his hienes with aduise of his saidis Nobilitie counsaU and Esteatis be thair act and ordinance and proclamatioun maid thairvpoun Appointit the forme and maner of the inbringing of the said gold siluer and allayed money within quhat space and vpoun quhat pryce the samin sould be brocht in and quhat kynd of foreyne gold and siluer and vpoun quhat pryceis the samin sould haue cours heireftir quhilk act and ordinance and proclamatioun foirsaid albeit the samin hes bene deulie pubHst at the mercat croceis of the held burrowis of this realme Swa that iustlie nane can pretend ignorance thairof yit few or nane of his hienes liegis hes inbrocht and deliuerit to his Maiesteis maister cunyeour the said gold siluer and allayed money conforme thairto nor yit haue thay ressauit and gevin furth the said foreyne gold and siluer vpoun the pryceis expressit thairin Bot in thir and sindrie vthiris pointis thairof hes planelie violat and contrauenit the samin Be the quhilk the said reductioun is and hes bene gritelie hinderit and the formair disordour and confusioun in the cuntrey lyke to be continewit to the grite hurte of the commounwele and hinder of his Maiesteis proffeit Giff tymous remeid be nocht prouidit Quhairfoir his maiestie with aduise of the lordis of his secrete counsale ordanis letteris to be direct chargeing all and sindrie his hienes liegis yit as of befoir be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croceis of the held burrowis of this realme To inbring and delyuer to the said Maister Cunyeour and Alexander Huntair burges of Edinburgh his hienes Exchangeair the haill gold and siluer presentlie current within this realme (The thrissill nobill onlie exceptit) in this forme That is to say with ilk fyve vnce of EUevin z 178 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the deneiris ane vnce of halff merk and fourty penny peceis ffor qv;bilk thay sail ressaue pay- "^^1591."*^' ' ment as followis. videlicet for ilk vnce of ellevin deneiris fourty twa scMllingis for ilk vnce of Ten deneiris and ane halff fourty schillingis for ilk vnce of halff merk and fourty pennie peceis of aucht deneiris threttie schillingis sax penneyis or ellis the same wecht that thai ressaue at the optioun of the pairtye Retening onlie the twelft parte thairof for his maiesteis dewitie and satisfactioun of his ofFiciaris and werkmenis labouris and for ilk vnce of audit and foure penny peceis Ellevin schillingis iij d and for all vther allayed money subiect to refynning as babeis tuelff penny grottis three penny grottis and gray plackis sic pryceis as thai wer cunyeit for and gaif of befoir And that the said allayed money be ressauit be wecht Certefeing all and sindrie his hienes liegis quhilkis sail nocht inbring the said allayed money with all conuenient expeditioun To the effect the samin may be reduceit according to his Maiesteis act and Proclamatioun foirsaid That the samin salbe decryed to ane ■ lawer pryce Attour his Maiestie with aduise of the saidis lordis for eschewing disordour and diuersitie of pryceis alswele of foreyne as of gold cunyeit within this cuntrie hes alswa thocht raeit and concludit That na gold salhaue course amangis his hienes liegis in tyme cuming Except the spaceis following vpoun the pryceis particularlie vndirwrittin That is to say the new pece of gold haueing the portrat of his hienes face for foure pundis The thrissill noble of gold for sevin pundis vj § viij d The auld rois noble for sax pundis xiij § iiij d The angell noble for Ibure pundis viij s The double deucat for sax Pundis The Frenche crowne w^eyand tua deneiris and fouretene grane wecht for fiftie foure schillingis The pistollett for fiftie three schillingis The auld fourty foure schilling pece for foure pundis The three pund pece with the quenis face for sax pundis The Abbay croun for fiftie three schillingis The foure pund pece for foure pundis x § The Lyoun noble cunyeit of lait for three pundis xv s now to gif foure pundis And siclyke his Maiestie ordanis the Englishe and Scottishe testanes To haue cours heireftir within this realme vpoun the pryceis Ilk pece for aucht shillingis the fourtie schilling j)ece for fourty shillingis The threttie schilling pece for threttie shilling The tuentie shilling pece for tuentie shilling and swa the thrid pairtis thairof pro rata Dischargeing be tliir presentis all vthiris spaceis and sortis of gold to haue cours witliin this realme heireftir As alswa all and sindrie his hienes liegis off all making Exchange tliairwith vndir the pane of Escheiting of the samin to his Maiesteis vse and warding of thair personis during his hienes will certifeing alswa quhat- svmeuir personis quhilkis sail ayther ressaue or gif furth in exchange ony of the saidis testanis xl, xxx, xx and x s peceis with the foirnameit spaceis of Gold vpoun ony vthir price nor is befoir appointit That the samin salbe escheitit and intromettit with to his hienes vse And thay lykwayes pvnist in thair personis as effeiris And to this effect Commandis his hienes liegis To dilait the personis contravenaris heirof to the schiref&s steuartis prouestis and baiUies of burrowis and thay to cans tak and apprehend the personis contravenaris Tliair personis to committ to warde keip and retene thame thairin vnto the tyme thay find caution tobe ansuerable to the Lawis And thaireftir giff in thair names to his hienes thesaurair To the effect tliay may be persewit thairfoir And being found gilty the dilaitaris salhaue the iust and Equall halff of the reddiest of that quhilk salbe challangeit be thame And Because the gritest occasioun of the transporting of his hienes money furth of this realme JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 179 and hichting of tlie pryceis thairof appeiris to proceid throu the libertie that sindrie Acts of tiie personis hes tane vpoun thame tobe exchangearis of Gold and Siluer Thairfoir liis JVIaiestie 1591. with aduise of the saidis lordis Inhibitis and dischai'geis all his hienes liegis off all bying ressauing or making Exchange of gold siluer or allayed money Except the said maister his hienes cunyiehous and Alexander Hunter. As alswa dischargeis all maner of personis quhatsumeuir off all melting breking doun or affynning of ony maner of gold siluer or allay Except sic personis as his maiestie hes gevin libertie and commissioun to that effect vndir the pane of confiscatioun of all thair mouable guidis to his hienes vse And to the effect thay and all vtheris contrauenaris of the premissis in ony point Sail nocht eshew the the pvnishement appointit for the same, ordanis his hienes thesaurair and aduocat To call and persew the same personis contrauenaris As alswa all vthiris personis quhilkis hes transportit or at ony tyme heireftir sail transporte ony of his maiesteis cunyie furth of this realme contrair the tennour of his hienes actis and proclamationis maid thairanent of befoir And being foundin gilty To vse and Execute the panis and pvnishement prescriuit thairin and in this present act and proclamatioun with all rigour and extremitie As alswa to gratifie Ilk persone reveillair and delaitair of the personis transportaris of the said cunyie with the soume of ane hundreth pundis of the reddiest of thair mouablis as the saidis thesaurair and aduocat will ansuer to his maiestie vpoun the executioun of thair officeis and ordanis thir presentis tobe imprentit Quhairthrow nane pretend ignorance thairof. Lxxxvii. — 8 March. 1591, Act anent the reducing and refynning of the basse and allay Money. Forsamekle as it is vndirstand to the Kingis Maiestie and Lordis of his secrete counsale Vol. 1591- That albeit be act and ordinance maid be his hienes his nobilitie counsale and esteatis ^' quhilkis conuenit at Edinburgh in the moneth of August lastbipast The haill base and allay money current within this realme vndir the fynnes of sevin deneiris The tua penny plackis and penneyis onlie exceptit wer appointit tobe reduceit and strikin in ane siluer space of money of the fynnes of Ten deneiris and ane halff according to the said act maid thairvpoun yit the sarain is nocht able to be performeit for his maiesteis proffeit and commounwele of this realme be the forme and maner Expressit in the same act Bot be the contrair grite losse salbe sustenit be his hienes subiectis and his maiestie reporte na kynd of commodite without sum strangearis of best knaulege and experience be socht oute and Employit for making of the said reductionn be the forme and maner following Quhairfoir his maiestie with aduise of the saidis lordis Gevis and grantis his hienes full pouer and commissioun expres bidding and charge To his louitt Thomas Foullis burges of Edinburgh his maiesteis goldsmith and sinkair of the Irnis of his hienes cunyiehous To repair to the citie of Lundone And thair to indent and accord with Schir Williame Bowis knicht or sic vthiris as he sail think maist meit and conuenient for making of the said reductioun in forme maner and vpoun the conditionis following Thay ar to say That the said Thomas Foullis sail prouyde and caus be prouidit betuix and sic a day as salbe appointit vpoun his awne chargeis ane Strang and large house standing in sic a parte as salbe thocht maist 180 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Acts of the meitt be tlie said Schir Williames deputie quhairin tlie said reductioun may be perfytit "^59L°'^' ' -^1^*^ within ane yeir thaireftir the said Thomas sail deliuer to the said Schir Williame or his said deputie Tua thowsand foure hundreth stane wecht of the said basse money in maner following That is to say Ane hundreth stane wecht thairof comptand euery stane to saxtene pundis and euery pund to saxtene vnce of Pareis wecht Immediatlie eftir the werkmen salbe reddie to entir to werk The fyne siluer quhairof as it salbe redeluerit be thame to the said Thomas sa sail he deliuer to thame agaue Immediatlie thaireftir ane vther hundreth stane wecht of the said base money tobe lykwayes reduceit to the said fynnes And swa ather of the saidis pairteis salbe subiect to ressaue and delyuer monethlie during the said space of ane yeir ane twa or three hundreth stane wecht of the same money ay and quliill the haill noumer of Twa thowsand and foure hundreth stane wecht be reducit as said is Alwayes in sic maner and forme as thair sail not be deliuerit abone three hundreth stane wecht in the moneth at the maist nor vndir ane hundreth stane monethlie at the leist ffor the quhilk reductioun and refynning of euery tuelf vnce of the said money The said Thomas sail pay and delyuer aucht penneyis Stirling or sax shillings Scottis money to the said Schir Williames deputie monethlie within the realme of Scotland or vthirwayes The ane halff monethlie to the same deputie and the vthir halff to the said Schir Williames selff or his assignayis at Lundone The first monethis payment tobe maid at Lundone within three monethis eftir thair entree to werk and swa furth for ilk moneth thaireftir during the said space And incais the foirsaid quantitie of money be not deliuerit monethlie in maner abonewrittin to the said Schir Williame or his saidis deputie and seruitouris to the effect foirsaid quhairthrow in his default they sail ly Idill, In that cais the said Thomas sail content and pay to thame Ten shillingis Stirling for the space of ane moneth thaireftir Eftir the quhilk moneth the indent and contract foirsaid salbe Eepute and haldin as brokin on his parte And thaireftir it salbe lesum to the said Schir Williames deputie and seruitouris to Eeturne hame agane with thair guidis and geir without ony Impediment Lyke as the said Thomas sail content and pay to thame for euery hundreth stane wecht of the said base money that sail not be deliuerit to thame tobe refynnit befoir the expyring of the said space of ane yeir In maner abonerehersit the soume of Threttie pundis Stirling as pane aggreit vpoun for not fulfilling of the said Indent for his parte . fforder the said Thomas immediatlie eftir the making of the same Indent sail advance afoirhand to the said Schir Williame at Lundone Twa hundreth pundis Stirling quhilk salbe allowit to him on the payment of that quhilk salbe dew and appointit tobe payit to him at Lundone in maner foirsaid And giff ony forder occasioun salbe offerit to refyne ony vther money or the superplus of the said base money That it salbe grantit to the said Schir Williame befoir ony vthiris vpoun the formair conditionis Attour the said Schir WilHame for the bettir furtherance of this werk and aU thingis promeist for his parte sail furneis Werkmen Instrumentis and all vther materiallis neidfuU befoir the day of nixtocum And forder sail rander all sic siluer as salbe found be iust tryale tobe maid befoir in the small assay to arryis in the said base money In the fynnes of eUevin deneiris and ane halff or abone And the said assay tobe maid in this maner videlicit The said Schir Williames depute To mak chois in euery hundreth stane foirsaid of quhat peceis of the base money JAMES VI.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 181 he pleis delyuer to the assayair of his maiesteis cunyie quhilk assay salbe maid baith be Acts of the the same his hienes assayair and be the assayair to be appoiutit be the said Schir Williame ^"^^1591"^'^' Quha sail aggree vpoun the lust fynnes thairof Off quhilk ane not salbe maid be baith the saidis assayaris in thair buikis subscryuit be thame quha salbe sufificientlie authorised to bind baith the principall pairteis to giff compt of thair Intromissioun and debursingis And Incais in the said Schir Williames default the said money be nocht ressauit refynnit and deliuerit monethlie to the said Thomas in maner abonewrittin In that cais the said Schir Williame sail pay for euery day that the money sail ly in his deputeis handis to the said Thomas Ten shillingis Stirling money or foure pundis ten shillingis Scottis money as pane aggreit vpoun ay and quhill the haill yeir foirsaid be Expyrit lyke as the said Schir WiUiame sail pay to the said Thomas for euerie hundreth stane wecht of the said basse money that in thair default is nocht Ressauit fra the said Thomas or his deputis and sufificientlie fynnit as said is befoir the space of ane moneth eftir the yeir be expyrit threttie pundis Stirling or the avale thairof in Scottis money And to the effect the said Schir Williame and his saidis deputis and seruitouris may the mair frelie repair within this realme to the effect foirsaid, his maiestie with aduise of the saidis lordis, grantis thame be thir presentis free libertie licence and pasporte To repair and remane within this realme with thair wyffis bairnis horssis guidis and geir materallis and quhatsumeuir belangis vnto thame And to returne eftir the completing of the said werk at thair plesure And to this effect takis thame vnder his maiesteis speciall protectioun mantenance defens and saulff- gaird With pouer Inlykemaner to the said Thomas all and sindrie vthiris thingis to do and performe quhilkis for the bettir perfyteing and accomplissing of this werk is requisite tobe done, fferme and stable haldand and for to hald all and quhatsvmeuir thingis he sail lauchfullie do heirin And seing the said Thomas be the said indent mon deburs and advance certane souuies of money for the bettir perfyteing of the said werk and that ressoun and Equitie cravis that he and his cautionaris giff ony salbe fundin be him be Relevit thairof, chieflie because the same is done be his maiesteis Expres directioun and command and for his hienes honnour Proflfite and commoditie of all esteatis of personis within this realme quha vthir wayes wald be greitlie interest giff the said reductioun tuke nocht effect, be the said Thomas diligence moyane and trauellis Thairfoir his maiestie for his and his saidis cautionaris releiff Promittis and declairis That he sail Ressaue vplift and Retene in his awne handis and to his awne vse quhatsomeuir proffeit and commoditie sail redound and arryse be the reductioun of the said basse money or vthirwayes be the Industrie of the saidis strangearis ay and quhill he be payit and relevit of the premisses and of all coistis skaithis damnage Expensis and interesse to be sustenit be him Lyke as his Maiestie Promittis be thir presentis in the worde of a Prince To cans the haiU premissis for the pairt of the said Thomas tobe obseruit fulfillit and keipit to the said Schir Williame without contradictioun commanding be thir presentis the maister and vthiris oflficiaris of [his] hienes cunyiehous To mak compt Rekning and payment of the proffeit of the said money and of quhatsomeuir vther commoditie may be had be the industrye of the saidis strangearis at quhatsumeuivir tymes he sail require thame thairto As thay will ansuer to his maiestie vpoun thair obediens. 182 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Actsoftiie Lxxxviii. — 17 Jan. 1593, Privy Council, 1593 [In exactly similar terms to Act of Parliament, p. 122, xxi.] Lxxxix. — 21 Jan. 1593, Laird of Marchinstownis opinion anent the Cunyie. 1594^^^280 '^^^^ quliilk day in presens of the kingis maiestie and lordis of secreit counsall Schir ' ^" ' Archibald Naper of Edinbillie knicht being desirit as generall of his hienes cunyiehous to gif his opinioun anent the cunyie The said schir Archibald confessit and declairit that the strykeing of cunyie of xj d fyne is verie gude, bot it is ouer deir and ower gude chaip tobe sett for the sowme that presentlie is offerit for the same, vpoun quhois confessioun and declaratioun Thomas Foulis goldsmyth askit act and instrument. xc. — 26 Jan. 1593, Contract anent the Cunyie. Vol. 1591- The quhilk day the kingis maiestie with aduise of the Lordis of his secreit counsale 1594, p. 282. ^^^^ consent of the personis within subscryvaris ordanit and ordanis this present contract withinwrittin tobe insert and registrat in the buikis of secreit counsaill to haue the strenth of ane act and decreit of his hienes and Lordis thairof To the quhilk thai haue interponit and interponis thair auctoritie, and that lettres of hoirning and poinding be direct aganis the contravenaris in maner specifeit thairintill, Off the quhilk the tennour followis At Edinburgh the xxvj day of Januair The yeir of God j™ v<= Ixxxxiij yeiris It is aj)j)ointit aggreit and finalie contractit betuix the Eicht Excellent Prince, James the saxt be the grace of God king of Scottis, with auise and consent of Thomas maister of Glammis thesaurair to his hienes, schir Eobert Meluill of Murdocairny knicht thesaurair depute, and vthiris of his preuey counsale oflficiaris of estate, commissionaris of the Parliament for the cunyie, auditouris of the chekker and senatouris of the College of Justice vndirsubscryvand on the ane parte, and the Prouest baillies and counsale of the burgh of Edinburgh takand the burding on thame for the communitie thairof In maner following, That is to say fforsamekle as his maiestie with auise foirsaid lies concludit and concludis That the haill gold siluer and allayed money within this realme be reducit to certane kyndis of cunyie. The gold of the fynnes of Tuentie twa carrett fyne with twa granes of Eemeid alsweill abone as vndir at threttie pundis the vnce, quhairof thair salbe sax peceis in the vnce, with twa granes of remeid of wecht vpoun ilk pece, alsweiU licht as havy, at fyve pundis the pece with halflfis, haveing on the ane syde his maiesteis portrait armed on horsbak with this superscriptioun J acobus 6 ■ d • g • rex Scotorum and on the vthir syde the Lyoun in ane shield crownit with this circumscriptioun Spero melior, and that the haill siluer and allayed money, except the penneyis twa penneyis and lait plakis be reduceit to ellevin penny fyne and be sett furth at fiftie shUlingis the vnce in sortis of ten shilLingis fyve shillingis threttie penneyis and tuelff penny peceis The prent of the siluer to haue the portrat of his maiesteis face on the ane syde with this circumscriptioun Jacobus 6 • d ■ g • JAMES VI. J RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 183 rex Scotorum, and on the vthir syde ane crownit thrissill with this circumscriptioun, nemo Acts of the me Impune lacesset, with the date of the yeir vndir the hors on the gold, as alswa the date of ^"^1593'^*^' the yeir on the siluer and twa granes of remeid of fynnes alsweill abone as vndir in the siluer, and twa granes of remeid of wecht vpoun ilk pece thairof alsweill licht as havy and his maiestie with anise and consent foirsaid be the tennour heirof settis in tak and assedatioun to the saidis Pronest baillies and Counsaill of Edinburgh and thair partinaris thair airis and assignayis, his hienes cunyie foirsaid and all proffeitt and commoditie thairof ffor all the dayis and space of Twa yeiris and three monethis nixt and Immediatlie following the first day of Februair nixtocum, in this instant yeir of God j'" v'= Ixxx threttene yeiris, quhilk day salbe thair entrie in and to the said cunyie and proffeit thairof, and thaireftir to Indure and peaceablie tobe broukeit and josit be thame during the space foirsaid, within the quhilk space the saidis takkismen and vthiris in thair names, salhaue libertie and pouer to by of quhatsumeuir price thay pleis all and quhatsumeuir gold siluer and allayed money alsweill foreyne as Inwart cunyeit or vncunyeit, within this realme, or that may be within the said space brocht within the same alsweill not nominat as nominat (except befoir exceptit) and to melt fyne wirk forge prent and outgiff the same in the saidis spaceis and of the fynnes wecht and pryceis abonementionat And siclike his maiestie grantis libertie and pouer to the saidis takkismen thair partinaris factouris or assignayis and to nane vthiris to by brek doun fyne forge and prent all kynd of cunyeit and vncunyeit gold and siluer in maner and to the effect foirsaid, And declairis and promissis That na gold siluer or cunyie be maid or permittit tobe maid be his maiestie or ony vthiris personis be his hienes toUerance or allowance within his dominionis during the said space, Bot onlie be the saidis takkismen thair partinairis factouris or assignais. And for the furtherance of the werk of the said new money That lettres be direct chargeing all his maiesteis Liegis and vthiris within the boundis of his dominionis To inbring to his hienes cunyielious all sortis of gold siluer and allayed money alsweill foreyne as Inward vpoun the pryceis following That is to say the pece cunyeit for fourty shillingis for fourty twa shillingis, and thretty, tuenty ten shilling peceis and testanis and all vthir siluer according to the rate of the samin and all maner of allayed money not heirtofoir exceptit for the price thay ar presentlie current And that betuix the date heirof and the first day of May nixtocum, ffor the quhilkis gold and siluer sa ordanit to be inbrocht to his hienes cwnyiehous, the saidis takkismen sail onlie be oblist To pay the inbringaris thairof the pryces befoir specifeit And oure said Souerane Lord with auise and consent foirsaid declairis and decernis That all gold siluer and allayed money now ordanit tobe inbrocht to his hienes cunyiehous, quhilk sail not be brocht in to the same betuix and the said first day of May nixtocum salhaue na forder course nor passage fra thyne furth, bot quhaireuir ony of the same gold siluer or allayed money ordanit tobe brocht in to the cunyiehouse in maner foirsaid may be apprehendit thaireftir, changeand wissiland or payand debtis or blokkis Tobe intromettit with and Escheitit be the saidis takkismen and sic as thay sail appoint to that effect The thrid to his maiesteis awne proper vse ane vthir thrid to the saidis taxmen and the last thrid to the reveillaris serchearis and apprehendaris for thair panes and labouris Togidder with the pane and vnlaw of ane hundreth pundis to be 184 RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Acts of the vntakin of euery persone contravening this present ordinance and proclamatioun And "^1593^"' giff it salhappin his maiestie or his thesaurair or thesaurair depute To postpone differ or omitt the persute craving and vptaking of the saidis confiscat money panes or vnlawis or ony parte thairof being deulie aduertisit and informit of the same That the pairtis of the same destinat to the saidis taxmen divulgair apprehendair and recouerair of the same be decreit in forme of law salbe deseasit and allowit to the saidis taxmen in thair dewitie vndirwrittin, saoft as the same salbe recouerit be law And that the panes of the saidis escheit and vnlaw sail stryke vpoun quhatsumeuir persone or personis that takis vpoun thame To by brek doun fyne or melt ony of the saidis gold siluer or allayed money without the speciall Licence of the saidis taxmen And his maiestie with auise and consent foirsaid Ordanis and requiris the Lordis of counsale and sessioun be thame selfEis in sufficient nowmer or be commissioun to be grantit to sum of thame selffis or vthiris To call proceid and decerne in quhatsumeuir mater or questioun concerning the present contract, nominat or not nominat thairin, tending to the furtherance of the said werk, aganis the transgressouris of the pointis and claussis thairof quhatsumeuir, and that all ordinair iugeis within the Eealme, concur and assist in vptaking of the saidis panes and vnlawis vpoun the Expenssis of the saidis taxmen And with pouer and libertie to the saidis taxmen to change transporte and place the said cunyiehouse within ony toun or place of the Eealme quhair thai sail think gude for the bettir suirtie and furtherance thairof Mairouer It is prouidit with auise of Thomas Achiesoun presentlie maister cunyeour that the present cunyiehous with the haill present werklwmes thairin pertening to the kingis maiestie or bocht at his chargeis, with the keyis of the houssis or placeis quhair the same is contenit, be delyuerit to the saidis taxmen, with pouer to thame to place Inputt and outputt quhomsoeuir maister cunyeour thay pleis for quhome thay salbe haldiu to ansuer, without preuidice of the said Thomas office of maister cunyeour, eftir the Ishe of this present tak and assedatioun And forder his maiestie ordanis and commandis the wardane counter wardane sinkair and assayair of his cunyiehous diligentlie to attend thair officeis eueryane in thair awne place, ffor the quhilk thay salhaue thair ordinair wageis at his Maiesteis chargeis, as alswa thair extraordinair wageis payit monethlie be the saidis taxmen during the tyme of the werk quhilk salbe allowit to the saidis taxmen in his hienes dewitie at the end of thair tak, Incais it sail then be foundin that thay ar na gaynars in the same werk and that the saidis Wardanis of the cunyiehous keip Register of the Remeidis of wecht and fynnes of the money alsweill of gold as siluer, passand the Irnis euery Jornay, hot not of the quantitie of the money, be ressoun the saidis taxmen ar nocht subiect be this present contract to by and tak on the gold and siluer at ony certane price, nor to mak compt of thair bying, Bot to pay his maiestie the dewitie of the said tak onlie. And that lykwayes the saidis wardane counter wardane sinkair and assayair salbe ansuerable eueryane of thame for thair awne office and factis And the saids taxmen nawayes tobe challangeit or accusable thairfoir, Quhilkis nochtwithstanding salhaue power to appoint persones vpoun thair awne Expenssis and chargeis for comptroUing of the saidis wardane and assayair in thair officeis That nowther his maiestie the saidis taxmen the subiectis be preiugeit, Lyke as it salbe lauchfull to the saidis taxmen To ressaue in thair JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 185 societie and cumpany as partinaris with tliame in this present contract, all sic honest Acts of the Privy Counci persouis as sail seame gude to thanie, quhilkis sail nawayes be querrellit be his hienes or 1593. his counsale or offieiaris thairfoir, nor susteyne ony skaith or damage for the same in thair bodyis landis guidis or officeis, with quhilkis persoois his hienes with auise foirsaid dispenssis be thir presentis ffurthirmair his maiestie with auise and consent abonewrittin decernis declairis statutis and ordanis That it sail not be lesum to mak Eeuersionis contractis obligationis or decreitis or sentenceis vpoun ony kynd of money in tyme cuming eftir the date heirof Bot in the new cunyie of gold and siluer present] ie appointit to be maid and haue cours The gold of Tuenty tua carrett fyne and the siluer of ellevin penny fyne vndir the pane of ane hundreth merkis money of the realme to be incurrit be quhat- sumeuir persone doing in the contrair, alsoft as thay salbe apprehendit or salbe adiugeit and decernit to haue Incurrit the same pane with tinsale and escheiting of the saidis sowmes of money To be vptakin and Intromettit with in maner and to the vse abone- specifeit ffor the quhilk tak and assedatioun maid to the saidis taxmen of the said cunyie Thay bind and obliss thame and thair successouris To content pay and thankfullie delyuer To oure souerane lord and his successouris and to Schir Eobert Meluill of Murdocairny knicht his hienes theasurair depute in his name the sowme of ane hundreth and ten thousand merkis money of this realme tobe payit in portionis That is to say ane thousand merkis oulklie Begynnand the first oulklie payment vpoun the nynt day of Februair nixtocum, and thaireftir oulklie the sowme of ane thousand merkis quhill the compleit payment of the said sowme of ane hundreth and ten thousand merkis befoir the end and outrynning of this present tak and assedatioun Quhilk his maiestie with auise and consent abonespecifeit Promissis in the worde of a Prince, to warrand acquiet and defend in all pointis articlis claussis and conditionis thairof And sail ratifie and caus the same be ratifeit in his hienes nixt parliament generall couusell or conuentioun of the esteatis, and to renew and reiterat the same to this effect sa oft as thay sail think expedient for the full securitie of the said taxmen thair partinaris thair airis and assignayis quhill thay find thair securitie full and sufficient And giff (as God forbid) thair happin weir foreyne or Intestine, pest or vther supervenient accidentis to occur quhairthrow the saidis taxmen thair successouris or assynais salbe troublit and Impedit in thair said werk and not sufferit to proceid thairin or gifi' the said werk sail stay in default of his maiestie his counsale or officiaris in causing of the said new money haue passage within the Eealme The same default being tryit and declairit be the lordis of his hienes prevey counsale and sessioun In that cais the saidis taxmen thair partinaris and assignais tobe fre and dischargeit of all further payment of the said soume of Ane hundreth and x™ merkis for all oulkis and monethis tocum eftir the complaint maid for seiking delaratioun of the said failye Or then oure souerane Lord declairis willis and grantis That this present tak and assedatioun Eicht and pouer thairof salbe prorogat and continewit for sa mony dayis oulkis or monethis langair eftir the Ishe of this present tak as the said cunyie salhappin tobe impedit or stoppit be ony of the occasionis foirsaidis during the tyme of the same tak And that the saidis taxmen sail not be haldin in payment of ony parte of the dewitie contenit in thair said tak during and for the tyme of the impedi- ment and stay of the werk quhilk salbe summarlie cognosceit vpoun the supplicatioun of 2 A 186 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of tiie tliame or ony of tliame tobe presentit to his maiestie his secreit coimsale or sessioun as is "^^1593™''' befoir writtin / ffinalie Johnne Arnott, Nicol Vddart, Johnne Eobertsoun, Johnne Dougall, ~ Niniane M'^Morane, Thomas Foullis, Thomas Achiesoun, Francis Naper, John M'^Morane, Hew Broun, Eobert Joussy, Johnne (xourlay, Alexander Huntair, George Hereot, Youngair, Thomas Aikinheid and Henry Nesbitt, burgessis of Edinburgh, ar becum cautionaris and souirteis coniunctlie Ilkane of thame for thair awne parte To warrand releve and keip skaithles the saidis Prouest baUlies counsall and communitie of Edinburgh and thair successouris of this present contract and euery point thairof for thair parte And for observing and fulfilling of all and sindrie the premissis baith the saidis pairteis and als the cautionaris for the saidis Prouest baillies and counsale and thair souirteis abonespecifeit, ar content and consentis that this present contract be actit and registrat in the buikis of secreit counsale and sessioun and to haue the strenth of ane act and decrete of the lordis thairof, and that lettres and executoriallis of hoirning and poinding be direct aganis the contravenaris thairof in forme as effeiris and for acting and registring of the said contract in the saidis buikis and consenting to the Execution thairof in maner foirsaid his maiestie hes constitute his aduocatis and vthir parteis abonewrittin hes maid constitute and ordanit and be thir presentis makis constitutis and ordanis etc coniunctlie and seueralie thair procuratouris, in vberiori forma, Promittentes de rato / In Witness heirof his Maiestie and all the parteis and cautionaris abonewrittin hes subscriuit this present contract with thair handis day yeir and place foirsaidis / Attour it is prouidit and accordit that not onlie the saidis extraordinair wageis of the saidis wardane counter wardane assayair and sinkair of the cunyiehous, bot the present cunyiehous maill be alio wit to the said tax men in the kingis dewitie at the end of the werk / Incais thay haue losse and tinsall, or they sallhaue licence to cunyie alsmekle in this present cunyie as the saidis Extraordinau' wageis and house maill sail extend to efter the yshe of the said tak, Sic subscribitur James E, Thirlstane cancellarius, Thomas thesaurarius, James L. Lindsay, Eobert Lord Seytoun, Schir Eobert Meluill Parbroith comptroller J Cobburne B. Cobburne. A. Setoun Vrquhart A. Cambus- kynneth, Culrois, Neubottle, Haliruidhous, Toungland, Barnbarrauch, J Setoun Culluthy Halhill, Alexander Hwme Prouest Johnne Eobertsoun baillie partinair and souirtie Clement Cor baillie Johnne Dougall baillie and souirtie James Nicoll deane of gild Patrik Cochrane thesaurair Williame Litill Nicoll Vddart, as counsallour partinair and cautionair Johnne Arnott cautionair Dauid Williameson George Todrig, Henry Nesbitt, Thomas Aikinheid, Thomas Foullis, Eobert Jowssy, Johnne Gourlaw Thomas Achiesoun cautionair Frances Naper cautionair, Alexander Hunter cautionare, Johnne M'^Morane cautionair Hew Broun cautionair, George Hereott youngair deacone convenair as partiner and cautionair, James Sandielandis Paull Maissoun James Hereott J osua Mansioun, Thomas Hill James Eobiesoun Johnne Eobiesoun. Vol. 1591- 1594, p. 335. xci. — 4 July 1594, Act aiient the Cunyie. Forsamekle as be act of Secreit Counsale maid be the kingis maiestie with aduise of his nobilitie counsale and Esteatis quhilkis conuenit in the moneth of Januair lastbipast JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 187 Proclamatioun maid thairupoun tbaireftiv, and act of Parliament ratifeand and apprevand Acts of the the same sensyne, all sortis of gold siluer and allayed money within this Eealme wer '^"^1594""^'"' ordanit tobe reduceit to certane kyndis of gude cunyie specialie mentionat and contenit in the said act and Proclamatioun maid thairvpoun lyke as for the bettir furtherance of this werk all his maiesties liegis and vthiris within the boundis of his dominionis wer ordanit to Inbring to his hienes cunyiehous all gold siluer and allayed money alsweill foreyne as Inward vpoun certane priceis alswa particularlie Expressit in the same act, and that betuix the date thairof quhilk is vpoun the xvij day of the said moneth of Januair and the first day of May nixt thaireftir following and now bipast, vndir the pane of Escheiting of the said gold and siluer quhaireuir the same micht be apprehendit, changeiug, wissilling or paying debtis and blokis, Togidder with the pane and vnlaw of ane hundreth pundis tobe vptakin of euerie persone contravening the premissis Quhilk pane of Escheit and vnlaw is ordanit to stryke and be Extendit aganis quhatsumeuir persone or personis that sould tak vpoun hand To by brek doiin, fyue or melt ony of the said gold siluer or allayed money without directioun of sic as his maiestie hes grantit pouer and licence to do the same As the saidis Actis of secreit counsale, Proclamatioun and act of Parliament foirsaid ratifeand and apprevand the same at mair lenth proportis Nochtwithstanding quhairof a grite uowmer of his hienes liegis not onlie hes differred, drifted and delayit, and still differris, driftis and delayis to Inbring to his hienes cunyiehous the said gold siluer and allayed money foreyne and Inward vpoun the pryceis appointit be the said act, bot Express aganis the tennour of the same act, outputtis and Exchaugeis the said gold siluer and allayed money amangis his hienes liegis, vpoun Extraordinair and heich priceis far abone the availl mentionat in the said act, be the quhilk not onlie is the said reductioun stayed, his maiesteis proffeit hinderit and the commounwele thairby gritlie preiugeit / Bot his hienes his auctoritie and lawis maist heichlie vilipendit and contempnit / Quhairfoir the kingis Maiestie with aduise of the Lordis of his secreit counsale, decernis and declairis be thir presentis That the said gold siluer and allayed money sail not haue cours nor passage nather be ressauit in payment of ony kynd of debtis wairis or mercheandice amangis his hienes liegis at ony t^Tne eftir the publicatioun heirof, and to the effect nane pretend ignorance of the same, ordanis Lettres to be direct To mak Intimatioun and publicatioun of the premissis, be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croceis of the held burrowis of this Eealme and vthiris placeis neidfull And als, To command and charge all the saidis liegis that nane of thame tak vpoun hand To outputt Exchange or ressaue the said gold siluer and allayed money in payment of ony kynd of wairis or mercheandice not transporte the same furth of this Eealme in small or grite quantitie at ony tyme eftir the publicatioun of thir presentis vndir the 'pane of escheiting of the same and warding of the personis of thame with quhome the samin salbe fundin changeand wissilland or paying debtis or blokis, and payment of the foirsaid pane and vnlaw of ane hundreth pundis, certifeing thame and thay failyie or do in the contrair That the same money salbe confiscat and Intromettit with, the personis of thame with quhome the samin salbe apprehendit, committit and retenit in warde, and the said pane and vnlaw of ane hundreth pundis vptakin and intromettitwith, with all Eigour and Extremitie, And to this effect. That all Schireffis, Steuartis, prouestis and baillies of burrowis, concur and 188 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the assist sic personis as salhaue speciall commissioun of the taxnien of his hienes cunyiehous, "^^1594?°" ' intromett with the said gold siluer and allayed money quhaireiiir the samin may he apprehendit within thair boundis and iurisdictioun, changeand wissiland or paying debtis or blokis, as alswa in vptaking of the said pane and vnlaw of ane hundreth pundis of ilk persone contravening thir presentis, and in Tnbringing and delyuering of the same to the saidis taxmen, To remane with them quhill his hienes tak forder ordour thairwith as appertenis and siclyke committ and retene the same personis contravenaris in suir warde and captiuitie ay and quhill his maiestie declair his will and plesur towardis thame, as the saidis schireffis Steuartis prouestis and baillies of burrowis will ansuer to his maiestie vpoun thair obediens at thair vttermost charge and perrell. xcii. — 29 Nov. 1594, Commission anent the Exchange. Vol. 1594- Forsamekle as the Kingis Maiestie Exponit and declarit to his nobilitie counsall and 1598, p. 368. gg(.gg^^jg presentlie conuenit, how that it hes bene havelie lamentit oftymes to his hienes be a grite noumer of his Maiesteis subiectis, that be the grite scairstie of small money presentlie current within this realme, not onlie is the Exchange of gold and siluer and of all soirtis of small wairis and merchandice gritelie hinderit, hot his maiesteis subiectis of the meanest degree and rank quha for the maist parte wer occupiit and profeitit be the making of the said Exchange, ar now cheiflie interest and preiugeit, ffor remeid quhairof in tyme cwming his maiestie with aduise of his saidis nobilitie counsall and Esteatis hes gevin and grantit his hienes full pouer and commission Expres bidding and charge to Schir Thomas Lyoun of Auldbar knicht, maister of Glammis his hienes thesaurair, maister David M^kgill of Cranstounriddell aduocat, Maister Johnne Skene dark of Eegister, George Hwme of Wedderburne Alexander Hwme of Northberuick Manis prouest of Edinburgh, and Williame Litill burges of Edinburgh, conixmctlie. To convene consult and aduise be quhat forme and ordour the said Exchange may be best intertenyit, and quhat beis thocht maist meit and conuenient be thame, To report the same at the nixt generall conuentioun of his saidis Nobilitie counsall and Esteatis That the samin being found allowable be thame may be followit oute to the ease of his Maiesteis subiectis and commounwele of the realme. xciii. — 31 Jan. 1594, Against the course of foreign money. Vol. 1594- Forsamekle as be act of secreit counsale maid be the kingis Maiestie with aduise of his 1j98, p. 371. jjQ-|3^|(;ig counsaill and Esteatis quhilkis conuenit in the moneth of Januair 1593 proclama- tioun maid thairupoun thaireftir and act of parliament Katifeing and appreving the same sensyne All sortis of gold siluer and allayed money within this Eealme wer ordanit tobe reduceit for certane kyndis of cunyie speciallie mentionat and contenit in the said act and Proclamatioun maid thairupoun, Lyke as for the better furtherance of this werk all his Maiesteis Liegis and vtbiris within the boundis of his dominiounis wer ordanit to inbring to the cunyiehous all gold siluer and allayed money alsweill foreyne as inward, vpoun the pryceis following / That is to say The Franshe crowne of the sone for Ivij s and all vther JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 189 foreyne gold according to the Eate thairof and all gold of the cunyie of this Eealme, vpoun Acts of the the pryceis that they wer then current / and all sortis of siluer alsweill foreyne as Inward ^"^^1594""'^' vpoun the priceis following That is to say The pece cunyeit at xl s for xlij § and the threttie tuentie ten shilling peceis and testanis and all vthir siluer according to the rate of the samin / And all maner of allayed money not heirtofoir exceptit vpoun the pryceis that thay wer then current at the tyme foirsaid and that betuix the date of the foirsaid procla- matioun quhilk is vpoun the xvij day of the said moneth of Januair and the first day of May nixt thaireftir following and now bipast, vndir the pane of Escheiting of the said gold and siluer quhaireuir the samin micht be apprehendit Changeing wissilling or paying debtis or blokis Togidder with the pane and vnlaw of ane hiindreth pundis tobe vptakin of euery persone contravening the premissis, quhilk pane of Escheit and vnlaAV is ordanit to stryke and be extendit aganis quhatsomeuir persone or personis that soukl tak vpoun liand To by brek doun fyne or melt ony of the said gold siluer and allayed money without directioun of sic as his Maiestie hes grantit pouer and Licence to do the samin as the saidis actis of secreit coiinsale Proclamatioun and act of parliament foirsaid Eatifeand and apprevand the samin at mair lenth proportis . Nochtwith standing quhairof A grite noumer of his Maiesteis liegis hes not onlie drifted differrit and delayit and still differis driftis and delayis to inbring to his Maiesteis cunyiehous the said gold siluer and allayed money foreyne and inward vpoun the pryceis appointit be the said act bot, Expres aganis the tennour of the same act outputtis and Exchangeis the said gold siluer and allayed money amangis his Maiesteis Liegis vpoun extraordinair and heich pryceis, far abone the availl mentionat in the said act, Be the quhilk not onlie is the said reductioun stayed, His Maiesteis proffeit hinderit and the commounwele thairby gritlie preiugeit Bot his Maiestie his auctoritie and lawis maist heichlie vilipendit and contempnit / Lyke as to the forder contempt of his Maiestie / A grite noumer of his hienes Liegeis vndir cullour of A proclamatioun maid at his Maiesteis last being in Abirdene concerning a certane quantitie of auld rois noblis ressauit at that tyme be sum of his hienes officiaris, and gevin oute agane at that same tyme to the men of weir quhilkis then accumpanyed his hienes vpoun the price of viij lib. ilk pece / Hes takin occasioun thairby sensyne to continew in the ressav- ing and outgeving of the saidis peces, vpoun the same price / Albeit it be of veritie that the said proclamatioun wes extendit onlie for ressaving of sic a small quantitie as wes then delyuerit to the saidis men of weir / quhilk inrespect of the present seruice and necessitie of the tyme behuiftit tobe takin oute agane of thair handis vpoun the selff same priceis that thai wer ressauit / It being alwayes his Maiesteis mynd / as it wes then signifeit be the said proclamatioun / That it sould not haue course nor passage thairefter bot rest and ceis. And his hienes formair proclamatioun maid anent the same peceis to haue full effect and Executioun in all tymes thairefter. Lyke as his Maiestie with auise of the Lordis of his Secreit Counsale, for the better resolutioun of his hienes Liegis in this cais, hes now Decernit and declairit. And be thir presentis Decernis and declairis That the saidis auld rois noblis nor na vthir gold siluer nor allayed money abonespecifeit sail on nawayes haue cour nor passage, nor be gevin oute nor ressauit in payment of ony kynd of debtis wairis or mer- cheandice amangis his hienes Liegis at ony tyme eftir the publicatioun of thir presentis . And 190 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. to the Effect nane pretend ignorance of the same, Ordanis Lettrez tobe direct to officiaris of ' armes schireffis in that pairt Chargeing thame to pas and mak publicatioun of the premissis be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croceis of the heid burrowis of this Eealme, and vthiris j)laces neidfull And als To command and charge all his maiesteis Liegis That nane of thame tak vpoun hand To outputt Exchange or ressaue the said gold siluer, and allayed money and in speciall the saidis auld rois noblis, in payment of ony kynd of wairis or merchandice nor transporte the same of this realme in small or grite quantitie at ony tyme eftir the publicatioun of thir presentis, vndir the pane of Escheiting of the same / and warding of the personis of thame with quhome the same salbe fundin, Changeing wissilling or paying debtis or blokis, and payment of the foirsaid pane and vnlaw of Ane hundreth pundis, Certifemg thame and thay failyie, or do in the contrair, That the same money salbe confiscat and intromettitwith The personis of thame with quhome the same salbe appre- hendit commitit and retenit in warde / And the said pane and vnlaw of ane hundreth pundis, vptakin and intromettitwith, with all rigour and Extremitie, And siclyke, That nane tak vpoun hand To mak reuersiones contractis obligationes, decreitis or sentenceis vpoun ony kynd of money in tyme cwming, hot in the new cunyie of gold and siluer, vndir the pane of ane hundreth markis money of this realme To be Incurrit be quhatsumeuir persone doing in the contrair, alsoft as thay salbe apprehendit, or be adiugeit and decernit to haue incurrit the same pane, with tinsall and escheiting of the saidis soumes tobe vptakin and Intromettitwith to sic vseis as his Maiestie hes appointit . And to this effect, That all schireffis stewartis prouestis and baillies of burrowis, concur and assist sic personis as salhaue speciall commissioun of the taxmen of his Maiesteis cunyiehous, Intromettwith the said gold siluer and allayed money, quhaireuir the same may be apprehendit within thair boundis and iurisdictione changeing wissilling or paying debtis or blokis / As alswa in vptaking of the said pane and vnlaw of ane hundreth pundis of ilk persone contravening thir presentis, and in Inbringing and delyuering of the same to the saidis takkismen. To Kemane with thame, quhill his Maiestie tak forder ordour thairwith as appertenis . And siclike committ and retene the same personis contravenaris in suir warde and captiuitie / ay and quhill his Maiestie declair his will and plesour towardis thame, As the saidis SchirrefiSs Stewartis Prouestis and baillies of burrowis will ansuer to his Maiestie vpoun thair obedience at thair vttermost charge and perrell. XciV.— 21 July 1597, Officers of Mint discharged. Forsamekle as the kingis maiestie with auise of the Lordis of his secreit counsaill / hes dischargeit and be thir presentis dischargeis the generall M"" Cunyeour wardane counter wardane assayair sinkair meltair, forgear prentare and all vthiris officiaris of his maiesteis cunyiehouse of thair officeis and feis, sen the tyme the same cunyiehouse lay ydill and randerit na proffeit to his heynes and of all vseing and exerceing of thair saidis officeis in tyme cuming And thairfoir ordanis ane maisser or vthir officiar of armes To pas and mak publicatioun heirof, be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croce of Edinburgh and vtheris placeis neidfull quhairthrow nane pretend ignorance of the same And To command and JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 191 charge the said M'' cunyeour and all vthiris in quhais handis the Irnis and vthiris Acts of the instrumentis pertening to the cunyie presentlie remanis / To deliuer the same to his hienes ^''^1597"°^' thesaurair within the burgh of Edinburgh, To be vsit heireftir for his maiesteis proffeit and commoditie / within xlviij houris nexteftir thay be chargeit thairto, vndir the pane of rebellioun and putting of thame to the horne / And giff thay failyie the said space being bipast, That the said maisser or vther officiar of armes / Incontinent thaireftir denunce thame rebelUs and putt thame to the horne And eschete etc. xcv. — 18 Aug. 1597, The officials of the Mint restored to office. Forsamelde as the Kingis Maiestie with auise of the lordis of his secreit counsale hes Vol. 1594- restorit and reponit and be thir presentis Eestoiris and reponis the generall M"" Cunyeour ^' wardane counter wardane assayair sinkar nieltair forgear prentair and all vthiris officiaris of his maiesteis cunyiehous to thair officeis and feis / as allswa to the vseing and exerceing of thair saidis officeis in all tyme cuming / Siclike and als freelie as thay haue done at ony tyme bigane preceding the date heirof / and that nocht withstanding quhatsumeuir actis statutis proclamationis or chargeis generall or speciall direct or publist in the contrair quhilks his heynes dischargeis and decernis to ceis and to haue na force effect nor executioun aganis thame at ony tyme heireftir And ordanis his Maiesteis thesaurair and his deputis / To deliuer and cans be randerit and delyuerit to the foirsaidis personis or samony of thame fra quhome the Irnis and vtheris instrumentis of his heynes cunyie wes ressauit / The same Irnis and Instrumentis To remane and vsit be thame heireftir, for his Maiesteis proffeitt and commoditie As thay will ansuer to his heynes vpoun thair office and obedience And that Lettrez, be direct chargeing officiaris of armes to pas and mak publicatioun and intimatioun of the premissis to all and sindrie his heynes liegis be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croce of Edinburgh and vtheris placeis neidfuU quhairthrou nane pretend ignorance of the same /. xcvi. — 22 July 1598, Tach of the Mint to Thomas Foullis. Forsamekle as the kingis Maiestie with aduise of his estaitis quhilkis convenit at Vol. I59i- Haliruidhous in the moneth of Junij last ordanit and commandit Walter commendatare ' ^" of Blantyre his hienes thesaurair To sett in tak and assidatioun to Thomas Foullis goldsmyth his maiesteis cunyiehous ffor the space of sex yeiris nixttocum, with power to him to Thesaurare apply the haill proffeit and commoditie quhilk salbe had of the said cunyie to his awin vse po'netoThomL And that in payment of the dettis awand be his hienes to the said Thomas and Robert ^"j'^^^^^.^jj^ Jowsie. Allowand the proffeit of the said cunyiehous yeirlie to thame in payment of the peuaiteis re- dounding be soume 01 lyve thousand pundis As the act maid thairupoun at mair lenth proportis . ffor the cunyie. the bettir executioun quhairof Necesser it is That the said Thomas do his vtter and exact deligence Not onlie for causing of the persones addettit in payment of the bulyeon To inbring and delyuer the samyn to him as vse is Bot als in persute of sindrie his hienes Leigis quhilkis sail contravene his maiesteis Lawis and actis of parliament maid anent the 192 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Acts of the cours of the mouey and inbringing of all foreyne gold and siluer to his hienes cunyiehous 'rivy Council, i • i o o 1598. CLuhairupoun he wilbe forceit to bestow the panes and travellis not onlie of himselff and his awin seruandis Bot of sindry vtheris his Maiesteis Leigis In directing thame in diuers pairtis of this realme ahvayis to his grite chargeis and expenssis ffor support quhairof his hienes with aduise of the lordis of his secreit connsall Ordanis and commandis his hienes thesaurare forsaid To dispone and gift to the said Thomas the ane halff of all the escheittis panes and penalteis quhilkis salhappin to redound be this occasioun ather concerning the not inbringing of the said bulyeoun Or of personis quhilkis salbe denunceit to the home thairfoir Or for ony cans Tuiching the said cunyie Or for not inbringing of sic spaceis of gold and siluer as wer appointit be his hienes Lawis to be brocht in to the said cunyiehous Or of quhatsumeuir personis quhilkis salbe convict and adiugeit to haue contravenit the same lawis With power to him to intrometwith and vptak the ane halff of the saidis escheitis panes and penalteis forsaidis and thairupoun to his awin proper vse to dispone at his plesur declairing heirby that the said thesaurare sail alwayis be frie and exonerit thairof Lyke as his Maiestie with aduise forsaid exoneris hnn of the samyn simpliciter for euir. xcvii. — 17 Aug. 1598, Anent trial of false Coiners. Vol. 1594- Forsamekle as it is vnderstand to the Lordis of secreit counsall that George erll of 1598, p. 626. jj^jj^^iig lyQg laitlie apprehendit three personis suspect and dilait of forgoing prenteing and outputting of fals cunyie and hes delyuerit thame to the prouest and bailleis of Aberdene, quha presentlie keipis and detenis thame ffor quhais better tryale of the said cryme, Necesser it is, That thay be brocht and exhibite befoir his Maiestie and his counsall, And thairfoir ordanis Lettrez to be direct Chargeing the prouest and bailleis of Aberdene, To caus convoy bring and delyuer the saidis three personis to the prouest and bailleis of Dundie within the burgh of Dundee within three dayis nixteftir thai be chargeit thairto vnder the pane of rebellioun and putting of thame to the horne. And to charge the prouest and bailleis of Dundie To ressaue the saidis thre personis fra the convoyaris of thame within ane hour nexteftir thai be chargeit thairto. And to bring present and delyuer thame within the burgh of Edinburgh to the prouest and bailleis thairof within three dayis nixt thaireftir vnder the pane of rebellioun and putting of thame to the home, And to charge the prouest and bailleis of Edinburgh to ressaue the saidis three personis within ane hour nixtefter thay be chargeit thairto, and to putt hald and detene thame in suir firmance within thair tolbuith ay and quhill thay be tryit of the said cryme and ordourlie fred and relevit vnder the pane of rebellioun and putting of thame to the home And gif ony of the personis abonewrittin failyie the particular spaceis forsaidis being bipast To denunce the dissobeyaris rebellis and putt thame to the home and to escheat etc. state Papers xcviii. — 18 Dec. 1598, Aiie acte of counsell anient the Cunyie. Hen.Viii., Forsamekle As our Soueraine Lordis gud minde and intention to haue setled the No! 79^^^^ by gane misordour in the estate of the cunyie hes bene thortoured and disappointed be the JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 193 malice of sik persons qiiha preferring their gane and profite, to his Majesties honour, and Acts of tiie benefite of their natiue cuntry, hes at all times at their pleasour, raised and heichted the "^593!""^' prices alswell of foraine money, as of his Hiues awin cunyie, haifaud na regarde at all to the lawes, actes and constitutions maid in the contrair . And to the greate skaith and damnage quhilk be their meanes the puire subjects susteined be the variable vncertantie of the said cunyie. As als quhan as his Hines hes ony time bygane pressed to reduce the samin, to som conformable price, as the Gold and Sihier hes lately giuen within this Eealme, within thir few yeires : The saids persons to augment thair welth vpon the hurt and detriment of the common-welth, hes vpon hope of greater prices to be had in vther pairts, transported and dayly transports Gold and Silucr, in gi'eate quantity, notwithstanding, that the samin is forbidden and prohibite to be caried furth of this Eealme, be diuers and sundrie acts of Parliament maid heretofore. Quhairby they are likely to all mens appearance, in verie short space, to make this cuntry altogidder destitute of money, quhilk not only procures the impouerishing and wrack of the samin, and of the haill lieges, bot will be the occasion to cause all traf&que and interchange betuixt them and their neichtbour cuntreis to ceis, and may breid far greater danger, gif (as God forbid) at ony time this cuntry (as it hes bene within thir few yeiris) salbe visied be famine, and salhaue necessitie to be supplied be thir neichtbours in victuall and vther viueris, quhilk wil nawaies be advanced without present money to be giuen therefore. For preventing quhairof, his Hienes euer preferring the weill of his Eealme and subjectes to ony thing else : And foreseeing the saids inconveniences wiCli aduise of his estates lately conuened the fourteene day of December' instant, concluded that the vnce of Silucr being of ellcmn dcnneirs fine, of foraine cunyie sail haue course hereafter for fiftie schillings money of this Eealme. And the vnce of Siluer being of his Majesties awin cunyie of the same fines, salhaue course and be interchanged amang the hail leigis, for fiftie thre shillings foure pence. And the vnce of Gold being of twentie two carret fine of forraine cunyie, to passe for threttie punds. And the vnce of the samin fines being of his Majesties awin cunyie for threttie twa pounds. And appoynted the Lordes of his Hienesse privie Counsell, to set downe the particular spaces of cunyie of gold and siluer, allswell forrayne, as his Majesties awin money : To the effect that according thereto the samin may haue passage and course amang his Hienesse subjectes. And that nane of them in ony waies presse to heicht the pryces set downe, neither giue out, or reciue ony of the said money at heicher pryces, nor they quhilk are seuerallie set downe and prescrived in this present Act. Thay are to say. The Spanish Byall, weyand twentie ane denneirs and aucht graines, fortie fine shillings. The croce Dollar weyand twentie twa denneires and twelue graines, fourtie foure shillings aucht penneis. The Fifteene Sous peece, weyand seuen denneires twelue graines, fifteene shillings six pennies. The French Testone fiftene shillings. The English Tcstone weyand the fift part of ane vnce, Ten shillings. The aidd Threttie shilling pcce, weyand ane vtice, fiftie three shillings foure The twa pairt thereof, weyand the twa j)art of ane vnce, threttie shillings six pennies. The thrid parte ef the samin weyand aucht denneires, seuenteene shillings nine pennies. The New threttie shilliyig pcccc, weyand three quarters of ane vnce, fourtie shillings. The new tivcntie shilling peece, weyand halfe ane vnce, 2 B 194 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the twentie shillings aucht pennies. The auld ten shilling peece, weyand the fourth part of ane "^1593""°'^' vnce thretteen shillings four penies. The new ten shilling peece, and Scottis Testone, weyand the fyft part of ane vnce, ten shilling aucht pennies. The halfe marke peece, seven shillings. The Spanish pistolet weyand twa denneires- fourteene graines^ three pounds foure shilling aucht pennies. The Crovme of the Sunne, weyand twa denneires fourteene graines, three pound sex shilling aucht pennies. The Hary Doiicat, weyand fine denneires fifteene graines, seuen pound fine shillings. The Gun-holl Angell weyand three denneires twentie twa graines, fine pound twa shillings. The Angell nolle weyand three denneires twentie twa graines, fiue pund fiue shillings. The Bauble doucat weyand fiue denneires ten graines, seuen pound twa shillings aucht pennies. The Ghentish Nohle, weyand fiue denneires twenty twa graines, seuen pound seuentene schillings foure pennies. The Harie Nolle, weyand fiue denneires ten graines, seuen pund three schillings four pennies. The auld Bose nolle weyand sex denneires, aucht punds. The Portugal Ducat weyand ane vnce, foure denneires, threttie seven pound three shillings aucht pennies. The Thirsell nolle weyand sex denneires, aucht pound fiue shillings. The hat-peece, four pounds fourteene shillings aucht pennies. The Lyon nolle weyand foure denneires, fiue pound foure shillings foure pennies. The neu fiue pound peece weyand foure denneires, fiue pound sex shillings aucht penies. And the fiftie shilling peece proportionally. And albeit be diverse and sindrie acts of Parliament maid heirtofoir the course of all forrayne money is discharged and all our Soveraine Lordis Lieges prohibite and forbidden in any waies to receiue, giue out, and interchange the samin : Bot haillelie to be inbrocht for Bulyioun to the Cunyie-house ; yit in respect of the present skarsitie of his Majesties awin cunyie. His hienes therefore with advise of the Lords of his Privie Counsel hes giuen and granted liberty and licence, to the haill subjects of this Eealm, to interchange the said forayne money, at the prices particularly abone specified in this present act : quhill the first daye of Februar nixt-to-cum, betuixt and quhilk day his Majesty, and his said Counsell sail procure ane sufficient suirtie to all in-bringers of Gold and Siluer to the Cunyie-house, that they sail receiue immediatlie after the deliuerie of the samin without delay the just valour and price theirof, fra his Hienesse Thesaurer, and responsall deputies, to be impute be him to that effect. After the quhilk day be this presens, als his hienes subjects are expressely discharged in any waies, to interchange or to suffer the said forayne money to haue course amang them, bot hailelie to be inbrocht to the said Cunyie house, certifying them that beis found to contravene the same, that the ane halfe of the said Forrayne money salbe escheit to his Majesties vse, and the vther halfe to the partie apprehender and delater of the samin. And als vnder the paine of confiscation of the haill guds moveable, alsweil of the giver out, as the receiver of the said forrayne money after the said day. And ordainis publication heirof to be maid at the Mercatcroce of the heid Burrowes of this Eealme, that nane pretend ignorance thereof Discharging in like maner, all our Soueraine Lordis, Lieges, that they on nawaies heicht, alter, impair, nor diminish the particular prices abone specified, of the spaces of his Majesties cunyie, and no waies transport furth of this realme any gold or siluer, after the day and date hereof, vnder the paine of confiscation of the haill moveable guds, and eapheitting of the money that sail happin to be apprehended. JAMES VL] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 195 carried away in any sort, certifying them that sal happin to contraveene the sanae, that the Acts of the said paines salbe vplifted with all rigour and extremitie. Pnvy cvmucil, xcix. — 8 Sep. 1599, Anent the Cunyie. Forsamekle as the Kingis Maiestie his nobiHtie Counsall and Esteatis quhilkis Vol. 1598- convenit in the moneth of December last, Perseaving the grite disordour and confusioiin in ^' the esteat of the cunyie and the hurte and skaith quhilk wes Lyke to ensew vpoun the haill leigis of this realms be the Libertie quhilk some men tuke at thair plesour to hicht and rais the priceis alswele of propir as foreyne cunyie, and to transport the same furth of this realme as the occasioun of thair advantage and proffeit wes offerit, nawise respecting his maiesteis honnour and the commoun benefite of the cuntrey, nor the actis and proclamationis maid in the contrair, bot preferring thair awne particular gayne to ony thing els, to the frustrating and disapointing of the gude mynd and intentioun quhilk his hienes alway careyed to haue setled the disordouris and confusioun in the esteat of the cunyie, ffor remeid quhairof his maiestie and his saidis esteatis Then concludeit statute and ordanit That the vnce of siluer of his maiesteis awne cunyie being of ellevin deneiris fyne sould haue cours amangis his hienes leigis for liij s iiij d, and the vnce of gold of his Maiesteis awne cunyie of tuentie tua carrett fyne to haue cours amangis his hienes leigis for xxxij ti the vnce, And the vnce of siluer of the fynnes foirsaid of forreyne cunyie to haixe cours for L § the vnce, and the vnce of gold of foreyne cunyie of the fynnes foirsaid to haue cours for xxx ti the vnce. And the said foreyne gold and siluer onlie to haue had course vpoun certane priceis specifeit in the said act, fra the dait of the same act vnto the first day of Februare nixt thaireftir and now Last bipast. As in the said act and proclama- tioun maid thairupoun at lenth is contenit. And now his Maiestie still continewing in that gude mynd to hald his hienes awne cunyie at the moderat and resonable priceis quhairat the same presentlie standis, and being nawise myndit with the purchessing of a small gayng to himselff to hurte and iudomage his hienes gude subiectis. His Maiestie thairfoir hes concludit and ordanit That his hienes awne cunyie of gold and siluer sail remane and stand at the priceis appointit be the said act quhairat thai presentlie stand without alteratioun in ony point. And becaus the said first day of Februare last appointit be the act foirsaid for the cours of the said foreyne gold and siluer is now of lang tyme bigane, his Maiestie thairfoir with aduise of the Lordis of his Secreit Counsall hes dischargeit and be thir presentis dischargeis the said foreyne gold and sUuer to haue ony forder cours amangis his hienes leigis at ony tyme eftir the publicatioun heirof, bot to be haillelie imbrocht to his Maiesteis cunyiehous as bulyeoun, ffor the quhilk the awneris sail ressaue gude and reddie payment in his Maiesteis awne cunyie, Certifeing thame that salbe fundin outing exchangeing or ressaving of the said foreyne gold and siluer. That not onely the same gold and siluer bot the haill remanent of thair moveabill guidis salbe confiscat escheitit and intromettitwith according to the tennour of the said act with all rigour Dischargeing alsua all his Maiesteis leigis of all transporting or careying furth of this realme of ony gold and siluer vndir quhatsumeuir cuUour or pretence vuder the panes 196 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the contenit in the former actis and. proclamatiounis maid thairanent, Commanding liis Maiesteis ^'^^soq!"*^^ ' thesaiirare and aduocat To call follow and persew the contravenaris heirof with all rigour And his Maiesties vnderstanding that diners personis hes tane and takis vponn thame the exchangeing of gold and silner, sometymes vnder cullour to bring in the same to the cunyiehous To the grite hinder of his Maiesteis seruice and fostering and interteneying of disorder and confusioun in the esteat of the cunyie his Maiestie thairfoir hes dischargeit and dischargeis all and sindrie personis to exchange ony of the said foreyne gold and siluer Bot that thay bring in the same to the cunyiehous quhair thair money salbe exchangeit and thai sail ressaue reddie and thankfull payment thairfoir fra sic as his Maiesteis thesaiirare hes appointit to await in the cunyiehous for that effect vnder the pane of confiscatioun of all the movable guidis of the personis contravening the premissis, and that Letteris of publicatioun be direct heirupoun in forme as effeiris Commanding and chargeing alsua all and sindry his hienes leigis quha ar onyivise addettit and awand thair bulyeoun sen the tuelf day of Marche 1596 To mak gude and thankfull payment thairof and in tyme cuming To the said M"^ Cunyeour within sax day is nixteftir the charge vndir the pane of rebellioun etc. And giff thai failyie To denunce etc. c. — 8 May 1601, Anent fals Cunyie. Vol. 1601- Forsameikill as it is vnderstand to the Kingis Maiestie and Lordis of Secret Counsall ' ^' ' That thair is a certane quantite, of fals cunyie laitlie foundin, in the querrell hollis besyd the Cannogait quhilkis being sufferit to be put out in exchange may brede na small hurt and inconvenient to the commonweill Thairfoir his maiestie ordanis Lettres to be direct to ofiiceris of amies schireflSs in that pairt Chairgeing thame to pas to the mercat croce of Edinburgh and thair be oppin proclamatioun To command chairg and iuliibite all and sindrie his maiesteis lieges That nane of thame presume or tak vpoun hand at ony tyme efter the publicatioun heirof to mak ony forder serching or seiking of ony monej^ within the said querrell hoillis and sic as hes alreddie found ony of the said fals cunyie, or hes the same That thay onnawyse exchange or put the same out amang the lieges Bot that thay delyuer the same to his Maiesteis chancellar or thesaurare To be destroyit and brokin doun within fourtie aucht houris efter the publicatioun heirof Certefeing all and sindrie personis that salbe foundin or apprehendit seiking the said fals cunyie in the saidis querrellhollis or in quhais possessioun ony pairt of the same cunyie salbe foundin efter the publicatioun heirof That thay salbe repute haldin and estemit as forgearis and outputtaris of fals and adulterat money andsalbe punist thairfoir with all rigour and extremitie without favour. CI. — 22 Sep. 1601, Assignation of the Cunyiehouse. Vol. 1601- Forsamekle as it is vnderstand to the Kingis Maiestie That Alexander Master of 1602, p. 672. ]£ip}-,iiigstoun his hienes thesaurar is superexpendit during the tyme of his office in dyuers grit sowmes of money and his Maiestie being cairfull as becometh him in honnour to sie tlie saidis superexpeussis payit to Alexander Elphingstoun eldest lauchfuU sone to the said thesaurar quhome he hes maid and constitute his assignay to the saidis superexpensis Thair- JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 197 foir his Maiestie with auyse of the Lordis of his secrete counsall as alsua of the said Alexander Acts of the . ■ . Privy Counoi Master of Elphingstoun thesaurar and of the taxmen of his Maiesteis cunyiehous and vtheris leoi. haveing thair rycht of the same present possessouris of the said honse Hes assignit and dispouit and be thir presentis assignis and disponis to the said Alexander Elphingstoun sone lauchfuU to the said Alexander Master of Elphingstoun his airis and assignays The haill proffeit and commoditie of his maiesteis cunyiehous quhilk sail arryse be the new cunyie concludit and agreit vpoua be his Maiestie his estaitis in the conventioun haldin at Perth vpoun the ellevint day of September instant, ay and quhill the said Alexander Elphingstoun be compleitlie payit of the sowme of fourtie ane thowsand pundis restand awand to the said Alexander Master of Elphingstoun thesaurair be his saidis superexpenssis and incaise at the making and futeing of the rest of the said Master of Elphingstonis comptis quhilkis are yit vnmaid he salbe foundin to be forder superexpendit nor in the particular sowme of fourtie ane thowsand pundis Then and in that cais the said Alexander Elphingstoun salliaue retentioun of the said cunyiehous and proffeit thairof ay and quhill he be payit of the remanent of the saidis superexpenssis quhilk salbe foundin addebit to him preceiding the day and dait heirof and of the haill annuellis and proffeit of the stoke quhilk salhajipin to be Impiite be him during the tyme of his intromissioitn with the said cunyiehous With powar to the said Alexander Elphingstoun and his forsaidis To enter to the present possessioun of the said cunyiehouse and to put in ane stoke and intromet with baith stoke and proffeit thairof during the said space "With powar alswa to the saidis Alexander and his foirsaidis gif neid beis To alter remove outpute and Impute the Mr Cunyeour and officeris serving in the said cunyiehous during the space of his said rycht or to adioyne vtheris vnto thame to be thair comptrollaris ffor quhome he salbe ansuerable but preiudice alwayis of the saidis officeris richtis and liberteis efter the expyring of thir presentis Lykas the said Alexander Elphingstoun bindis and obleissis him and his foirsaidis To relief his maiestie of the yeirlie dewtie of fyve thowsand pundis addebtit to the saidis taxmen of the said cunyiehous and to that effect to mak gude and thankfull [payment] of the said yeirlie dewtie to thame and vtheris haveing thair rycht presentt possessouris of the said house monethlie pro rata, and is content and consentis that thay salhaue intromissioun with sameikle of the profftte monethlie as correspondis to the yeirlie dewtie foirsaid Prouydiug alwayis that this presentt assignatioun sail nawayis be preiudiciall to the saidis taxmen and thair foirsaidis nor to thair tak and rycht of the said cunyie for ony yeiris thairof, yit to ryn, Bot that the samyne sail remaine in the same force strenth and effect Immediatlie efter the expyring of the payment of the saidis superexpenssis as it wes befoir the making of this presentt assignatioun and dispositioun and for better executioun of restreant of the course of all vther cunyie efter the day contenit in the act of the estaitis and ecsheitting thairof conforme to the tennour of the said act quhilk salbe deprehendit wissilling or vtherwayis bloking ony of the said decryit money That that quhilk beis deprehendit salbe devydit the thrid pairt thairof to his maiesteis thesaurar another thrid to the said Alexander and the thrid thrid to the deprehendar and reveillar And for the better furtherance of the course of the cunyiehous It salbe Lykwyse frie to the said Alexander To chairge for the bulyeoun appointit be the actis of parliament to be Imbrocht be the marcheantis and to put the actis of 198 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the parliament maid thairanent to dew executioun Sic subscribitiir James E. Montrois jepi!"'" ' cancellarius Fyvie A. E. Thesaurar Elphingstoun Secretar M'' A. Hamiltoun S'" G. Home comptrollar S"^ A. Murray J" Prestoun, James Foullis of Colingtoun James Foullis younger Thomas Foullis Eobert Joussy A. Huntare. cii. — 1 Dec. 1601, Renunciation of the above. 16*02 ^^*^\~29 "^^^ quhilk day in presence of the Lordis of secret counsall compeirit personallie Alexander Elphingstoun eldest sone lauchfull to Alexander maister of Elphingstoun and the said maister of Elphingstoun for all entres quhilk he hes or ony wyse may haue or acclame to the rycht vnderwritten of the cunyiehous and thay and ather of thame with ane consent and assent ffrielie Eenuncit dischairgit and simpliciter ouergaif to his Maiestie all rycht title entres and possessioun quhilk thay or ather of thame had hes or ony wyse may haue or pretend to his Maiesteis cunyiehous be vertew of ane act of secret counsall beiring dait at Dumfermling the tuentie tua day of September last bipast Quhairby the haill proffeit and commoditie of his maiesteis cunyiehous quhilk sail aryse be the cunyie concludit and agreit vpoun be the Estaitis convenit at Perth vpoun the day of September last wes assignit and disponit to the said Alexander Elphingstoun as assignay constitute be his said fader to his superexpenssis during the tyme of his office of thesaurarie ffor his assuirance of payment of the sowme of fourty ane thowsand pundis restand awand to the said Alexander maister of Elphingstoun be his saidis superexpenssis and of sic vtheris sowmes as the said maister of Elphingstoun sould be foundin superexpendit at the making of the rest of his comptis quhilkis wer vnmaid the said tuentie tua day of September and of the annuell and proffeit of the stok quhilk sould be Impute be him in the said cunyiehous during his intro- missioun thairwith and Eenuncit and simpliciter dischargeit the said act of counsall To the effect his maiestie may sett vse and dispone vpoun the said cunyiehous at his hienes plesour Sic subscribitur M. Elphingstoun A Elphingston. cm. — 1 Dec. 1601, Contract anent the Cunyie. Vol. 1601- The Quhilk day the contract vnderwrittin being subscryuit be the Kingis Maiestie 1602, p. 729. Lordis of secret counsall and vtheris personis vndersubscryveris his maiestie and the saidis lordis with consent of the saidis vtheris personis Ordanit and ordanis the same con- tract to be insert and registrat in the buikis of secrete counsall To haue the strenth of ane act and decreit of his hienes and the saidis Lordis To the quhilk thay haue interponit and inter- ponis thair auctoritie And Ordanis Lettres and executoriallis to be direct thairvpoun in maner specefeit thairintiU Off the quhilk the teanour followis At Haliruidhous the first day of December the yeir of God I™ sax hundreth and ane yeiris It is appointit agreit and finaUie concordit Betuix the rycht excellent rycht heich and mychtie prince James the Saxt be the graice of God king off Scottis with auyse and consent of S'' George Home of Spot knycht his hienes thesaurar and of the Lordis of his Maiesteis previa counsall as als with consent of S'' James FouUis eldar of Colintoun and of James Foullis younger of Colintouu his sone JAMES VI.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 199 vpone that ane pairt and S"" Dauid Murray of Gospertie knycht comptroUar S'' Patrick Acts of tiie Murray of Ganyis knycht Johne Arnot portioner of Restalrig Robert Arnot of Newtoun Johne ^"^leoi"" ' Robertsoun merchand James Nisbit merchand George Foullis goldsmyth George Hereot " younger goldsmyth Thomas Achiesoun M'' cunyeour and Johne Nasmyth cliirurgiane burgessis of Edinburgh vpoun that vther pairt in maner forme and effect as after followis That is to say fforsameikle as his maiestie and the estaitis of this his hienes realme being convenit at Perth vpoun the ellevint day of September last bipast and considering the grit skairsitie of money within this cuntrey procurit pairtlie be the carying away in the lait yeiris of derth of grit quantitie of the same for bringing hame of victuell and prouisioun and pairtlie proceiding vpoun the meane and law pryce that the same gevis Thairby sindrie taking occasioun to transport the same making thair gayne thairof ffor remeid quhairof his maiestie and the saidis estaitis statute and ordanit That the haill gold and siluer alsueill of his hienes awin cunyie as forreyne sould be imbrocht to his maiesteis cunyiehous and the samyne to be strickin and imprentit in the spaceis efterspecefeit and the valour and pryce of the said money to be cunyeit to be at the rait following That is to say the gould to be of tuentie tua carret fyne with tua granis of remeid of fynnes alsweill abone as vnder at threttie sax pundis the vnce quhairof sax sail wey the vnce and to be set furth at sax pundis the peice with tua granis of remeid of wecht vpoun ilk peice alsweill havie as lycht with halffis at thrie pundis the peice with ane graine of remeid of wecht vpoun ilk peice alsweill havie as lycht The saidis peiceis haveand on the ane syd ane sceptour and ane suord in forme of Sanctandrois croce and the croun abone thame and ane thrissell on euery syd with the yeir of God beneth all contenit within the Inner ring and with this circumscriptioun Salus populi suprema lex with ane litle rois at the begynning of the ditone on ather syd and on the vther syd his Maiesteis armes with ane scheild and ane croun with this circumscriptioun Jacobus Sextus D. G. R. Scotorum And als that the haill sHuer salbe Imbrocht to his maiesteis cunyiehous and be reducit to the particular dewtie efterspecefeit That is to say the siluer to be of elleviu deneir fyne with tua granis of remeid of fynnes alsweill abone as vnder at thrie pundis the vnce To be sett furth in merk peiceis half merk peiceis fourty penny peiceis and tuentie penny peiceis quhairof nyne of the saidis half merk peiceis sail wey the vnce with tua granis of remeid of wecht vpoun ilk peice of the saidis merk and half merk peiceis and vpoun ilk peice of the saidis fourty and tuenty penny peiceis ane graine of remeid of wecht alsweill havie as Licht Off the quhilkis fourty penny peiceis thair salbe cunyeit in ilk staine wecht tua pund wecht and of tuentie penny peiceis ane pund wecht Ilk peice of the saidis siluer spaceis haueand on the ane syd ane thrissell with tua leaves and ane croun abone the held of the thrissell The croun to extend to the vtmest ring of the circumscriptioun quhilk followis Regem loua protegit and on the vther syd his maiesteis armes in ane scheild crownit and the croun to be within the vtter ring of the circumscriptioun as followis Jacobus Sextus D. G. R. Scotorum and the yeir of God to be put in the thrissell syde of the siluer As the act maid thairanent at mair lenth proportis And his Maiestie haveing experience of the apj^rovin faithfulnes and prouideut vertew and behaviour of the foirnamit personis his hienes lies maid chois of thame as maist able and willing to mak the foirsaid cunyie aud the cunyie- 20U EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Acts of the hous to gang for the weill of the cimtrey and proffite of his Maiestie Thairfoh- his hienes ''Yeoi""" ' with consent and auyse foirsaid of deliberat mynd certane knawlege and proper motiue hes sett and be the tennour heirof settis in tak and assedatioun to the foirnamit personis and to thair pairtneris thair airis and assignais quhatsumeuer his maiesteis cunyie foirsaid and all profifitis and commoditeis thairof for all the dayis tyme and space of ane yeir nixt and Immediatlie following the first day of December instant In this instant yeir of God ane thowsand sax hundreth and ane yeiris Quhilk first day of December salbe thair entrie in and to this present tak of the said cnnyie and proffeittis thairof and thairefter to indure and peceablie to be bruikit and Joysit be thame during the space foirsaid within the quhilk space the foirsaidis takismen and vtheris in thair names sail haue libertie and powar to buy of quhatsumeuer pryce thay pleis all and quhatsomeuer gold siluer and allayed money alsweill forreyne as invart cunyeit or vncunyeit within this realme or that may be within the said space brocht within the same alsueill not namit as namit And to melt fyne work forge prent and outgif in the foirsaidis spaceis and of the fynnes wecht and pryceis abonementionat And siclyk his maiestie be thir presenttis grantis libertie and powar to the saidis takismen and thair pairtneris thair factouris or assignayis and to nane vtheris to buy brek doun fyne forge and prent all kynd of gould and siluer cunyeit and vncunyeit in maner and to the effect foirsaid And declairis and promeissis that na gould siluer or cunyie be maid or permittit to be maid be his Maiestie or ouy personis be his hienes tollerance and allowance within his dominiounis during the said space bot onlie be the saidis taxmen thair pairtineris factouris or assignais and that for the furtherance of the work of the said new money That Letteris be direct chairgeing all his Maiesteis liegis and vtheris within the boundis of his hienes dominionis to Imbring to his Maiesteis cunyiehous all sortis of gould siluer and aUayed money alsweill forreyne as invard vpoun the pryceis following betuix and the first day of Januar nixtocome That is to say fyftie fyve schillingis for euerie vnce of siluer of ellevin deneir fyne and threttie thrie pundis for euerie vnce of gould of tuentie tua carrat fyne and proportionallie thairto for euerie sort of money alsweill forreyne as his maiesteis awne cunyie presentlie currand according to the fynes thairof ffor the quhilkis gould and siluer sa ordanit to be imbrocht to his hienes cunyiehous The saidis takismen salbe onUe obleist to pay to the Imbringaris thairof the pryceis befoir specefeit And our said souerane lord with auyse and consent foirsaid declairis and decernis that all gould siluer and allayed money now ordanit to be Imbrocht to his hienes cunyiehous quhilk sail not be brocht in to th-e same betuix and the said first day of Januar nixtocome sail haue na forder course nor passage fra thynefurth Bot quhaireuer ony of the same gould siluer or allayed money ordanit to be brocht in to the cunyiehous in maner foirsaid may be apprehendit thaireftir changeand wissilland or payand blokis or debtis To be intromettitwith and escheitit be the saidis takismen and sic as thay sail appoint to that effect The thrid quhairof to his Maiesteis awne proper vse ane vther thrid to the saidis takismen and the last thrid thairof to the reveilaris searcheris and apprehendaris for thair panis and lawbouris Togidder with the paine and vnlaw of ane hundreth pundis to be vptakin of euery persone contravenand this presentt ordinance and proclamatioun And gif it salhappin his maiestie or his hienes said thesaurar to postpone differ or amit the persute craving and vptaking of the said confisc.at JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 201 money panis or vnlawis or ony pairt tliairof being deuly aduerteist and informit of the Acts of the Ti 11 Privy Counci same That the pairtis of the same destinat to the saidis takismen divulgar or apprehendar leoi. and recoverar of the same be decreit in forme of law salbe defasit and allowit to the saidis takismen in thair dewtie vnderwrittin sa oft as the same salbe recouerit be law And that the panis of the said escheit and vnlaw sail stryk vpoun quhatsumeuir persone or personis that takis vponn thame To buy brek doun fyue or melt ony of the said gould siluer and allayed money without the speciall licence of the saidis takismen And his Maiestie with consent and auyse foirsaid Ordanis and requyris the lordis of Counsall and Sessioun be thame selfl&s in sufficient nowmer or be commissioun to be grantit to sum of thame selffis or vtheris to call proceid and decerne in quhatsumeuer mater or questioun concerning this present contract nominat or not nominat thairin tending to the furtherance of the said werk aganis the transgressouris of the pointis and claussis thairof quhatsumeuer And that all ordinar Judges withiu the realme concur and assist in vptaking of the saidis panis and vnlawis vpoun the expenssis of the saidis takismen And with powar and libertie to the saidis takismen To change and transport and plaice the said cunyiehous within ony toun or place of this realme quhair thay sail think expedient for the better suirtie and furtherance thairof Mairattour it is prouydit with auyse of Thomas Achiesoun x^resentlie maister cunyeour that the presentt cunyiehous with the haill presentt worklumes thairin perteining to the Kingis Maiestie or bocht at his hienes chairgeis with the keyis of the houssis or placeis quhair the same ar contenit be delyuerit to the saidis takismen With powar to thame to place output and Impute quhatsumeuer maister cunyeour thay pleis ffor quhome thay salbe haldin to ansuer without preiudice of the said Thomas office of maister cunyeour efter the Ische of this presentt tak and assedatioun And forder his maiestie Ordanis and commandis the wardane counter wardane sincker and assayar of the cunyie- hous diligentlie to attend vpoun thair officeis euerie ane in thair awne plaice ffor the quhilkis thay salhaue thair ordinar wages at thair Maiesteis chairgeis as alsua thair extraordinar wages payit monethlie be the saidis taxmen During the tyme of the werk quhilkis salbe allowit to the saidis takismen in his hienes dewtie at the end of thair tak incais it sail then be found that thay ar na gayneris in the same work And that the saidis wardanis of the cunyiehous keip register of the remedeis of wecht and fynnes of the money alsweill of gould as siluer passand the Irnes euery Jornay hot not of the quantitie of the money be ressone the saidis takismen ar not subiect be this presentt contract to buy and tak in the gould and siluer at ony certane pryce nor to mak compt of thair bying bot to pay his maiestie the dewtie of the tak foirsaid only And that likwyse the saidis wardane counter wardane sincker and assayer salbe ansuerable euerie ane of thame for thair awne office and factis and the saidis takismen nawyse to be challengit nor accusable thairfoir Quhilkis notwithstanding sail haue powar to appoint personis vpoun thair awne expenssis and chairgeis for controlling of the saidis wardanes and assayeris in thair officeis That nowther his maiestie the saidis takismen nor the subiectis be preiudgit And forder it is speciallie prouydit and agreit be conditioun of this presentt contract That not only the extraordinar wages foirsaidis of the saidis wardane comptar wardane assayer and sincker of the cunyiehous bot the presentt cunyiehous maill salbe allowit to the saidis takismen in 2 c 202 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the the Kingis Maiesteis dewtie following at the Ische of this presentt tak and end of the werk "^^160l"*^' ' incais thay haue lose and tinsall Or then thay salhaue licence to Cunyie alsmeikle of the presentt cunyie foirsaid as the saidis extraordinar wageis and hous maill sail extend to efter the Isch of the said tak And siclyk it salbe lauchfuU to the saidis takismen to ressaue in thair societie and cumpany as pairtineris with thame in this presentt contract all sic honnest personis as sail seame guid to thame quhilkis salbe nawyse querrellit be his hienes or his counsall or officeris for the same nor sustene ony skaith or danger or vther domage thairthrow in thair bodyis landis guidis or officeis with the quhilkis personis his hienes with auyse foirsaid dispenssis be thir presentis ffurthermoir his maiestie with auyse and consent foirsaid decernis declairis statutis and ordanis That it sail not be lesum to mak reuersionis contractis obligationis decreitis or sentencis vpoun ony kynd of money in ony time comeing efter the dait heirof bot in the new cunyie of gowld and siluer abone specefeit now appointit to be maid and haue course as is abonexprest To wit the gould of tuentie tua carratis fyne and the siluer of ellevin penny fyne vnder the paine of ane hundreth merkis money of this realme to be incurrit be quhatsumeuer persone doand in the contrair alsoft as thay salbe apprehendit or salbe adiugit and decernit to haue incurrit the said paine with the tinsall and escheting of the saidis sowmes of money to be vptaking and intromettit with in maner and to the vse abonespecefeit Attoure for the better further- ance of the course of the said cunyiehous his Maiestie with auyse foirsaid giffis disponis and assignis to the foirsaid takismen thair pairtineris and assignais The haill bulyeoun dew to his hienes To be intromettitwith asldt vpliftit cravit and ressauit be thame to thair awne proper vse vtilitie and behuif during the haill tyme and space of this presentt tak and assedatioun foirsaid With powar to thame to rais Letteris in thair awne names and chairge for the said bulyeoun appointit be the actis of parliament and lawis of this realme to be imbrocht to the cunyiehous be the merchantis and to cans put the saidis actis of parliament to dew executioun in all pointis at thair plesour ffor the quhilk tak and assedatioun foirsaid and vtheris conditionis abonementionat maid to the saidis takismen and thair pairtineris as is abonecontenit The saidis takismen bindis and obleissis thame faithfullie and thair successouris To content pay and thankfullie delyuer To oure said Souerane Lord and his hienes successouris and to his maiesteis thesaurer foirsaid in his hienes name the sowme of fourtie fyve thousand audit hundreth fourscoir nyntene pundis nyne schillingis sax penneis vsuall money foirsaid of this realme at the termes and in maner following To wit Thay haue presentlie befoir the hand contentit payit and thank- fullie delyuerit reallie and with effect in nwmerat money to his maiestie and his hienes said thesaurar in his Maiesteis name the sowme of fourtene thowsand aucht hundreth fourscoir nyntene pundis nyne shillingis sax penneis in the first end of the payment of the foirsaid sowme of fourty fyve thowsand aucht hundreth fourscoir nyntene pundis nyne schillingis sax penneis quhairof his maiestie and his hienes thesaurar foirsaid in his maiesteis name haldis thame weill content satisfeit and payit and exoneris quytclames and dischargis the foirsaidis takismen and thair pairtineris and successouris quhatsumeuer and ilkane of thame thair airis executouris and assignais of the same for now and euer be thir presenttis And sail pay the rest of the said sowme extending to the sowme of JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 203 tuentie sax tliowsand pundis as foUowis viz. the sowme of sax thowsand fyve hundreth Acts of the pundis vpouu the first day of Marche nixtocum In the yeir of God ane thowsand leoi. sax hundreth and tua yeiris the sowme -of sax thowsand fyve hundreth pundis vpoun the first day of Junij nixt thairefter The sowme of sax thowsand and fyVe hundreth pundis vpoun the first day of September nixt thairefter and the sowme of sax thowsand and fyve hundreth pundis in full and compleit payment of the foirsaid haill sowme vpoun the first day of December nixt thaireftir in the samyne yeir of God ane thowsand sax himdreth and tua yeiris but forder delay fraud or gyll And forder the saidis takismen bindis and obleissis thame faithfullie and thair successouris To relief his maiestie of the dewtie of fyve thowsand pundis for the yeir to cum of this presentt tak foirsaid addebtit to the priour taxmen of the said cunyiehous and to that effect sail mak guid and tliankfull payment of the same sowme of fyve thowsand pundis to the saidis James Foullis elder of Colintoun and J ames Foullis younger of Colintoun in thair names as haueand thair powar and commissioun and that monethlie pro rata during this presentt tak foirsaid and lykwyse ar content and consentis That thay salhaue intromissioun with sa meikle of the proffite monethlie as is correspondant to the said dewty of fyve thowsand pundis Prouyding siclyk that this presentt tak foirsaid sail nawayis be preiudiciall to the saidis priour takismen thair assignayis commissioneris nor factouris nor to thair tak and rycht of the said cunyie for ony yeiris thairof yit to ryn (efter the Isch of this presentt tak foirsaid) Bot that the same sail remaine in the awne force strenth and effect Immediatlie efter the expyring of this presentt tak foirsaid as it wes befoir the making heirof And finallie becaus the foirsaid takismen contracteris abonenamit hes presentlie debursit befoir the hand the foirsaid sowme of fourtene thowsand aucht hundreth fourscoir nyntene pundis nyne schillingis sax penneis and ar obleist for the rest at the ternies abonespecefeit for the dewty of the said cunyiehous for the foirsaid ane yeir tak And that the proffeit of the said cunyie may be many wayis interruptit and hinderit be weir pest and vther extraordinar occasionis quhairby thay may be infinitlie dampnefeit in thair principall sowmes foirsaidis and in the entres and proifite thairof Thairfoir it is expreslie prouydit and agreit vpoun be expres conditioun of this presentt contract That gif be weir forreyne or intestine or pest or be ony supervenient accidentis The said cunyiehous salhappin during the tyme of this presentt contract foirsaid ather be altogidder stayit or gritlie hinderit in the exchange course and proffite thairof In that cais his maiestie with auyse foirsaid consentis and is content be thir presentis That efter tryall to be summarlie tane befoir his hienes previe counsall Or befoir the Lordis and Senatouris of the sessioun and college of Justice vpoun ane simple supplicatioun of the said stay and extraordinar Impediment not onlie to superceid the craving and ressaving of the dewties foirsaidis of this presentt tak than restand awand vnvpliftit Bot lykwyse to grant Lyke as his Maiestie with auyse foirsaid now as than and than as now (in cais foirsaid) be thir presentis grantis and giflfis proroga- tioun of this presentt tak foirsaid to the saidis takismen thair pairtineris and successouris ay and quhill thay be fullie satisfeit of thair losse quhilk thay salhappin to sustene throw the stay and interruptioun foirsaid according to the estimatioun foirsaid to be maid and liquidat be his hienes previe Counsall or be the saidis lordis and senatouris of the Sessioun 204 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the and College of Justice in maner foirsaid And for the better observing of all and sindrie '^'^leoi"^'^"^' premissis the foirsaidis pairteis ar content and consentis that this present contract be insert and registrat in the buikis of Secret Counsall and Sessioun To haue the strenth of ane act and decreit of the Lordis thairof And that Lettres be direct thairvpoun in forme as effeiris And for acting and registring heirof his maiestie with auyse foirsaid hes constitute Maister Thomas Hammiltoun of Drumcairne his hienes aduocat Thair procura- touris coniunctlie and seuerallie Promittentes de rato etc. In witnes of the quhilk thing writtin be Adame Lawtie writter in his writting buith in Edinburgh The saidis pairteis hes subscryuit this presentt contract with thair handis day yeir and place foirsaidis Befoir thir witnessis Sic subscribitur James R. Montrois Cancellarius Fyvie S. G. Home thesaurar Secretar A. M. Elphingstoun Jo. Prestoun M. T. Hamiltoun clericus Eegistri M^' almusar S. D. Murray Comptrollar S. P. Murray of Ganeis James Foullis of Colintoun James Foullis of Colintoun younger Jo. Arnote Johne Eobertsoun eldar Robert Arnot Thomas Achesoun James Nisbitt George Foullis G. Heriote youngar J. Nasmyth. CIV. — 16 Jan. 1602, Act anent the Cunyie. Vol. 1601- Forsameikle as the kingis maiestie his nobilitie counsall and esteatis quhilkis convenit 1602, p. 779. Perth in the moneth of September last persaving the grit disordour and confusioun in the estait of the cunyie not onlie be the libertie quhilk sindrie personis tuik to transport the same bot alsua to rais and hycht the pryceis thairof at thair plesour/ Nawayis respecting his maiesteis honnour and commone weill of this realme / bot preferring thair awne particular gayne to ony thing ellis ffor remeid quhairof It wes statute and ordanit that the haill gould and siluer alsweill of his maiesteis awne cunyie as forreyne sould be Imbrocht to his hienes cvmyiehous and the same strikin and Imprentit in certane new spaceis at lenth contenit in the said act And the first day of Januar instant wes the terme appointit in the said act within the quhilk the said gould and siluer sould haue bene Imbrocht to the cunyiehous / and the course of all gould and siluer except the new cunyie wes speciallie forbidden and dischargeit efter the said day vnder the paine of escheiting and confiscatioun of the same and of the sowme of ane hundreth pundis to be vpliftit alsueill of the gevar out as ressauer and thay to be wairdit quhill thay maid payment of the saidis painis It wes alwayis permittit be the said act that efter the said first day of Januar the said decryit money sould be permittit to be Imbrocht to the cunyiehous as bulyeoun and the pryceis specefeit in the said act viz. fyftie fyve schillingis for euery vnce of siluer of ellevin d fyne and threttie thrie pundis for euerie vnce of gould of xxii carrett fyne payit thairfoir As the same act deulie publeist at the mercat croce of Edinburgh with all solempnities requisite at lenth beiris And albeit the said first day of J anuar be bipast and that his maiestie expectit a deutifull and reverent obedience to haue bene gevin to the said act be all his hienes subiectis Notwithstanding as his maiestie is enformed Nather is the said decryit cunyie Imbrocht to the cunyiehous bot the same is publictlie and avowedlie vsit in exchange ouer all the pairtis of this realme and the pryceis of the same raisit and hichtit at the appetyte of the gevaris out and ressaueris heichlie to his maiesties JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 205 contempt and offence and misregaird of his hienes auctorite and Lawis And thairfoir his Acts of the Privy Coiiiici maiestie hes resoluit with all regouris to pvnisch the contemnaris and violataris of his 1602. hienes said act conforme to the tennour of the same in all pointis / And for this effect Ordanis Lettres to be direct To command chairge and inhibite all and sindrie his hienes Liegeis and subiectis be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croceis of the heid burrowis of this realme and vtheris placeis neidfull That nane of thame presume nor tak vpoun hand To ressaue or gif out ony of the said decryit money in payment of ony of thair debtis or blokis nor to wisill or change the same Bot that thay Imbring the same to his maiesteis cunyiehous quhair thay sail ressaue reddy payment thairfoir conforme to the said act vnder the paine abonespecefeit and contenit in the same Certefeing thame that failzeis or dois in the contrair That the same paine salbe vpliftit of thame with all rigour and thay vtherwayis puneist in thair personis as contemnaris and vioUattaris of his hienes saidis Lawis without favour. cv. — 23 Dec. 1602, Proclamation anent the Cunyie. Forsamelde as the Kingis maiestie his nobilitie counsale and estaittis quhilkis Vol. I602- convenit at Perth In the moneth of September The yeir of god 1"° vj<= and ane yeiris ^' ^'^ persaueing the grite disordoure and confusioun in the estate of the cunyie and. the hurt and skaith quhilk the leigeis of this realme wer lyke to sustene gif the libertie quhilk some men tuik to heicht and rais the pryces alswele of proper as forrayne money and to transport the same furth of this realme as the occasioun of thair proffite and advantage wes offerit nawyse respecting his maiesteis honnour or the commounwele of the cuntrey Prefering thair awin particular gayne and proffete to ony thing ellis To the frustrating and disapointing of the guid mynd and intentioun quhilk his Maiestie alwyse caryit to haue satled the confusioun and disordoure of the estate of the cunyie ffor Eemeid quhairof It wes statute and ordanit be his Maiestie and estaittis That the haill gold and siluer alswele of his Maiesteis awin cunyie as forrayne sould be imbrocht to his maiesteis cunyiehouse and the same strickin and imprentit in certane new spaces at lenth specifeit in the said act and the first day of Januair lastbypast wes the terme appointit in the said act within the quhilk the said gold and siluer sould haue bene Imbrocht to the cunyiehous and the course of all gold and siluer except the new cunyie wes specialie forbidden and dischairgit efter the said day vndir the pane of esclieting and confiscatioun of the same and of the sowme of ane hundreth pundis, to be vplifted alswele of the gevair out as ressauear and they to be wairdit quhill they maid payment of the saidis panes It wes alwyse permitit be the said act That efter the said first day of J anuair The said decryit money sould be permittit to be imbrocht to the cunyiehouse as bulyeoun and the pryceis specifeit in the said act viz. fyftie fyve schillingis for euery vnce of siluer of ellevin d fyne and Threttie Thrie pundis for euery vnce of gold of Twenty twa caret fyne payit thairfore as the same act dewlie publeist at the mercat croces of the heid burrowis of this realme with all solempniteis requisite at lenth beiris Nochtwithstanding quhairof as the saidis Lordis ar enformit nather is the said decryit money imbrocht to the cunyiehouse bot the sanie is 206 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the publictlie and avowedlie vsit in exchange ouer all the pairtis of this realme and the pryces ^'^'^1602?'^°^^' thairof reasit and hichtit at the appetyt of the gevar out and ressaueair Lyke as some personis hes tane vpoun thame the exchangeing of the said gould and siluer vndir cullour to bring the same in to the cunyiehouse To the grite hinder of his maiesteis seruice and foistering and intertenying of the confusioun and disordoure in the estate of the cunyie To the contempt and misregaird of hienes auctoritie and lawis Thairfore his maiestie and the saidis Lordis hes resoluit with all rigour to pvnische the contravenairis of the saidis actis and thairfore Ordanis lettres to be direct to officeris of airmes Chairgeing thame to pas to the mercat croces of the held burrowis of this realme and vtheris placeis neidfull and thair be oppin proclamatioun command chairge and inhibite all and sindrie his maiesteis leigeis and subiectis That nane of thame presume nor tak vpoun hand To ressaue or gif out ony of the said decryit money in payment of thair debtis and blokis nor yit to wissill and exchange the same and in speciall that nane of his maiesteis subiectis vsurp nor tak vpoun thame the exchanging of the said gold and siluer vndir quhatsumeuir cullour or pretence bot that they Imbring the same heallelie to the cunyiehous quhare they sail ressaue reddy payment thairfore conforme to the saidis actis vndir the panes specifeit and contenit thairin Certifeing thame that failyeis or dois in the contrair That the same panes salbe vpliftit of thame with all rigour and they vtherwyse pvnist in thair personis as contravenairis of his Maiesteis actis and ordinanceis without fauour And siklyke To command and chairge the prouestis and bailleis within the haUl burrowis of this realme and all schireffis stewartis bailleis of regalitie and vtheris personis quhatsomeuir quha hes the libertie and privilege of ony merkattis and fairis to landwart that they and euerie ane of thame within thair awin boundis and Jurisdictioun appointit searchearis vpoun thair ordinair mercat dayis To gif diligent attendance To searche and try quhair they may find ony of the said decryit money wisselling or payand ony debtis or blokis and to notifie thair names to his maiestie and his Thesaurair To the effect thay may be callit persewit and pvnist as accordis Commanding heirby his Maiesteis thesaurair and aduocat To call and persew the contravenairis of the premissis and to sie thame to be dewlie tryit tane ordour with and pvnist conforme to the tennour of the saidis actis And siklyke To command charge and inhibite all and sindrie his maiesteis saidis leigeis and subiectis That nane of thame presume or tak vpoun hand To cary or transport furth of this realme ony gold or siluer vndir quhatsumeuir pretens vndir the panes contenit in the actis • of parliament maid thairanent With certificatioun to thame that failyeis the saidis panes salbe execute vpoun thame. cvi. — 25 Jan. 1603, Anent the Bulyeon. Vol. 1602- Forsamekle as albeit be diuers actis of parliament general! counsallis and conuentionis 1603, p. 182. is speciallie prouydit statute and ordanit That bulyeoun sould be brocht hame be the maircheantis for furnissing of his maiesteis cunyiehous and speciallie be ane act of the conuentioun of the nobilitie and esteatis haldin at Dundee in the moneth of May The yeir of God fourescoir and xvij It is statute and ordanit That aU actis of parliament maid be JAMES VI.] EECOKDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 207 the Kingis Maiestie and his maist noble progenitouris anent the hamebringing of bulyeoun / Acts of the sould be put to dew executioun in all pointis conforme to the tennour tliairof begynnand "^leos!"'*^ at the fyft day of Marche Lxxxxvj yeiris as the saidis actis ordaning the custuniaris of all citeis townis and portis within this realme To compt with the haill maircheantis trafficqueris and strangearis quhatsomeuir, trausportaris or hes transportit ony wairis within thair boundis to ony parte beyond sey sen the said fyft day of Marche, and to tak cautioun for payment of the said bulyeoun, at leuth beiris / Nochtwithstanding quhairof it is of treuth That the saidis maircheantis and trafficquaris hes continuallie sen the said fyft day of Marche The yeir foirsaid caryit and transportit furth of this realme all sic wairis and mercheandice for quhilkis be the Lawis of this realme and actis of parliament bulyeoun soidd haue bene broght hame / and nouther haue thay broght hame bulyeoun according to the rate and quantitie of thair guidis transportit / nor yit hes the saidis Custumaris tane Cautioun of thame for that effect / sua that the dew executioun of the saidis actis of parliament and conuentiouu hes bene frustrat / and in tyme comeing wilbe frustrat without remeid be prouidit / Thairfoir Ordanis Lettres to be direct to officeris of armes schireffis in that parte Chargeing thame to pas command and charge all and sindrie maircheantis marynaris and trafficquaris within this realme / quha hes transportit ony guidis or geir furth of this realme sen the said fyft day of IMarche fourescoir saxtene yeiris / quhais names with the quantitie of thair guidis transportit salbe delyuerit to the saidis ofl&ciaris in bUl To mak payment and delyuerance euery ane of thame to the maister of his maiesteis cunyiehouse of sic quantitie of bulyeoun as is dew to be inbroght be thame according to the quantitie of thair saidis guidis already transportit sen the date abonewrittin of the said act and siclyke to mak payment of thair ordinarie bulyeoun for thair guidis to be transportit heireftir conforme to the tennour of the saidis actis in all pointis within ten dayis nixtefter the charge vnder the pane of rebellioun etc. And giff thay failyie etc. To denunce etc. As alsua To command the custumaris and clerkis of cocquett quha hes alreddy ressauit payment of the said bulyeoun fra the saidis maircheantis quhais names with the quantitie of bulyeoun ressauit be thame salbe gevin in bill To mak payment to the said Maister Cunyeour of the said bulyeoun ressauit be thame as said is within ten dayis nixtefter the charge vnder the pane of rebellioun etc. and gif thay failyie etc. To denunce etc. And siclyke To command charge and inhibite all and siudvie clerks of cocquett and contumaris within this realme That thay on nawise presome nor tak vpoun hand To grant cocquett vpoun ony guidis subiect to the inbringing of bulyeoun Nor yit to custome the same guidis quhill first sufficient Cautioun and souirtie be foundin for hamebringing and delyuering to the said maister cunyeour of the bulyeon ordiner and dew to be hamebroght for thair saidis guidis dischargeing thame thairof and of thair officeis in that parte And siclyke to command and charge the taxmen of his Maiesteis Customes and thair subtaxmen and vnder custom aris To produce and exhibite befoir the said maister cunyeour in his maiesteis cunyiehous ane trew and autenticque Catologue and extract of the maircheantis and trafficquaris that hes transportit ony guidis sen the tyme of thair tak with ane iust inventair of the guidis transportit be thame to the effect thay may thairefter be accordinglie chargeit for delyuerance of the said bulyeoun within ten dayis nexteftir thay be chargeit 208 EECOKDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Acts of the tliairto / and that tliay produce and exliibite to the said maister cunyeour euery three '"ig03^°"'' moneth anis thair comiDt buik beiring the names of the maircheantis transportaris of the saidis guidis with the availl and quantitie of the guidis transportit be thame within the space foirsaid eftir the expyring of euery moneth vnder the pane of rebellioun etc. And gif thay failyie etc. To denunce etc. cvii. — 27 Jan. 1603, Act in favouris of the officiaris of the Cu7iyiehouse. Vol. 1602- The quhilk day in presence of the kingis maiestie and Lordis of secreit counsaill ' ^' ' compeirit personalie Alexander Lord of Fyvie president Sir James Elphingstoun of Barinetoun knycht secretair Maister Thomas Hammiltoun of Drumcairne aduocat M'' Johnne Prestoun of Fentoun Barnis Collectour / and Maister George Young archideane of Sanctandrois / " j and exponit and declairit that thay accompanied with sindrie vtheris Lordis of his heynes X 1 preuey counsaill conuenit thame selffis togidder at sindrie dyetis in his maiesteis said ■ ' / cunyehouse within the burgh of Edinburgh and thair according to his heynes commissioun /s^ / gevin and directit to thame or ony three of thame coniunctlie Thay causit the generall of the said cunyehouse wardane counter wardane and assayair thair / oppin the tua assay boxis quhair in wer the tickettis and assay peceis of euery Jornay particularlie of the foure pund peceis of gold / The tickettis and assay peceis of euery particulair Jornay of the new half mark peceis of siluer of the fynnes of ten deneiris / tuelff graynes / The tickettis and assay peceis of euery particulair Jornay of the thrissill noblis of gold / The tickettis and assay peceis of euery particulair Jornay of the foure pund peceis of allay / The tickettis and assay peceis of euery particulair Jornay of the fyve pund peceis of gold and ten shilling peceis of siluer wroght and cunyeit in the first pairtinaris tymes and taxmen of the said cunyehous quhais eutrie thairto wes vpoun the fourte day of Februair in the yeir of God jm yc Xixxxxiij yeiris The tickettis and assay peceis of euery particulair Jornay of the said fyve pund peceis of gold and ten shilling peceis of siluer wroght and cunyeit in the • tyme of Thomas Foullis taxman of the said house and the Lairdis of Colintoun eldair and youngair his assignayis The tickettis and assay peceis of euery particular Jornay of the new sax pund peceis of gold wrocht and cunyeit fra the xxviij day of December in the yeir of God J"^ vj'= and ane yeiris / to the threttie day of Nouember in the yeir of God jm yjc ^^3^ yeiris inclusive extending in the said space to the nowmer of tua hundreth and aucht assayis quhilk comprehendis the haill tyme that the maister of Elphingstoun and the lait taxmen wrocht and cunyeit the said gold / The tickettis and assay peceis of euery particulair Jornay of the new mark peceis of siluer wrocht and cunyeit fra the xxix day of the said moneth of September in the said yeir of God J™ vj'^ and ane yeiris to the said threttie day of Nouember in the yeir of God J™ vj'^ and tua yeiris inclusive extending in the said space to the noumer of tua hundreth threescoir and nyne assayis quhilk comprehendis the haill tyme that the said maister of Elphingstoun and the said lait taxmen possest the said house / in working and cunyeing of the said merk peceis of siluer / quhilkis tickettis and assay peceis inclosit thairin of the gold siluer and allay respectiue abone- writtin being oppynit and brokin vp be the saidis commissionaris and the fynnes thairof JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 209 conferrit with the particulair dayis Jornayis mentionat in the saidis wardanis registeris Acts of the It wes reportit be the saidis commissionaris that thay fand the saidis tickettis of assay of ^"^leos"'"^' the said gold siluer and allay abone expremit to ansuer in fynnes and correspond in nomber to the particulair dayis Jornayis mentionat in the said wardanis registeris and nawayes differit thairfra The pruiff of the quhilkis haill assayis of gold siluer and allayed money particularlie abonespecifeit being all meltit seueralie be thame selfiis and cassin in seuerall Lingottis / and the assay of fynnes of euery Lingot being Lykwayes tane be it selfF/ and the samin tryit be the fyre and vtherwayes according to the ordour obseruit in sic caissis and thairefter comptrollit and considderit be the saidis commissionaris and vtheris Lordis of his maiesteis preuey counsaill being in company with tliame as said is / It wes Lykwayes reportit be thame That thay fand all the saidis assayis and Lingottis of the same respectiue abonewrittin / to keip the iust fynnes appointit in the seuerall actis and ordinanceis of esteatis maid thairanent and past not beneth the graynes of remeid prescryuit in the same actis / The kingis maiestie and Lordis of secret counsaill / Accepting and allowing of the tryall tane be the saidis commissionaris abone nominat in this behalf / And finding that thairin thay procedit verie ordourlie and circumspectlie and with gude discretioun and deliberatioun / declairis that the saidis generall maister cunyeour wardane countar wardane sinkair assayair and all vtheris officiaris and warkmen of his heynes Cunyiehouse / Haue deulie faithfullie and vprychtlie vsit and exerceit thair officeis ilkane for thair awne pairtis conforme to the said actis and ordinanceis in all pointis and exoneris thame and euery ane of thame of the same for euir be thir presentis. cviii. — 15 Feb. 1603, Anent the Assay Box. Forsamekle as albeit the Kingis Maiestie vpoun diuers guid respectis and considera- Vol. 1602- ' tionis and specialie for releif and supporte of the distressit and indigent personis within the ^' burgh of Edinburgh this present yeir hes gevin vnto thame and to James Achisoun goldsmyth in the Cannogait the haill gold and siluer found within the assay box of the lait sex pund peices of gold and merk peiceis of siluer prentit in the last pairtineris tyme and in the tyme of Alexander Lord of Elphingstoun and vtheris Yit his maiestie acknawlegeing that the gener- all of his maiesteis ciinyiehous be the libertie and priuilege of his office hes the onlie rycht to the gould and siluer within the assay box and thairfore willing that the present dispositioun maid be his heynes sail nawyse preiuge the said generall nor his successouris in tyme cuming And the rather becaus Sir Archibald Naper of Edinbillie knycht present generall of the said house at his heynes speciall requeist frelie and willinglie consentit to his Maiesteis said gift Thairfore his heynes with auyse of the Lordis of his secrete counsale decernis and declairis that this his maiesteis gift and dispositioun gevin for sa necessar a cans with the said generallis awin consent sail nawyse preiudge him and his successouris generallis of the said hous anent thair rycht and preuelege to the haill gold siluer and allay quhilkis salbe found within the assay box in tyme cuming Bot that tliey may frelie but questioun or interruptioun intromet thairwith as a proper accident and casualitie of thair office efter that the assay and tryall thairof be tane conforme to the ordoure Dischairgeing 2 D 210 RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [ J AMES VI. Acts of tiie lieirby all vtlieris, his maiesteis leigeis and subiectis quhatsumeuir of all melling or intro- Privy Coimcil, -.t .^ ■ ^ 1604. mettmg with the said assay box To the hurt and preiudice of the said generall and his successouris in tynie cuniing. cix. — 15 Nov. 1604, Proclamation of the new Coinage. At Whitehall The 15 day of November J™ vj<= and foure yeires. Gonionston Our Soveraigne Lord vnderstanding that ther is nothing mor honourable convenient Papers. ° . ° . ° sure and profitable for his haill subjects of his kingdome of Scotland and England, nor ane J ust lawful! speedie and perpetuall vnion of both the saids Eealmes, and for the better effectuating therof, and ease of his subjects of Scotland frequently resorting for his Maiesties service to England, Haveing Ordained The Gold and Silver moneyes of Scotland To have alse free and readie Course in England since his Majesties repaire to the samen, as the proper moneyes Coyned within England And yet knowing that it is mor expedient that all the saids Coynes be reduced to ane perfect and constant Conformitie in all respects, nor that the samen should any longer continue under the uncertaintie of temporal! toleration Therfor His Highness with advyce of his estates presently conveened, lies resolved that the reducing of the Gold and Silver of both the saids ICingdomes to ane certaine equalitie is not only necessar preparation for the vnion of the saids Kingdomes, hot ane essentiall pairt of the samen. And that the Croun gold to be coyned of the fynness of Tuentie two ' Carrettis, and the Silver money of the fynness of eleven deniers out of the fire according to the Indentit standard tryall piece of Gold and Silver afterspecifeit. Will keep Just proportion amongst themselves, and be of best use for his people, in the species, fynness, weight and pryces afterfoUowing. And finds it necessar that ther be ane certaine knowne and vnchangeable proportion betwixt the weights of the Gold and Silver of the saids King- domes and equall allowance of Eemedies in working of the samen. To the intent that no maner of difference or Inequalitie, either outward or Inward may heirafter be found in betwixt the saids moneyes. But ane Just and perfect vniformitie in all Eespects, ffor that purpose His Majestie hes Ordained ane Indentit standard tryall piece of Gold to be made of the fynness of Tuentie two Carrettis, be the advyce of ane sworne Jurie, after the forme and maner accustomed in the Mint of England, And ordaines the lialfe therof To remaine in England according to his Majesties appoyntment. The other halfe to be sent in Scot- land and to be devyded in three pairts. To witt ane pairt therof to remaine with his Majesties Thesaurer or his Depute of Scotland, ane other halfe with his Majesties Generall of his cunyiehous there, and the third pairt therof To remaine with his Master Cunyeor ther, To be made furth command be them to chau'ge the said M^ Cunyeor therby in tryaU of the fynness of the saids moneyes of the said Crown Gold, at the makeing of the essay of the Box by the Lords of his Highness Counsel! and Chequer, or sick others as His Majestie shall happen to appoynt to that effect, and that ther be prentit of the said Crown Gold, The five species of Gold moneyes underwritten, Haveing two graines of Eemeid of fynness, as weell under as above, when the samen shall happen by casualitie, Ane piece thereof Called the vnit, and to have course in Scotland for Twelve pounds Scots money, and in JAMES VI.] KECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 211 England for Tuentie shilling Sterline, wherof threttie seven and ane fyfth pairt shall weigh Acts of the tuelve vnces, fyve deniers, nyne graines_; eighteen prymes Scots, And in England twelve ^''^^1604!"'°" vnces Troy, Another piece of Gold called the Double Crowue, which shall have Course in Scotland for six pounds Scots money, and in England for Tenn shillings sterline, Wherof Three score fourteen, and two fifth pairts, shall weigh Tuelve unces, fyve deniers, nyne graines, eighteen prymes Scots, and in England Twelve unces Troy, Ane other piece called the Britaine Crowne, whilk shall have course in Scotland for three pounds Scots money, and in England for five shillings sterline, Whereof ane Hundreth fourtie eight, and four fyft pairts of ane piece shall weigh twelve unces, fyve deniers, nyne graines, eighteen prymes Scots, and in England twelve vnces troy, Ane other piece called the thrissell Crowne which shall have course in Scotland for fourtie eight shillings Scots money, and in England for four shillings sterline, whereof ane Hundreth fourscore six pieces shall weigh twelve vnces, five denniers, nyne graines, eighteen prymes Scots, and in England twelve vnces Troy, Ane other piece of Gold called the halfe crowne, which shall have course in Scotland for Thretty Shilling Scots money, and in England for two shillings six pence sterline. Whereof Two Hundreth and nyntie seven and three fyfth pairt piece, shall weigh twelve vnce fyve denniers nyne graines, eigliteen prymes Scots, and in England twelve vnces Troy, with two graines of Eemeid of weight, alsweell havie as Light upon ilk pece of the saids pieces of Twelve pound and six lib. pieces ef gold, and with ane graine of Eemeid of weight alsweell heavie as Light upon ilk piece of the saids Three pound pieces, fourtie eight and Threttie shilling pieces, when it shall happin be casualitie. With provision that the said M"" Cunyeour exceed not fiftie graines Scots light in aither of the twelve vnces forsaids. The Eemedie of the said Gold above the J ust fynness and the havie therof, rebaitand allwayes the remedies under and Light of the samen. And the said Master Cunyeour being oblist that their shall be Cunyied in Ilk Twentie pound weight of the said crowne gold, at the least ane pound weight of the said small Gold called the three pound pieces, the fourtie eight and threttie shilling pieces that pass His Majesties Irons, And to keep ane reall proportion of the saids Twelve pound and six pound pieces, as his Highness ther and his deputes with advyce of the Lords of his Majesties Counsell and Chequer shall think meet to prescrive. The prent of the said vnit or twelve pound piece of gold haveand on the one syde therof his Majesties portraitur fra the Belly up, and armeit with ane scepter in his right hand, and in his Left hand ane world or glob with ane croce above It, All within the Inver ring, except the crowne extended to the utmost ring, with this circumscriptioun I. D. G. Magne Brittannie , Francie et Hib , Eex , and on the other side His Majesties armes of the saids Kingdomes, in ane new forme of Shield quarterlie. To witt in the first quarter, three flower de Liess, with three Libbeates croce and in the Croce quarter alsemickle with ane Lyon in ane double tresser, in the other quarter, and the harp on the fourt quarter, and ane croce about the shield extendit to the utmost Eing, with ane I on the one syde of the shield, and ane E. on the other, with this circumscription, Faciam eos in gentem vnam And the said double Crowne or six pound piece Scots, and the said Brittaine Crowne or Three pound Scots, Haveing on the one syde His Majestys portractur fra the papes up. Crowned all within the Eing, with this circumscriptioun. Jacobus D. G. Magne Britt. Fran : et Hib : 212 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the Eex, And on the other syde His Majesties saids armes within ane plaine shield, crowned rivy Council, j i tt i 1C04. upward to the vttmost Emg, with ane I on the one syde and ane E. on the other syde with " this circumscriptioun, Henricus Eosas, regna Jacobus And the said Thirsell Crowne or fourtie eight shilling piece Scots, haveand on the ane syde ane Eose crowned with this circumscriptioun Jacobus D. G. Mag. Britt. Fran : et Hib. Eex. And on the other syde ane thirsell flower crowned with this circumscription, Tueatur vnita Deus, And the said halfe Crowne or Threttie shilling piece Scots, haveing on the ane syde His Majesties portrait crowned as said is all within the Inver Eing with this circumscription Jacobus D, G. Eosa sine spina, And on the other side His Majesties armes forsaids within ane plaine shield crowned upward to the vttmost Crowne with this circumscription, Tueatur vnita Deus, With ane Thirsell at the beginning of the said circumscription of Ilk piece of the said Gold respective above written, on aither syde therof, Farder his Majestie with advyce of his estates forsaids Hes appoynted and ordained that the silver moneyes in all tyme comeing, shall be of the fynness of eleven deniers, at the report of the essay out of the fire, Conforme to the Indentit standard tryall piece, to be made theranent in maner underwritten, To be Delivered keeped and used, be the said Thesaurer of Scotland and His Deputes, and be the said Generall and Master Cunyeour of Scotland, in maner and to the effect above- written, with two graines of Eemeid of fynness, alseweell above as under when it shall happin be casualitie, and to be sett furth in seven severall species aftermentioned, viz. ane silver piece called the silver crowne, or three pound piece Scotts, and to have Course in Scotland for three pounds money, and in England for fyve shilling sterline. Whereof twelve pieces and two fyfth pairt piece, shall weigh twelve vnces, fyve denniers, nyne graiaes. Eighteen prymes Scots or twelve vnce Troy of England, Ane other piece called the halfe Crowne or threttie shilling piece Scots, To have Course in Scotland for threttie shilling money, and in England for two shilling and six. pence Sterling, Wherof twentie four pieces, and four fyfth pairt pieces, shall weigh Twelve vnce, fyve deniers, nyne graines, Eighteen prymes Scots or twelve vnces Troy of England, Ane other piece called the twelve shilling pece Scots, To Have course in Scotland for twelve shilling money, and in England for twelve pence sterline, whereof Threescore two pieces shall weigh Twelve vnces, fyve deniers, nyne grains Eighteen prymes Scots or twelve vnce troy of England Another piece called the six shilling piece Scots, and to have course in Scotland for six Shilling money and in England for six pence sterline, Wherof ane Hundreth twentie four pieces shall weigh twelve vnces, fyve deniers, nyne graines, eighteen prymes Scots, or twelve vnce Troy of England, Ane other piece called the Two Shilling piece Scots, and to have course in Scotland for Two Shilling money, and in England for two pence sterline, Wherof Three Hundreth Threescore twelve pieces shall weigh twelve vnces, fyve deniers, nyne graines eighteen prymes Scots, or twelve vnce troy of England, Ane other piece called the Twelve pennie piece Scots, and to have Course in Scotland for twelve pennie Scots and in England for ane pennie Sterline, whereof Seven Hundreth, fourtie four pieces, shall weigh Twelve vnces fyve deniers, nyne graines, eighteen prymes Scots, or twelve vnce Troy of England Ane other piece called the six pennie Scots, To have Course in Scotland for six pennies and in England for halfe pennie Sterline, Wherof ane thousand four Hundreth eighty eight JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 213 pieces shall weigh twelve vnces, fyve deniers, nyne graines, eighteen prymes Scots or Twelve Acts of the vnce Troy of England, with two graines of Remeid of weight alse weeU havie as Light upon "^^leoT" ' Ilk piece of the saids Three pound pieces, threttie shilling pieces, and twelve shilling pieces of Silver, And ane graine of Eemeid of weight alseweell havie as Light upon ilk piece of the saids six shilling pieces, two shilling pieces and twelve pennie pieces, and six pennie pieces Scots, when it shall happin by casuality With provision that the said M'' Cunyeor exceids not tliree scoire graines Light in either of the saids twelve vnces. The Eemedies of the said silver above the Just fynness, and the havie therof rebaitand allwayes the remedies under and light of the samen, As alse the said M'" Cunyeor standing bound to work cunyie and prent of Ilk Hundreth pound weight of the said Silver money, with four pound weight of the said small money Viz. two pound weight of the saids Scots two Shilling pieces, Ane pound weight and ane halfe of the said Scots twelve pennie pieces, and halfe ane pound weight of the saids Scots six pennie pieces, And working the greater moneyes above exprest at ane Lawfull proportion as shall be found expedient be his Majesties Thesaurer and His Deputes, be advice of His Highness CounseU and Chequer to prescrive The said silver moneyes being allwayes wrought with the prents and circumscriptions following, That is to say The said new silver Crowne or three pound piece, and thretty shilling piece Scots haveand on the one side His Majesteis picture Crowned and armed with ane shield in his Hand on horseback with ane Litle Thrissell in ane shield on his horsehipp, all within the Inner ring, with this circum- scriptioun Jacobus D. G. Mag : Britt : Fran : et Hib. rex. And on the other syde His Majesteis armes of his saids Kingdomes in ane new forme of shield quarterly, To witt in the first quarter, Three flour de Lies Croce, with three Libbeatis Croce, And in the Croce quarter alsemikle, with ane Lyon in ane double Tressur in ane otlier quarter. And ane Harp in the fourth quarter, all vsdthin the Inner ring, With this circumscriptioun. Que Deus Conjunxit nemo Separet, And the said twelve shilling piece Scots haveand on the ane syde His Majesteis accustomed portrait forsaid, frae the paps up. Crowned and armed with this mark at his neck xii With this circumscription Jacobus D. G. Mag. Britt. Fran. & Hib. Eex . And on the other side His Majesties armes foirsaids, without the Crowne in ane plaine Sheild, with this circumscriptioun, Que Deus conjunxit Nemo Separet , And the said six Shilling piece Scots, haveand on the ane syde His Majesteis said portrait armed frae the papes up, and crowned with this mark at his neck vj. With this circumscription Jacobus D. G. Mag. Brit: Fran : & Hib. Eex, And on the other side his said armes without the crowne in ane plaine shield with this circumscription Que Deus Conjunxit Nemo Separet, with the daite of the yeire above the armes. And the said two shilling piece Scots, Haveand on the ane side ane rose crowned with this Circumscriptioun, J. D. G. Eosa sine spina. And on the other side ane Thirsell flower Crowned with this Circumscription, Tueatur Vnita Deus , And the said Twelve penny Scotts, haveand on the ane side ane rose with this circumscription J. D. G. Eosa sine Spina , And on the other side ane Thrissell with this circumscription Tueatur viuta Deus, With ane Litle Thrissell at the beginning of the said Circumscription, of ilk piece of the said Silver respective above exprest, on aither side of the samen. And the said Six pennie piece Scots, haveand on the ane side ane Eose, and on the other side ane Thrissell flower And farder Our Soveraigne Lord 214 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the ordaines and Commands His Majesteis sinkers of the Irons of the said Cunyehonse in "^^604.'^ ' Scotland, That he with advise of the Laird of Merchistoune. generall, Thomas Achieson master Cunyeor, and wardains of the samen, To include upon the particular species of gold and silver respective abovewritten, ane speciall mark for decerning of the saids moneyes of the saids realmes And to the effect that all his Highnes Liedges may be the better moved to bring in all sorts of gold and silver alseweele His Majesties own as forraigne hertofor discharged Course be diverse acts and proclamations Quhilk His Majestie be thir presents wills and grants Nowise to be receaved given furth and Interchanged amongst his Highnesse liedges in any tyme Comeing, but that the same be Haillelie ' inbrought To His Highness Cunyie House in Scotland Conforme to the saids Acts and Pryces respective afterspecified and that for all lies present money in their hands shall nowayes find themselves hurt or prejudged by this present Act It is specially appoynted that all sick persons as shall bring in any gold or silver to the Cunyie house in Lingoit shall receave for every Scots vnce of gold tryed to be of the fynness of twenty two Carrettis, according to the said Indented Standard tryall piece, now appoynted to be followed in all tyme comeing, the soume of Threttie four pounds eighteen shilling Scots money And for all Gold brought in to the said M"" Cunyeor and to the Cunyiehouse in cunyieit species of whatsomever fynness the samen be shall receave payment proportionally therto, for every sort therof alseweell forreigne as His Majesties owne According to the fynness therof And A. B. C. to be made and given to the said M"" Cunyeor be His Majesties Thesaurer and his Deput, with advice of the Lords of His Majesties Counsell, Chequer and the Laird of Marchinstoune Generall As Likewayes all sick persons as shall bring any silver to the said Cunyiehouse in Lingoit, shall receave for every Scots vnce therof tryed to be of the fynnes of eleven deniers, according to the said Indented Standard peece, now appoynted to be followed in all tym herafter, the soume of fiftie eight shillings Scots money And for all silver brought in to the said Cunyiehouse in Cunyied species of whatsomever fynness the samen be shall receave payment proportionally therto for everie sort therof alse weell forraigne as His Majesties owne according to the fynness therof and A. B. C. To be made and given to the said M'' Cunyier in maner above exprest Wherfor his Majestie and estatis forsaids hes ordained and appoynted this present new cunyie alse weell of gold and silver as of six and three pound pieces of Gold, marks, halfe marks, fourtie and twentie pennie pieces of Silver To have only course amongst the Liedges Commanding them herby to give out and receave the samen at the pryces appoynted in the payment of all blocks, debts, wairs and Merchandice, and nowayes to refuse the samen under whatsomever Colour pretense or excuse under the paine of Treasone Wherfor His Majestie and estatis ordaines and Commands the said Generall M'" Cunyieor, Wardan, Counterwardan, sinkar, essayer and all other officers and workmen of the said cunyiehouse To proceed in working sinking of the Irons makeing forgeing prenting outtputting of the said New Cunyie of Gold and silver of the fynness and weight above exprest, for whilk thir presents shaU serve to be to them and ilk ane of them ane sufficient warrand . Promitting in verbo principis to cause the same be ratified and approved be His Highness and his three estates in the next parliament or Convention . And hes ordained Letters to be JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 215 direct to officers of armes sliirreffs in that part chargeing tliem to pass to tlie mercat Croce Acts of the of the head burro wes of our Eeahne off Scotland and ther be oppin proclamation make ^"^■i,5^°4^'^''' publication of the premisses quhairthrow non pretend Ignorance of the samen. Extractum ex libris Concilii Secreti per me Geo. M'=Kenzie Cler. Reg" ex. — 7 Dec. 1609, Act anent the new impressioun of the Cunyie. The Lordis of Secrite counsale, according to ane warraud and directioun in write Voi. 1609- signed be the King his most sacred maiestie -Ordanis and commandis the sinkar of the Irnis ' ^' of the conyiehouse to mak and ingrave new Irnis for imprenting of the coyne of his maiesteis gold and siluer conteyning his maiesteis airmes within the scheild in the same verie forme as the grite seale of this kingdome is / So that the airmeis of Scotland sail conteyne tua seuerall quarteris of the same coate without ony forder alteratioun on ather syde keiping alwyse still the same wecht fynnes and porportioun whiche hes bene formerUe vsed / And ordanis the generall maister cunyeoure wardane counter wardane and vtheris ofiEiceairis of the conyiehouse according to thair seuerall callingis and ordouris to proceid to the working of his maiesteis gold and siluer, according to the new impression foirsaid and no vtherwyse, as thay will ansuer vpoun the dewtie of thair ofi&ceis. CXI. — 16 Jan. 1610, Sir Johne Arnotis discharge vpoun the Standart peece. The quhilk day in presence of the Lordis of Secrite counsale Sir Johnne Arnote of Vol. 1609- Birsweik knyclit tliesaurair depute and gaif in the acquittance and dischairge vndirwrittin ^' subscryvit with his hand / desyreing the same to be insert and registrat in the buikis of secrite counsale ad futuram rej memoriam / Quhilk desyre the saidis Lordis finding reasoun- able Thay haue ordanit and ordanis ths said acquittance and dischairge to be insert and registrat in the saidis buikis off the quhilk the tennour followis I Sir Johnne Arnot of Berswik knycht thesaurair depute of Scotland be the tennour heirof do acknowledge and • grant me to half ressauit fra ane noble and mychtie Lord Alexander ErU of Dunfermelyne Lord Fyvie and Urquhat Lord heich chancellair of Scotland / one indented peice being the standerd commixed of thre and twenty carrettis thrie graynes and ane halff of fyne gold and a half a grayne of alay in the pund weght Troy of England maid the twenty day of August The yeir of god J"" vj'= and fyve yeiris quhilk wes deliuerit to the said Lord Chancellair by Thomas Lord Knyvet wairdane of the Kingis maiesteis mynt in England to haue bene by the said Lord Chancellair convoyed to his maiesteis thesaurarie of Scotland thair to be saultlie keipit for the tryall of his maiesteis moneyis of fyne gold quhilk heirefter salbe maid in the mynt of Scotland / Quhilk standert peice doeth wey tua vnceis one penny weght sextene graynes according to the troy weght of England / as Lykwyse I do acknow- lege and grant me to haue ressauit fra the said Lord chancellair of Scotland thrie peiceis of coyned gold of England of the fynnes of the foirsaid indented piece, videlicet, one peice of 216 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OE SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Auis of tiie Threttie schillingis and one piece of ten schillingis for the bettir declaratioun of the stampis Privy Council, , . . . . 1610. and mscriptioms of the saidis peiceis And that conforme to ane indentour maid vpoun the fourtene day of November lastbypast betuix the said Lord Chancellair of Scotland on the ane pairt/ and the said Thomas Lord Knyvet wairdane of the Kingis maiesteis mynte in England on the vther pairt / off the quhilk standerd peice and vtheris thre peiceis foirsaidis of gold I do acknawlege and grant the resset furth of the handis of the said Lord Chancellair of Scotland/ and be thir presentis bind and obleis me to keip the same conforme to the foirsaid indentour And thairfore I exoner and dischairge the said Lord Chancellair of Scotland thairof for evir, And for the mair securetie I am content and consentis that thir presentis be insert and registrat in the buikis of the Kingis maiesteis secrite counsale to haue the strenth of ane decrite of the Lordis thairof interponit thairto and to rem ane thairin ad perpetuam rei memoriam, and for acting and registring heirof I do be thir presentis mak and constitute etc, my procuratouris coniunctlie and seueralie promittens de rato etc. In witnes of the quhilk thing writtin be Laurence Keir seruitour to James Prymrois clerk of counsall I haue subscryvit thir presentis with my hand at Edinburgh the sexten day of Januair / The yeir of god J™ vj"= and Ten yeiris / Before thir witnessis Sir Lues Craig knycht ane of the senatouris of the College of Justice/ James Murray maister of his maiesteis werkis in this kingdome and M'' James Raith seruitour to the said Erll of Dunfermelyue Sic subscribitur S. J. Arnote thess. depute L. Craig witnes James Murray witnes M'' James Eaith witnes. cxii. — 24 Jan. 1610, The officiaris of the Cunychous contra the Laird of Merchiston. Anent the complaint maid to the Lordis of Secrite counsale be Johnne Achesoun portionair of Innerask and generall of his maiesteis cunyiehouse in Scotland Thomas Achesoun maister cunyeour thair and remanent officiaris of the samyn cunyehouse mak- and mention That quhair vpoun the day of In the yeir of god 1576 yeiris vmquhill Sir Archibald Naper of EdinbilHe knycht wes than prouidit be oure souerane Lord to the office of generall in the said house as ane man of guid Judgement and knowlege in the estate of the conyie / As his gift maid to him thair vpoun of the daite abonewrittin vndir the prevey seile at mair lenth beiris / And trew it is that the gold and silver moneyis and the allay and copper moneyis particularlie efterspecifeit being wroght and cunyeit within the tyme of the said Sir Archibaldis his office and chairge in the cunyiehouse foirsaid fra the day and dait foirsaid of his said gift and prouisioun to the tyme of his deceis / Quha deceissit vpoun the fyftene day of May 1608 / He borrowit furth of the assay box pairtlie fra the officiaris of the said cunyiehous for the tyme, and pairtlie fra thame now present the particulair actis and warrandis vndirwrittin / granted be oure said souerane Lord and thrie estaitis of this realme for the tyme to the saidis officearis of the cunyiehouse / ffbr working and outputting of the said gold and silver moneyis allay and coper moneyis Lyke as he than promeist at the resset thairof / To deliuer the saymn to the saidis complenairis agane at quhat tyme thay sould require the samyn fra him / That is to JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 217 say ane act tuitcheiiig the working of the pennyis of gold of ane vnce weght daitit the Acts of the sextene day of Marche 1576, ane act anent the stamping of Ten Twenty and Threttie ^"^leio!""^' schilling peiceis daitit the fyftene day of September 1578, ane act anent the working of the ' ' merk and Twa mark peiceis of siluer daitit the sextene day of December 1579, ane act anent the working of the tua foure aucht and sextene schilling peiceis of siluer daitit the xxix day of Junij 1581, ane act anent the working of the Ten Twenty fourty schilling peiceis of siluer daitit the secund day of May 1583, ane act anent the working of the Lyoun nobilis of gold daitit the secund day of Nouember 1584, ane act anent the working of the pennyis and tua penny plakis of ellay daitit the day of 1589, ane act anent the working of half merkis and fourty penny peiceis of allay daitit the fuurt day of September 1591, ane act anent the working of the four pund and fourty schilling peices of gold daitit the fourt day of Nouember In the said yeir 1591, ane act anent the working of thrissell noblis of gold daitit the day of ane act anent the working of the foure penny peiceis of ellay daitit the fyft day of Januair 1593, ane act anent the working of fyve pund peiceis and fyftie schilling peiceis of gold and of the ten and fyve schilling peiceis Threttie and Twelf penny peiceis of siluer daitit the fourl day of Februair In the said yeir 1593, ane act anent the working of the pennyis and tua penny peiceis of coper daitit the nyntene day of September 1597, ane act tuitching the vpcrying of Ten schilling peiceis of siluer To Ten schillings aucht pennyis ilk peice daitit the day of ane act anent the working of the sex and thrie pund peiceis of gold Tlie merk and half merk peiceis of siluer daitit the Threttie day of Nouember 1601, And last ane act anent the working of the present vnite peiceis of gold and remanent spaceis of the samyn, and of the present siluer crowne and remanent spaceis thairof, daitit at "Whithall the Threttene day of Februair 1605, As lykwyse the said vmquhill Sir Archibald at diners and sindrie tymes in his lyftjone borrowit and ressauit fra the saidis complenairis furth of the said assay box diuers and sindrie letters of exemptiones grantit be liis maiestie and his predicessouris of worthy memorie to the saidis ofificeairis and workman of the said cunyiehouse, exemand thame and ilkane of thame fra all and sindrie ostis raidis etc. And alsua he had the tyme of his deceis abonewrittin In his cuf^todie and keiping ane Justit pyle of a pund Pareis weght, and siklyke ane Inglische vnce troy with the penne and grane weghtis, Kessauit be the said vmquhill Sir Archibald at the saidis Lordis directioun he being in England for the tyme. And forder he had in his custodie and keiping the tyme of his deceis foirsaid The key of ane of the lokis of the said assay box of the said cunyehous, qvhilk properlie appertenit to him as generall than during his lyftyme and now to the said Johnne Achesoun present generall, Quhilkis haill actis giftis of exemptionis Pareis pund weght Englische vnce troy penne and grane weghtis, and key of the said assay box abone expressit being in the handis and keiping of the stud Sir Archibald as generall of the cunyiehouse the same aucht now to be brocht bak agane to the cunyiehouse to remane in the box for the said complenairis warrand in the course and progres of thair seruice Lyke as in the meantynie quhen as the said Sir Archibald wes lyand seik and a little befoir his deceis The said Thomas Achesoun past to him to his place of Marchinstouu quhair he lay for the tyme vpoun the day of 2 E 218 EECORDS OY THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [.JAMES VI. Acts of the J"" vj<= and aucht yeiris and in presence of Naper now of Marchinstoun his sone ^ leio™*^' ' ^iid air desyrit the said Sir Archibald to remember his dewtie towardis the officeairis of the said house tuitching the redeliuering bak agane to thame of the saidis particulair warrandis of the daitis abone expressit borrowit be him as said is To the effect the samyn mycht be inclosed and put within the said assay box thairin to be keipit as writtis and warrandis concerning the saidis complenairis, As alsua tuitching the deliuerie to the said Johnne Achesoun generall and Thomas Achesoun maister cunyeoure of the particulair weghtis abone mentionat Lyke as the said Sir Archibald knawing his awne dewtie maist willinglie in presence of his said sone grantit the haueing of the saidis warrandis actis and vthiris foirsaidis and ordanit and appointit the samyn to be socht furth and deliuerit to the saidis complenairis as proper to thame to the effect abonewrittin, Atoure the said vmquhill Sir Archibald vpoun affectioun love and guid will quhilk he buir toward the said Thomas Achesoun than left and disponit to him in Legacie his best lanterne and assay ballance thairof with thair weghtis To be delyverit keipit and vsit be him as his proper guidis in tyme cuming Neuirtheles the said Naper now of Marchinstoun sone and air foirsaid Sir Alexander M'' William Elspeth Helene and Marioun Naperis sones and dochteris to the said vmquhill Sir Archibald and executouris nominat and confermet to him and M'' Allan Hammiltoun his servand haueairis of the saidis actis warrandis and vtheris foirsaidis now in thair handis, wrangvslie refuissis poistponis and differis to deliuer the samyn to the saidis complenairis In als guid estaite as the said vmquhill Sir Archibald ressauit the samyn fra thame To be keipit and vsit as proper writtis and weghtis concerning the saidis complenairis without thay be compellit And anent the chairge gevin to the saidis Johnne Naper of Merchinstoun Sir Alexander M"" William Elspeth Helene and Marioun Naperis sones and dochteris to the said vmquhill Sir Archibald M'' Allan Hammiltoun his seruitour and Sir William Balfour knycht spous to the said Helene Naper for his interesse quha hes the saidis actis lettres of exemptionis Pareis pund weght, Englische vnce troy penny and grane wechtis key of the said assay box lanterne and assay baljanceis thairof with thair weghtis in thair custodie and keiping at the least had hes or hes abstractit and put the samyn away, To haue compeirit personalie before the Lordis of secrite counsale This present day videlicet the xxiiij day of Januair instant, Bringand and produceand with thame the foirsaidis actis of the daitis abonewrittin, or of quhatsumeuir vther dait or daitis the samyn be of, lettres of exemptionis weghtis and ballancis particularlie abone expressit, haill in thame selflBs vnbrokin or hurte in ony sorte, To be sene and considerit be the saidis Lordis and to heir and sie the samyn decernit tobe deliuerit to the saidis complenairis to be keipit and vsit be thame as concerning thame at thair pleasour in tyme cuming for the caussis foirsaidis Or ellis to haue allegeit ane reasounable cans quhy the samyn sould not haue bene done with certificatioun to thame and thay failyet the saidis Lordis wald decerne in maner foirsaid. And wald ordane lettres of horning to be direct againis thame for that effect vpoun a simple chairge of sex dayis, Lyke as at mair lenth is contenit in the said complaint execution and indorsatioun thairof, Quhilk being callit and the saidis persewairis compeirand personalie and the saidis Johnne Naper of Marchinstoun Sir Alexander M'' William Elspett and Marioun Naperis and * JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 219 M'' Allan Haxnmiltoun being lykwyse personalie present and the said Helene Naper being Acts of the oftymes callit and not compeirand, The said Johnne Naper of Merchinstoun for obedience ^"^ieio""'^' and satisfactioun of the said cliairge producit before the saidis Lordis Twenty sex pece of lettres missiues and writtis concerning the cunyiehous and declairit and protestit that he producit thame not as air to his said vmquhill fader hot as haueair of the same in his liandis, he haueing ressauit thame fra M"" Eobert Leirmonth schiref depute of Edinburgh, quha at the command of the Lordis of counsale and sessioun enterit the said Johnne to the possessioun of the place of Merchinstoun, and deliuerit to him the keyis of the place thairof with some guidis and geir being thairintill vpoun Inventair, amangis the quhilkis guidis wes ane lettrone quhairin the missives lettres and writtis foirsaidis wer inclosit quhilkis the said Johnne now for obedience of the said chairge producit and not as air to his fader And the said M"" Allan Hammiltoun producit befoir the saidis Lordis ellevin pece of lettres and writtis concerning the cunyiehous closit in a missiue lettir, as alsua he producit befoir the saidis Lordis the vnce weght penne and grane weghtis Inglische, Quhilkis vnce weght penne and grayne weghtis Ingiishe wer then instantlie deliuerit be the saidis Lordis to the said Johnne Achesoun generall of the Cunyiehous, whervpoun the said M'' Allan askit instrumentis and the saidis Elspet and Marioun Naperis grantit and confessit the haueing of the iustit pyle weght foirsaid and promest to deliuer the same to Sir Johnne Arnot thesaurair depute to remane in his maiesteis cunyiehouse, vpoun the quhilk confessioun and promeis maid be the saidis Elspet and Marioun Naperis the said Johnne Achesoun generall askit instrumentis, Quhilk missiues lettres and writtis foirsaidis producit be the saidis defendairis being sene by the Lordis of secrite counsale The saidis Lordis Ordanis the clerk of counsale To inventair the same lettres and writtis and to deliuer thame vpoun inventair to the said generall maister cunyeour and officiaris of the cunyiehouse and to ressaue thair acquittance vpoun the resset of the same. cxiii. — 23 May 1611, Ane act anent George Foullis maister cunyeour. Forsamekle as vmquhile Thomas Achiesoun lait maister cwnyeour being depairtit this Vol. 1610- 1612 f 37'' lyffe, it hes pleasit the Kingis maiestie to mak choise of George Foullis, to supplee that ' ' ' place and charge, and wheras thair is no present alteratioun of his maiesteis cunyee of gold and siluer nouther in weght fynnes nor proportioun and it being verie necessair for mony speciall considerationis that the cunyeehous be sett a worke, Thairfoir the Lordis of secreit counsell ordanis and coramandis the said George Foullis, To entir to his seruice and charge in the cunyeehouse and to proceid in the workeing of the spaceis of gold and siluer conforme to the contract sett downe betuix his maiestie and the said vmquhile Thomas Achiesoun ay and whill ane new contract and appointment be sett downe betuix his maiestie and the said George Foullis, Commanding alsua the officiaris of the cunyeehouse To entir to thair seuerall callingis and charge in the cunyeehouse and to proceid in the discharge thairof at all tymes and occasionis as thay salbe requirit thairto be the said George Foullis maister cwnyeour And to acknowledge him in all respectis in suche forme and maner as thay did the said vmquhyll Thomas Achiesoun conforme to thair warrandis 220 . EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [james vi. Acts of the gevin to him thairupoun And thir presentis salbe vnto the said maister cunyeour and "^61°"^"'^ ' remanent officiaris of the cunyeehouse ane sufficient warrand. cxiv.— 26 Nov. 1611, Act anent the Cunyie. Vol. 1610- Forsamekle as the Kingis maiestie and his predicessouris of famous memorie foirseing 1612 t' 81 ' ■ ' the grete hurte and Inconvenient quhilk the exj)ortatioun of gold and siluer to foreyne pairtis did produce in this commounweele and thay being verie cairfull to remove that inconvenient quhairby the intercourse of commodyties and thingis vendible amangis his maiesteis subiectis micht be the bettir and at mair convenient pryces iutertennyed Thair- foir thay maid mony good lawis and constitutionis alsweill for the restreant and preventing of that offence as for pvneishing of the offendouris, And althocht the saidis lawis and constitutionis be yitt in force Neuirtheles suche hes bene and still is the Iniquitie of the tyme and presoniptioun of vndewtill personis in thair extraordinarie covetusnes and auarice that his maiesteis coynes especiallie of gold ar frequentlie transportit and hes ane ordinarie cours and passage and ar moir current in treadis paymentis beyond the seyis nor within his maiesteis awne kingdome, The occasioun thairof proceiding from the gayne quhilk the marchant and stranger makis by the exportatioun quhilk is so frequentlie and covertlie convoyit to avoid the searche as the effect of all lawis and constitutionis againis the exportatioun ar frustrat and voyde, quhairvpon alsua hes followit the disproportioun betuix the pryceis of his maiesteis coynes abroad and heir within his maiesteis awne King- dome, In so far as the double Angell callit the Vnet quhilk is heir current for tuelff pundis is valued in foreyne pairtis for xiij ti iiij s quhilk is a full tent pairt moir and all vthiris his maiesteis coynes rateable And wheras the insatiable desyre of lucre and gayne is so forceable and violent as it draweth the hartis and affectionis of men to offend without feir of God reuerence of the law or regaird of conscience his maiestie findeth no vthir remedy so effectuell to stay this Inconvenient as to raise the prices of his maiesteis gold to be of equall valu with that it bereth in foreyne pairtis, Wharin his maiesteis Ee is so single and his royall hairt so frie of priuat respect of gayne and benefite as his maiestie is gratiouslie pleasit to avoyd all suche commixtour of his awne benefite with mater of reformatioun for the publict good sua that yf ony proffeitt by accident saU fall out it will fall to the subiectis and not to his maiestie, And with this reformatioun in the gold his maiestie hes absolutlie concludit with good avise and deliberatioun not to mak ony maner of altera- tioun for the present in the price nor vthirwise of the siluer with the quhilkis all tradis and paym.entis ar ordinarly maid In respect the rysing of the price thairof wald gif both cullour and cans to rais the priceis of all commodyteis and thingis vendible Thairfoir his maiestie hes heirby declarit published and authorised all the seuerall peecis of gold heireftir mentionat to be current within this realme heireftir at the values following That is to say the peece of gold callit the Vnet or double angell at threttene pundis iiij § The peece of gold callit the dowble crowne or single angell at sex pundis xij s The peece of gold callit the Britanne crowne or thrie pund peece at thrie pundis vj s the peece of gold callit the thrissill crowne or fourtie aucht shilling peece at fyiftie tua schillingis vj d the peece of JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 221 gold c'allit the half crowne or xxx s peece at xxxiij s The sex pund peace of gold at sex Acts of the pundis xij s The Inglishe peece of gold callit the rois royall at nyntene pundis xvj s The ^"^^ luglishe peece of gold callit the spur royaU at nyne pundis xviij s The Inglishe peece of gold callit the angell at sex pundis xij s and all vthir peeces of gold of the coyne of this Kingdome and by warrant and auctoritie of law at this tyme current to beare the lyk incresce of price in proportioun with his maiesteis coyne abonespecifeit. And althocht his maiestie hes tane this cours of policie for staying the exportatioun of gold furth of his maiesteis kingdomes, yitt his maiestie doeth not so rest thairvpoun as to lay asyde these regall remedyis whilkis by his maiesteis lawis and statutes hes bene providit for repressing of the said offence in exporting of gold and siluer Bot his maiesteis expres mynd and will is That the actis lawis and statutis maid heirtofoir aganis the exporting of gold and siluer salbe put to dew executioun in all pointis conforme to the tennour thairof, And for this effect Ordanes lettres to be direct To mak publicatioun heirof be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croceis of the heid burrowis of this realm e and vtheris placeis neidfull quhair- throw nane pretend ignorance of the same and to command charge and Inhibite all and sindrie his maiesteis lieges and streangeris that nane of thame presome nor tak vpoun hand at ony tyme eftir tlie publicatioun heirof To cary or transport ony gold or siluer furth of this realme agaiuis the tennour and meaning of the saidis actis vndir the panes particularlie specifeit thairintill certifeing thame that failyees or dois in the contrair that the same panes salbe execute vpoun thame without fauour, And siclyk to command and charge the takismen and farmeris of his maiesteis customes and all searcheouris and vthiris his maiesteis officiaris and ministeris of his lawis that thay and euery ane of thame do so cair- fullie and diligentlie execut thair seuerall of&ceis as the saidis statutis and all vtheris in ony soirt concerning the premissis may without ony default or negligence in thame or ony of thame be dewlie and effectuallie execute vndir all hiest pane charge cryme and offence that thay may committ in that behalf. cxv. — 16 Jan. 1612, Act anent the Cunyie. Forsamekle as the Kingis maiestie and his predicessouris of famous memorie foirseing Vol. 1610- 1612 f 88 the grite hurte and inconvenience quhilkis this countrey did sustene by the exportatioun of ' ' gold and siluer to foreyne pairtis and by toUerating the cours of foreyne cunyie within the same, the diuersitie quhairof in prent weyght and fynenes gaf occasioun to the subiectis to alter lieich and rais the priceis thairof at thair pleasour sua that verie oft the foreyne cunyie haid cours and passage at far heichar raites and pryceis nor the proppir cunyie of this kingdome, Thairfoir thay maid mony good actis and constitutionis alsweill for the restraint and preventing of that offens as for pvnneisheing the offendouris In the quhilk actis it wes specialie commandit and ordanit that all foreyne canyie sould be imbroght to the cunyiehous as bulyeoun vpoun certane ressonable pryceis specifeit and contenit in the same actis, and althocht thir actis be yit in force Neuirtheles suche is the presumptioun of grite nombaris of vndewtifull subiectis in thair extraordinare desyre of lucre and gayne, that not onlie is his maiesteis cunyie transportit bot with that foreyne cunyie is ressauit 222 EECORDS OF THE COIXAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Acts of the and lies als frequent a cours and passage heir in pa}Tnentis tradis wissillingis and vtliirwise "^"^612""''''' tlie propper cunyie of tlie Kingdome to the grite contempt of our souerane Lord disgrace of his maiesteis governament and to the hurt and preiudice of a grite many of his maiesteis subiectis who being ignorant of the weyght and fynnes of foreyne cunyie ar oft abused in thair paymentis somtymes ressaving licht for havy and drosse for good cunyie And wheras some pretext of excuis may be heir\^oun pretendit be reasoun of the lait heichting of his maiesteis coynes of gold in the monethe of Xovember last without ony mentioun then maid at quhat raite and price the foreyne and his maiesteis awne decryed cunyie of gold sould be ressauit iu the cunyiehouse His maiestie and Lordis of his preuey counsell for removing of all suche scruple doubt and pretext of excuis hes thocht meete heirby to signifie and declair to all his maiesteis subiectis that wheras befoir thay haid allowance of xxxiiij a xviij s for everie vnce weyght of gold of xxij carrett fyne broght in be thame to the cunyiehous, thay sail now haif in his maiesteis cunyiehous for every \Tice alsweill foreyne as of his maiesteis awne decryed gold being of the fynnes of xxij carret the sowme of threttie audit pundis xj s ten pairt penney and for ilk deneir thairof the sowme of xxxij s j d half penney and for ilk grajTie thairof the sowme of sextene penneis and for all vthir gold thay sail ressaue in payment proportionalie for ilk vnce denneir and grayne the iust valour according to ane A. B. C. quhilk salbe wreatin in a table and del}T.ierit to the maister cunyeour and aflELxt in a publict pairt of the cunpehous, And for the forejTie and proppir decryed siluer of this kingdome thay sail haif allowance according to the last act thairanent baring dait at Whytehall the fyiftene day of November 1604 yeiris seing thair is no new alteratioun in the priceis of the same siluer, And thairfoir his maiestie with aduise of the Lordis of secrete counsell hes of new discliairgit, and be the temiour heirof (lischairges the transporting of gold and siluer furth of this realme and the cours and passage of all foreyne gold and siluer of this kingdome formerlie dischairgit be preceiding actis warrantis and proclamationis Ordaneing the same at no tyme heireftir to be ressauit in paymentis wissilling or tradis within this kingdome hot to be liaillelie imbrocht to his maiesteis cunjriehouse as bulyeoun conforme to the former actis and proclamationis maid thairanent And ordanes lettres to be direct to mak publicatioun heirof be oppin proclama- tioun at the mercat croce of Edinburgh and vtheris placeis neidfull quhairthrow nane pretend ignorance of the same, And to certitie all his maiesteis lieges and subiectis who sail transport ony gold or siluer or who sail ressaue or delj^'er ony of the saidis foreyne gold and siluer or of the decryed gold and siluer of this kingdome in payment wissilling or tradis That thay salbe callit convenit persewit and pvnneist for the same in thair personis and goodis conforme to the actis formerly maid heiranent. Commanding all magistratis to burgh and land to caus diligente attendance be gevin euery ane within thair awne boundis that dew regaird be haid to the obedience and observing of this present act. And whairas thay find ony breck or violatioun of the same that thay notifie the same to his maiesteis thesaurar or such vtheris of his maiesteis counsell as thay pleis to the effect the coutravenar may be callit and accordingHe pvnneist certifeing alsua all and sindrie personis who will delait to his maiesteis counsell the persone or personis quhatsonievir coutravenaris of this present act and furneis probatioun aganis thame that the same dilatour and informar sail JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 223 haif the ane half of the pane and foirfeytour to be lucurrit be the offendour. And ordanes Acts of the thir presentis to be imprinted. ^'"^leil?!" cxvi, — 16 Jan. 1612, Act anent the Cunyie. Forsamekle as the Kingis maiestie vpoun some speciall and goode consideratioun Vol. 1610- . . . , . . 1612, f. 89. moving his maiestie as namelie for restreaning and preventing the exportatioun of his maiesteis coyne of gold into foreyne pairtis quhair of lait yeiris thay wer als current and haid als frequent and ordinar cours and passage as within his maiesteis awne Kingdome Thocht meit and expedient to rais and heich the priceis of his maiesteis gold to be current heireftir at the values following That is to say the peece of gold callit the Vnett or double Angell at threttene pundis four schillingis The peece of gold callit the double crowne or single Angell at sex pundis xij s The peece of gold callit the Britane crowne or thrie pund peece at thrie pundis vj s the peece of gold callit the thrissill crowne or xlviij s peece at lij s vj d and the peece of gold caUit the half crowne or xxx s peece at xxxiij s As ane act maid thairvpoun bering dait the xxv day of November last beiris quhairby the vnce of gold formerlie current for xxxvj ti x § j d will by tale extend to the sowme of fourtie pundis iij s j d tent pairt penny And wharas by this alteratioun and heichting of the priceis of his maiesteis gold abonespecifeit the originall warrant and directioun gevin be his maiestie and his estaitis to the officiaris of his maiesteis conyiehouse for the making forgeing prenting and out putting of the said gold at the raites and prices specifeit and contenit in the said originall warrant doeth consequentlie in that point thairof tuichiug the raites and pryces ressaue the lyk alteratioun and change sua that the saidis officiaris of the counyiehouse wald not nor can not proceid ony farder in werkeing and out geving of the saidis coynes of gold without ane new warrant whairby thay may liaif respect to the priceis foirsaid in the computatioun of thair comptis and iu all vtheris respectis and dewteis of thair officeis And considering thairwithall that it is most equitable and ressounable that the pryceis of the bulyeoun of gold to be broght in to the conyiehous salbe lyk wise heychtit eftir the same proportioun that his maiesteis coynes of gold abone- specifeit ar reasit and hichtit vuto quhairthrow his maiesteis subiectis may be the bettir encourageit to bring in the said bidyeoun to the conyiehous Thairfoir his maiestie and Lordis of his hienes preuey counsaill Ordanes that all suche personis as sail bring in ony gold to the conyiehous sail ressave for everie vnce thairof being of the fynnes of xxij carrettis the sowme of threttie audit pundis xj s ane tent pairt penney and for ilk denneir thairof the sowme of xxxij s j d half penney and for ilk grayue thairof the sowme of sextene penneis And for all vthir gold thay sail ressaue payment portionalie for every soirt thairof according to ane A. B. C. to be delyuerit to the maister cunyeour in ane table and to be affixt in a publict pairt and place of the conyiehous for delyuerie of the quhilkis pryces to the inbringaris of the said bulyeoun to the conyiehous thir presentis salbe vnto the maister conyeour ane sufficient warrant and he salbe comptable to his maiestie for no farder proffeitt be reasoun of the hichting of the pryceis of the said gold nor is contenit iu the countract maid betuix his maiestie and vmquhile Thomas Achesoun lait maister 224 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. ts of the conyeour anent the making and working of the saidis peeces of gold, Ouhairfor his y Council, . . . o ^ 1612. inaiestie and Lordis of Secrete counsell Ordanes and commandis the generall maister conyeour wardaue synckar assayar and all vtheris ofiiceris and workmen of his maiesteis conyiehouse To proceid in working foirgeing prenting and out putting of all the foirsaidis seuerall peeceis of gold conforme to the originall warrant direct to thame in all pointis except onlie in that point thairof Tuiching the pryces of the same Wharanent thay sail conforme thame selffis to the act and proclamatioun foirsaid maid anent the heichting of the saidis pryceis Whareanent thir presentis salbe vnto thame and euery ane of thame ane sufficient warrant. cxvii. — 5 March 1612, Ane act anent the Cunyie. Vol. 1610- Forsamekle as the Kingis Maiestie vpon diuers good respectis and considerationis especialie for intertenying of plentie of moneyis and buUioun within his hienes dominionis for advancement of his maiesteis proffeitt vpoun his moneyis and for encourageing of his maiesteis subiectis to bring in to his maiesteis mintis and conyiehoussis all foreyne gold and siluei' that salhappin to be broght within this yland, hes resolued to reduce the conage of ilk pund troy of Siluer to be coyned to the sowme of tua schillingis Stirling and of ilk pund troy of gold to be coyned to the sowme of tuenty schillingis Stirling By the quhilk rate it followis be iust computatioun That the coynage of ane Scottis stane weght of siluer wilbe XXV pundis vj s viij d Scottis money and the coynage of ilk vnce Scottis weyght of gold wilbe xix s viij d Scottis sua that the said coynage deduceit proportioualie of the vnce of gold and Siluer to be coyned heireftir according to the fynnes and weyght contenit in the warraud gevin be his maiestie with aduise of his estaitis convenit for the tyme at Whytehall vpoun the xvj day of November 1604 anent the coyneing of the haill spaces of gold and siluer contenit in the said warrant / His maiesteis maister coynyeour and his deputis will now be haldin to buy all gold broght in to him in lingott of the fynnes of 22 carrettis at the sowme of xxxix ti iij s v d for ilk Scottis vnce thairof and for the vnce of all vthir gold broght in spaceis thay wilbe haldin to pay proportionally eftir the same rate, And for all siluer of xj d fyne broght in to the said maister conyeour and his deputis in lingott he wilbe haldin to pay for ilk Scottis vnce thairof Iviij § x d ob. and proportioualie for all vther spaceis broght in to him eftir the same rate And sua deduceing of the coynage foirsaid the maister conyeour his allowance of fyvetene pundis Scottis money vpoun ilk stane weyght of silver and vj s viij d vpoun ilk vnce weyght of gold for his awne labouris and his workmen and for all vther charges and expenssis sustenit be him conforme to the contract maid betuix his maiestie and vmquhile Thomas Achesoun lait maister coynyeour of the daite at Whytehall the 16 of November 1604 his maiesteis proffeitt vpoun his moneyis heir conyeit in Scotland will extend to ten pund vj s viij d vpoun ilk Scottis stane weyght of Siluer and to the sowme of xiij s Scottis vpoun illi vnce weyght of gold Thairfoir his maiestie with aduise of the Lordis of Secrete counsell hes declairit and be the tennour heirof declairis and Ordanes That all suche personis who sail bring to his maiesteis conyiehouse efter the day and dait heirof ony lingottis of gold of the fynnes of xxij carrettis JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 225 sail ressave for every vnce thairof the sowme of xxxix pundis iij s vj d and that suche Acts of the personis as sail bring in to the conyiehoiise ony lingotis of siluer of the fymies of xj d sail ^"^1612!'"'^' ressave for every vnce thairof the [sowme] of Iviij § x d obs : And that all suche personis as sail bring in to the conyiehouse ony spaceis of gold and siluer quhilkis ar not current coyne or ony lingottis of gold or siluer of heichar or baisser fynnes then the standart foirsaid haif payment thairfoir proportionalie according to the foirsaid rate and conforme to ane A. B. C. to be delyuerit to the maister conyeour in table to be affixt in ane publict place of the conyiehouse And siclyk his maiestie with aduis foirsaid Declairis and ordanes that George FouUis his maiesteis present maister conyeour his airis executouris and assignajds salbe comptable to his maiestie and his successouris and thair thesauraris in thair maiesteis names be payment making to thame of the sowme of xiij s Scottis money allanerlie for ilk vnce of gold to be coyned and of the sowme of ten pundis vj s viij d for ilk stane weyght of siluer quhilk heirefter salbe coyned be him be vertew of the warrantis and contract abonespecifeit Notwithstanding of the greater pryceis for his maiesteis proffeitt mentionat and contenit in the said contract, Anent the quhilk his maiestie with consent foirsaid dispenssis and dischairges the said George Foulis and his foirsaidis thairof in all tyme comeing, Provyding alwise that the said George and his foirsaidis be oblist as of befoir to mak compt to his maiestie of the greatest prooffeitt in the said contract for all moneyis that hes past the yrnis since his entrie to the said office befoir the day and dait heirof allanerlie, And in tyme comeing that thay be comptable to his maiestie as said is of xiij s for ilk vnce of gold and of ten pundis vj s viij d for ilk stane weyght of Siluer to be coyned heirefter Quhairanent thir presentis salbe ane suflicient warrant to the said maister conyeour and remanent officiaris of the conyiehous to proceid to the forgeing prenting working and out putting of the haill spaceis of coyne of gold and siluer contenit in the first originall warrant conforme thairto and to ane vther warrant and act of counsall bering daite at Edinburgh the xvj day of Januar 1612 Anent the exaltatioun of the priceis of gold in all pointis thairof except onlie in that point thairof Anent the priceis abonewrittin now sett vpoun the bullioun and vpoun his maiesteis proffeitt Whiche his Maiestie with avise foirsaid comandis and ordanes thame and ilk ane of thame to keepe and obserue in thair accomptis in tyme comeing. cxviii. — 22 Dec. 1612, Proclamatioun anent the transports and wi.'^sil- ling of coyne. Forsamekle as althocht vpoun verie good aduise and deliberatioun thair has bene voi. I612- diuers actis and proclamationis maid and publist heirtofoir whairby the cours and passage ' of all foreyne coyne witliin this kingdome and the transport of gold and siluer furth of the same hes bene oft tymes prohibit and dischairgit vndir certane panes mentionat and contenit in the same actis, Neuirtheles the presumptioun of Impvnitie and the avaritious desyre of lucre and gayne quhilk is so powirfull in the hartis and affectioun of vndewtifull subiectis who preferris thair awne privat respectis to the obedience and reverence of the law hes maid the former abuse of transport of gold and siluer and the intercom's of foreyne 2 F 226 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [.TAMES VI. Acts of the coyne to be yitt of continewance and to be als frequent and commoun in this kingdome as "^^612^!"'^''' ony tyme heirtofoir, and witb that the jjriceis of the said foreyne coyne ar hiched altered and changed at the appetyte of the gevar out and ressauar sua that verie oft the foreyne coyne is current at ane heichar rate nor the propper coyne of the kingdome hiechlie to his maiesteis offens and contempt and disgrace of his maiesteis governament And whareas the oversicht and Impvnitie of offendouris hes gevin vnto thame the baldnes without feir modestie or discretiouu to offend in this cais sua that his maiestie findis that his bipast lenitie produceis no thing bot disdane and contempt hes thairfoir resoluit no longer to ovirsee this heich contempt of his royall auctoritie bot quhair patience and lenitie can not reclame vnthankfuU subiectis fra thair errouris and neglect of dewtie his maiestie intendis by the force and rigour of Justice to reduce thame to the acknawlegement of thair former folyis and to amendment in tyme comeing, And thairfoir ordanes lettres to be direct chairgeing officeris of armes to pas to the marcat croce of Edinburgh and vtheris placeis neidfull and thair be oppin proclamatioun mak new intimatioun to all and sindrie his maiesteis subiectis That yf at ony tyme eftir the publicatioun heirof thay or ony of thame salbe challangeit and tryit to half violatt and contravenit the saidis actis outhir in tran.sport of gold and siluer or in the wissilling and geving out and ressauing of foreyne coyne, That thay salbe examplarlie pvnneist in thair personis and goodis to the terrour of vthiris, And whareas it is certane that grite nombaris of his maiesteis subiectis hes certane quantiteis of foreyne coyne of gold and siluer in thair handis, his maiestie commandis and ordanes thame to bring the same in to his maiesteis conyiehous quhair thay sail ressaue present and thankfull payment for the same in his maiesteis awne coyne at als heich rate as the same is worth. cxix. — 28 April 1613, Commission to try the Fix. Hopetomi The Lords of Secreit Counsale gevis and grantis full power and commissioun expres Papers. bidding and chair^e To Alexander Erie of Dumfermling Lord heigh Chancellar of this .Vote.— This .° ^ ir-T-o- minute is in- kingdome Mr Johnne Prestoun of Pennycuke president of the Collage of Justice bir thrKecord of Thomas Hammiltoun of Byris knycht his maiesties secretair Sir Richard Cokburne of ctuiTcii^^ Clerkingtoun Lord preuy seill Sir Jedeone Murray of Elibank thesaurair depute Sir Alex- ander Hay knycht Clerk of Register Sir Williame Oliphant of Newtoun his Maiesties aduocat Sir Alexander Drummond of Medop and Sir J ohnne Aruott or any sex of thame To convene and meit in his maiesties cunyiehous within the burgh of Edinburgh at sick dayes and tymes as thay sail think meit and expedient And thair to caus oppin the essay box of tlie gold and siluer past his maiesties Irnis fra the Tuelff day of Februare the yeir of God sex hundreth and fy ve yeiris vntill the day and dait of thir preseutis and to try the essayis of the said gold and siluer gif the samin answeris in fynnes to the actis and ordinances maid thairanent and passis nocht beneth the granis of remeidis prescriuit in the samin actis and to reporte vnto the saidis Lords quhat thay sail find in the premissis to the effect the saidis Lordis may gif thair approbatioune and allowance thairto accordinglie JAMES vi.J EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 227 Extractum de libris actorum secretj consilij S. D. N. Eegis per me Jacobum Prymrois Acts of the clericiim eiusdem sub meis signo et siibscriptione mauualibus Pi ny ^Council, Sic subscribitur ~~ Jacobus Prymrois cxx. — 17 May 1613, The Just copy of the reporttis of the Commis- sioneris of thair tryell tane of the essay box and of the fynnes of the essayis of the gold and siluer thairin. The qubilk day the Lordis abonewrittin be vertew of the Commissioun direct vuto Hopetoun thame haiffiug causit oppin the essay box of the said cunyehous and confering the particular peices within the samin and the seuerall paiperis about everie ane of thame with the register buikis of the saidis essayis gevin in be the wairdane and contre wairdane of the said cunyehous and fynding a conformatie and aggreance boith in the number of the essay peices and als concerning the seuerall fynnes of ilk Jornell betuix the note inclosing the essay pece and the wardanis registers Thair wes first taikin furth of the essay box The essayis of gold for thrie scoir sex Journellis wroght be vmqr;hile Thomas Aichesoun Maister Cunyeour ffrome the threttene day of Februare the yeir of God j™ vj'^ and fyve yeiris To the sext day of Junij the yeir of God j™ vj*^ and ten yeiris inclusiue all quhilk peces being meltit togidder and cassin in ane Lignett did wey thrie onces ane deneir . And the fynnes thairof being thairefter verie exactlie tryit the whole lignet did ansuer to the just fynes of tuentie twa carrettis and half a grane And thair did rest of the same lignett after the essayis taikin thairof Twa onces nynetene deneiris tuelff granis of weght. Nixt thairefter thair w^as taikin furth of the said essay Box the essayis of siluer of ane hundreth thriescoir nyntene Journellis WToght be the said vmquhile Thomas Achiesoun Maister cunyeour ffrome the tuelff day of Febiniare the yeir of God j™ vj'^ and fyve yeiris to the tuentie thrie day of Januare the yeir of God j"" vj'^ and ellevin yeiris inclusiue Quhilkis being meltit togidder and cassin in ane lignet did wey Ten onces tua deneiris And the fynnes thairof being lykewayis thairefter verie exactlie tryit The said lignet did ansuer to the fynnes of ellevin deneiris half ane grane And thair did rest of the samin lignett efter the essay taikin thairof nyne onces sextene deneiris of weght. Thair was thairefter taikin furth of the said Box the essayis of gold of tuentie ane Journellis wroght be George Foules present Maister Cunyeour fira the tuentie day of September the yeir of God j™ vj° and ellevin yeiris to the fourtene day of Aprile the yeir of God vj= and threttene yeiris inclusiue Quhilkis tuentie ane essayis being meltit togidder and cassin in ane lignet did wey tuentie tua deneiris of weght . And the fynnes thairof being lykewayis verie exactlie tryit the whoile lignet was found to be of the fynnes of tuentie tua carrettis And thair did rest of the said lignet efter the essay taikin thairof sevintene deneiris auchtene granis of weght And last of all thair was taikin furth of the said Box twentie twa siluer essayis wroght be the said George Foules present maister 228 RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Acts of the counyeour ffra the first day of Junij the yeir of God j'" vj<= and ellevin to the threttene day ^'^'^leis!'"'^'' of Marche the yeir of God j™ sex hundreth and threttene yeiris inclusiue Quhilkis essayis being meltit togidder and cassin in ane lignet did wey ane once thrie deneiris tuelff granis of weght And the fynnes thairof being thairefter in like maner verie exactlie tryit The whoile lignet was fund to be of the fynnes of Ellevin deneiris tua granis and thair did remane of the same lignet efter the essay taikin thairof nynetene deneiris of weght Quhilkis foure lignettis efter the particular essayes taikin thairof as said is wer deliuerit be the saidis Lordis to Johnne Aichesoun generall Sic subscribitur AL. Cancel? S'" T Hammiltoun R Cockburne S"" J Murray S'' Jo° Arnote Alex"" Hay cxxi. — 20 May 1613, TFarmw^ to the M' Cunyeour. Vol. 1612- The Lordis of Secreit counsaill ordanis and commandis the maister cunyeour and ' ' ' vtheris officiaris of the Cunyeehous To prent in his maiesteis Coyne the haill clippings of gold and siluer being in the said maister cunyeouris handis quhilkis wes challengeit and apprehendit in the possessioun of Walter Geddie citienair of S' Androis The saidis clippingis keipand the iust and trew fynnes accordinglie Wheranent thir presentis salbe vnto the said maister cunyeour and vtheris officiaris of the cunyeehous ane sufficient warrand. cxxii. — 20 May 1613, Discharge of the Course of Copper Coyne. Forsamekle as the Lordis of secreit counsaill haueand consideratioim of the grite liurte and inconvenient whiche the commounweele of tliis kingdome will sustene yf ony foreyne coyne of copper salbe tollerat to haif course or passage within the same, Thairfoir the saidis Lordis vpoun verie goode aduise and deliberatioun hes dischargeit and be the tennour heirof dischargeis the course and passage of all coyne of copper within ony parte of this kingdome except suche copper coyne as hes bene past his maiesteis yrnis in the cunyee- hous of this kingdome by speciall warrand and auctoritie frome his maiestie and the esteatis and counsell of this kingdome, ordaining all vther copper coyne on nawayis tobe broght within this kingdome nor tobe ressauit or gevin oute in payment wissilling nor na vther way And ordanis lettres tobe direct chargeing officiaris of armes to pas to the mercat croce of Edinburgh and vtheris placeis neidfuU and thair be oppin proclamatioun To command charge and inhibite all and sindrie his maiesteis Liegeis and subiectis That nane of thame presome nor tak vpoun hand To bring within this kingdome frome what- someuir parte ony kynd of copper coyne nor to wissill or gif oute the same in paymentis JAMES VI.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 229 nor na vtlier way vnder quliatsomeuir cullour or pretens, Certifeing all and sindrie Acts of the personis who sail do in the contrair heirof or in whose handis and possessioun ony of the ^'^^y^^^''"'" said has and copper coyne salbe deprehendit, That the same persoun or personis salbe callit conuenit persewit and pvnneist thairfoir with all rigour and extremitie. cxxiii. — 27 May 1613, Aneiit Copper Coyne. The quhilk day The Lordis of secreit counsaill having at grite lenthe conferrit and Vol. 1(512- reasouned vpoun the ouertour and propositioun maid to his maiestie anent the coyneiug of ^' ^'^^ ten thowsand stane weght of copper, and vpoun the offer of xlij ti maid to his maiestie for the licence and preuilege thairof The Lordis all in ane voice ffindis, That the coyneing of suche ane quantitie of copper vpoun the conditionis and offer specifeit in the said Lettres will infer far greitair hurte, preiudice and Inconuenient to the commounweele nor ony proffeitt or commoditie that may thairvpoun result to his maiestie, especiallie becaus strangearis and the native subiectis of this kingdome who ar of a peruerse humour and dispositioun will not faill vpoun hoip of gayne and proffeit whiche will aryise vpoun that coyne to counterfute the same and so fill the cuutrey full of suche has vnworthie drosse, Alwayes for the ease and benefeit of the poore who ar sofar preiudgeit of the cheritie and almous of the people throw default of small money. The Lordis ffindis meete yf so it sail pleis his maiestie, That twa hundreth stane weght of copper salbe coyned in twa penny peiceis of suche a weght and proportioun as no gayne nor commoditie salbe had thairof bot so muche as may defray the workemenis wageis, and ordanis ane missiue tobe writtin heiranent to his maiestie. cxxiv. — 10 June 1613, Reporte anent the tryall of the Assay box. The quhilk day in presence of the Lordis of secreit counsaill compeirit personallie Voi. 1612- Alexander Erll of Dunfermelyne Lord heich chancellair of this kingdome and Exponit and ' declairit that he accompanyit with Sir Thomas Hammiltoun of Byris knight Secretair, Sir Richard Cokburne of Clerkintoun lord preuie scale, Sir Jedeone Murray of Elibank thesaurair depute, Sir Alexander Hay of Quhyteburgh knight, clerk of Register and Sir Johnne Arnott knight commissionaris nominal be the saidis Lordis for oppynning of the assay box and tryeing of the assayis of gold and siluer being thairintill, convenit in the cunyeehous within the burgh of Edinburgh vpoun the xvij day of May last and thair according to the commissioun foirsaid gevin vnto thame Thay causit the generall of the said cunyeehous wardaue countair wardaue and assayair oppin the assay box and conferrit the particulair peeceis within the same and the seuerall paperis aboute euery one of thame with the Register bookis of the assay gevin in be the wardane and the counter wardane and that thay fand a conformitie and aggreance betuix the nombir of the assay peeceis and the wardanis Register viz. That thay fand in the said assay box the assayis of gold for threescoir sax Jornayis wroght be vmquhile Thomas Achiesoun maister cunyeour frome the xiij day of Februair The yeir of god j"" vj*^ and fyve yeiris, to the saxt day of Junij The 230 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Acts of the yeir of god j™ vj'' and ten yeiris iuclusiue All quhilkis peeceis being meltit togidder and Privy Council, .... o o 1613. cassm m ane lingott did wey three vnce ane deneir wegnt, and tne fynes thairof being tbaireftir verie exactlie tryit, The haill lingott did ansuer to the fynes of tuentie twa arrettis and half a grayne, and that thair did rest of the same Lingott efter the assay tane thairof twa vnceis nynetene deneiris tuelff grayne weyght And he Eeportit that thaireftir thay faud in the said assay box and tooke furth thairof the assayis of siluer of ane hundreth Ixxix Jornayis wroght be the said vmquhill Thomas Achiesoiin maister cunyeour frome the tuelft day of Februar The yeir of god j™ vj^^ and fy ve yeiris to the xxiij day of Januair the yeir of god j™ vj'^ and ellevin yeiris inclusiue, quhilk being meltit togidder and cassin in ane Lingott did wey Ten vnce twa deneiris, and the fynnes thairof being thaireftir verie exactlie tryit The said Lingott did ansuer to the fynnes of xj deneiris and half ane grayne, and thair did rest of tlie same Lingott after the assay tane thairof nyne vnceis and sextene deneir weyght He lykewayes Eeportit that thau' wes tane furth of the said assay box The assayis of tuentie ane Jornayis of gold wroght be George Foullis present maister cunyeour fra the tuentie day of September j™ vj'^ and ellevin yeiris to the fouretene day of Aprile j™ vj<= and threttene yeiris inclusiue, quhilkis tuentie ane assayis being meltit togidder and cassin in ane Lingott did wey Tuentie twa deneir weght, and the fynnes thairof being verie exactlie tryit, the haill Lingott wes fundin tobe of the fynnes of Tuentie twa carrettis,' and that thair did rest of the said Lingott after the assay tane thairof Sevintene deneiris auchteene graynes of weght, And Last of all he Eeportit and declairit that thair wes tane furthe of the said box Tuentie twa siluer assayis wroght be the said George Foullis present maister cunyeour fra the first day of Junij The yeir of god vj'= and ellevin yeiris to the threttene day of Marche j™ vj<= and xiij yeiris inclusiue, Quhilkis assayis being meltit togidder and cassin in ane Lingott did wey ane vnce three deneiris tuelff graynes, and the fynnes thairof being verie narroulie tryit, The haill Lingott wes fundin tobe of the fynnes of ellevin deneiris and twa graynes, and that thair did remane of the same Lingott after the assay tane thairof, nynetene deneir weght Quhilkis foure Lingottis after the assay tane thairof, wer delyuerit be the saidis Lordis to J ohnne Achiesoun present generall. The Lordis of secreit counsaill having hard the report and declaratioun maid be the said Lord Chancellair in the mater foirsaid Thay haif allowit, and be the tennour heirof Allowis of the tryall tane be the saidis commissionaris in this mater And ftindis that thairin thay haif proceidit verie ordourlie and circumspectlie with goode aduise and delibera- tioun, And thairfoir the saidis Lordis declairis That the generall, maister cunyeoure, wardane, counter wardane, assayir, and all vtheris officiaris and memberis of his maiesteis cunyeehouse Hes deulie, faithfullie and vprightlie vsit and executed thair ofticeis. Ilk ane of thame for thair awne partis, conforme to the actis and ordinanceis maid thairaneut in all pointis And Exoneris thame and Euery one of thame of the same be thir presentis. JAIMES VI.] RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 231 cxxv. — 15 June 1613, Proclamatioun anent the Coyne. Acts of tlie Privy Council, 1613. Forsamekle as althocht the Kingis maiestie vpoun verie goode considerationis especiallie for intertenying of plentyis of money and bulyeoun within this kingdome, and ^eis.^f^ is^- for encourageing of his maiesteis subiectis to bring in to his cunyeehous all foreyne gold and sillier with his heynes awne proper decryed coyne, hes be diners actis and proclama- tionis maid and publeist heirtofoir not onlie dischargeit the conrse and passage of the said foreyne and decryed coyne, and ordanit the same to be imbroght to his maiesteis cunyeehous as bulyeoun, bot with that hes modifeit allowit and sett doun verie heich pryceis tobe gevin thairfoir in his maiesteis cunyeehous, sua that nane of his maiesteis subiectis can with reasoun compleene of ony preiudice hurte or losse that thay may siistene throw that occasioun And his maiestie expecting that all dewtifuU regaird and reiierent obedyence sould haif bene gevin to his maiesteis warrandis and directionis foirsaidis, and the rather for that no preiudice could be thairby pretendit be ony person or j>ersonis, Neuertheles liis maiestie is informit that the course and passage of the said coyne foreyne and decryit. Is yitt of continewance, and als frequent publict and avowed in tradis j)ayment and wissilling as the Lauchfull current coyue of this Idngdome, and quhilk is so mutche the more offensiue to his maiestie That the pryceis of the forbiddin coyne, ar xaisit, hichted, alterit and changeit according to the humour and dispositioun of the gevar oute and ressaueair, so that verie oft grite nomberis of his maiesteis goode subiectis ar wounderfullie circiimuenit and abusit be the policie and craft of the more subtle who gevis vnto thame licht for havie of all sortis of moneyis and drosse for goode coyne, Wherby the ressauearis thairof lossis a full thrid, And whereas it may be pretendit that be the formair proclamationis maid heiranent the pryceis of gold and sillier according to thair seuerall fynnes wes onlie sett generallie vpoun the vnce without ony particulair or speciall nominatioiin or designatioun of the pryceis in the vnce of the seuerall spaceis of gold and siluer whilkis ar decryed and forbiddin, his maiestie for removeing of all suche mater of scruple and doubt fra his heynes subiectis, and to mak thame so mutche the more Inexcusable yf at ony tyme heirefter thay sail transgres in this poynte, hes thoght meete with aduise of the Lordis of his preiiie counsaill to sett doun the pryceis of the vnce deneir and grayne weght of the seuerall spaces of gold and siluer heirefter mentionat according to the whilk all his maiesteis subiectis sail ressaue payment in his maiesteis cunyeehouse That is to say ffor the auld roiss noble The Hary noble and the angell noble, Thay sail ressaue for eiiery vnce thairof xlij ti, for euerie deneir weght thairof xxxv s, and for euerie grayne weght thairof j s v d, ffor his maiesteis thrissill noble, for the Portugall ducatt. The double ducatt, the Vngaris ducatt and the Ghentis noble, They sail ressaue for euerie vnce thairof xlj ti xiij s x d, for euerie deneir weght thairof xxxiiij s viij d, and for euerie grayne weght thairof j § v d, ffor the gunhoUl angell, the croce ducatt, the Franshe Harie ducatt, and the Vtrightis noble, Thay sail ressaue for euerie vnce weght thairof xl ti xvj s for euerie deneir weght thairof xxxiiij s, and for euerie grayne weght thairof j s V d, ffor the Franshe crowne and potence crowne, thay sail ressaue for euerie vnce weght 232 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the thairof xxxix ti xviij § iij d, ffor euerie deneir weght thairof xxxiij s iij d, and for euerie "^1(5^3!"^°''' grayue thairof xvj d, for liis inaiesteis hatt peece, The fyve pund peece, The quenis peece ~ with the cipher ME. The quenis portrat with the naiked craig, the Spanis pistollett and inilrae, Thay sail ressaue for euerie vnce weght thairof xxxix li, for euerie deneir weght thairof xxxij s vj d, and for euerie grayne weyght xvj &, ffor his maiesteis lyuun noble and the abbay crowne, Thay sail ressaue for euerie vnce thairof xxxviij ti ij s vj d, for euerie deneir weght thairof xxxj s ix d, and for euerie grayne weght thairof xv d ffor his maiesteis ducatt with the bair heade and for the Flanderis Albertus, Thay sail ressaue for euery vnce weght thairof xxxvij ti iiij s x d, ffor euerie deneir weght thairof xxxj s, and for euerie grayne weght thairof xv d, And for all vther forbiddin and decryed spaceis of gold thay sail ressaue pro rata according to thair weght and fynnes ffor the auld xxx s peece with the tree or swerd and the pairtis thairof for the auld xl s peece with his inaiesteis portrat and swerd and pairtis thairof for the auld Scottis testane the laite x s peece, the plane croce ryall of aucht and the Franshe quart descu thay sail ressaue for euerie vnce weght thairof Iviij s viij d for euerie deneir weght thairof ij s v d ffor the grayne weght thairof ane penny, ffor the vther ryallis of aucht callit the doig ryallis or Eyallis of Mexico quhilkis ar raggit at the endis of thair croce with thair halffis quarteris and aucht pairtis Thay sail ressaue for euery vnce thairof Iv s vij d for euerie deneir weght thairof ij s iij d and for the gTayne weght thairof j d and for the new half merk peece The croce dolouris and the auld Franshe testane Thay sail ressaue for the vnce weght thairof liiij s, for the deneir weght thairof ij s ij d and for the grayne weght thairof j d, and for the Phillopis doloure and the Franshe frank peece, Thay sail ressaue for the vnce thairof Iij s for the deneir weght thairof ij s ij d, and for the grayne weght j d, And for the Swaden dolouris thay sail ressaue for the vnce thairof Ij s j d for the deneir weght thairof ij s j d and for the grayne weght thairof j d, and for the auld testane callit the Dukis testane, and for the dogis dolour or Batinburghis dolour Thay sail ressaue for the vnce thairof xlv s vj d, for the deneir weght thairof j s xj d, and for the grayne thairof j d, and for the Flemis dolour thay sail ressaue for the vnce thairof xlv s for the deneir weght thairof j § x d, and for the grayne weght thairof j d, and for the auld half merk peeceis, Thay sail ressaue for the vnce weght thairof xlj s, for the deneir weght thairof j s viij d, and for the grayne weght thairof three farthingis. And for all vther decryed spaceis of siluer thay sail ressaue pro rata according to thair weght and fynnes And ordanis lettres to be direct to mak publicatioun heirof be oppin proclamatioun at the mercatt croceis of the heade burrowis of this realme and vthiris placeis neidfull quhairtlirow nane pretend ignorance of the same And to certifie all and sindrie his maiesteis liegeis and subiectis quho saU ressaue or delyuer ony of the saidis foreyne and decryed spaceis of gold and siluer in paymentis wissilling or tradis That thay salbe callit convenit persewit and pvnist thairfoir in thair personis and goodis conforme to the actis and proclamationis formarlie maid thairanent. Commanding all magistratis to burgh and Land To caus diligent attendance be gevin euery one of thame within thair awne boundis That dew regaird be had to the obedyence and obseruatioun of this present act And whenas thay sail find ony brek or violatioun of the same That thay notifie the same to his maiesteis thesaurair or suche vtheris of his maiesteis counsell as JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 233 thay sail think mete To tlie effect the contrauenaris may be callit and accordinglie pvnist Acts of the as thay will ausuer vpoun thair obedyence at thair heichest perrell. ^"^1613?"'^''' cxxvi. — 1 March 1614, Warrant for coining the new ijenny and two- penny pieces. Fforsamekle as it is vnderstand to the kingis Maiestie and lordis of his secrite coun- Vol. 1612- sale that thair is a verie grite skairstie of small money especiallie of penneyis now current ' within this Kingdome, whairthrow not onlie is the intercourse and change of penny worthis and vtheris small commodities vendible amangis his maiesties subiectis [gritlie This clause is Impedit and hinderit, bot the poore people quhais necessiteis wer releivit be the benevolence pnvy Council and almous of his Maiesteis subiectis] ar now throw defalt of the said small money verie ^iserted from'^ far preiudgit of thair almous / And his Maiestie being movit with pitie and commiseratioun another MS. . in the General of the poore without ony kynde of respect or consideratioun of his Maiesteis awin proffeit/ Register quhairwith his Maiestie in this caise will dispence Thairfore his maiestie with aduise of the lordis of his secrite counsale lies thoght mete concludit and ordanit, that thair salbe three hundreth stane wecht of copper vnmixt with ony vther kynde of mettall wrocht and forgeit in ane mylne and cuttit in a cutter, and be the said mylne and cutter maid reddy for the prenting after the accustomat forme of his maiesties cunyehous with pyle and tursell quhairthrow the same be not counterfoote In penny and twa penny peces, quhairof twelf and ane half of the said twa penny peces to be in ane vnce wecht / and fyve scoir of the saidis twa penny peces to be in the mark wecht with tua of the saidis peces of remeid of wecht alsweill hevie as licht, on the mark wecht thairof, And tuentie fyve of the saidis pennies to be in ane vnce wecht And ten scoir of the saidis penny peces to be in the mark wecht with four of the saidis peces of remeid of wecht alsweill hevie as licht on the mark wecht thairof / The saidis peces haifand one the ane syde / thrie thrissillis on ane stak with ane thrissill leafe on ilk syde of the said stalk at the fute thairof all contenit within the inner Eing with this circumscriptioun Jacobus . Dei . gra . Mag . Brit . And on the vther syde ane Lyoun crownit, with tua titillis a litel distant frome the lyonis taill on the saidis tua penny pecis / And ane titil at the same pairt on the saidis penny peces for the better discerning of the saidis penny peces from the tua penny peces with this circumscriptioun Francie et Hibernie Eex. And that the same peces haue course amangis his maiesties subiectis for pennyes and tua pennyis / With this speciall prouisioun and conditioun / That iiane of his Maiesteis subiectis salbe astrictit to ressaue of the said copper coyne abone the value of sex pennyis in ilk pund in payment of dettis or ather blokkis wairis or merchandice / Commanding heirby the maister cunyeour, wardane, countrewardane and sinker / to proceid to the forgeing working and prenting of the same / And that in euerie stane wecht thairof thair be ane pund coyned in penny peces, As thay will ansuer vpone the dewtie of thair offices / And that letters be direct to mak publicatioun heirof be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croce of Edinburgh and vtheris places neidfull, quhairthrow nane pretend ignorance of the same / And to command and charge all and sindrie his maiesties subiectis. To ressaue the saidis copper peces in payment of dettis blokkis wairis 2 G 234 EECOKDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. and merchandice in maner foirsaid And on na wayis to refuse the same vpone qulaat- ' sameuer cullour or pretence Vnder the pane of tressoun / cxxvii. — 1 March 1614, Ane act and warrand for sinking of Irnis to jyrint small Money. Forsamekle as the Kingis maiestie with aduise of the Lordis of his secrite counsale hes thoght meete and expedient, That thair salbe ane certane weght and quantitie of coppir vnmixit with ouy vthir kynd of mettaill wroght and forgeit in ane mylue and cuttit in ane cuter / and be the said mylne and cuttir maid ready to the prenting efter the accustomat forme of his maiesteis cunyiehouse with pyle and tursell quhairthrow the same be not counterfoote In penny and tua penny peeceis of copper, ffor making of exchainge and releif of the indigence and miserie of the puire / Thairfore his maiestie with aduise of the saidis Lordis ordanis and commaudis / Chairles Dickesoun goldsmyth sincker of the yrnis of his maiesteis cunyie in Scotland, To mak and forme matricess with all diligence ffor sincking of pyleis and turseileis ffor prenting of the saidis penny and tua penny peeceis of copper, haueand on the ane syde Thrie thrissiUis on ane stak with ane thrissill leifif on ilk syde of the said stak at the fute thairof all contenit within the Inner ring, with this circumscriptioun Jacobus : Dei : gra : Mag : Brit : and on the vther syde ane Lyoun crownit with tua titlis a litle distant fra the Lyonis taill on the said tua penny peceis, and ane title at the samyn pairt on the said penny peeceis ffor the bettir decerning of the penny peece fra the saidis tua penny peece, with this circumscriptioun Francise et Hibernise Kex / Quhairanent the extract of thir presentis salbe vnto the said sincker ane sufficient warrand / ffollowis his maiesteis warrand for the twa actis abone-svrittin Eight trustie and richt weilbelouit cosen and counsellour and richt triistie and weilbelouit counsellouris We grete you weele, Whereas it heth bene diuers tymes com- pleyned vnto [ws] that for laik of small money current in that oure kingdome, nather can sufficient exchange for other money in meane barganes be had, nather yit such small peeceis for almous to the poore, as the cheritie of most men mycht affoorde, It is thairfore oure pleasoure That ye call before you the cheif officiaris of oure minte, and haueing by thame sufficientlie informed your selffis of the ordour taikin for coyning of the last copper money, and of the weght price forme and conditionis of prenting the same, that ye gif directioun and warrand to the said officiaris and vthiris to whome it apperteynith, to cans coyne Thrie hundreth stane weght of copper in peeceis of the same weght fynnes price and print of the last copper money without ony forder alteratioun or allowance, saveing that whiche the different price in buying of the copper will enforce, and this commending to your speciall cair we bid you fairweele at Hinchingbrooke the 18**^ of October 1613. JAMES VI.] EECOEDS or THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 235 cxxviii. — 6 April 1614, Ane act anent the Bulyeoun. Acts of the Privy Council, Forsamekle as albeit thair hes bene mony good actis maid be the kingis maiestie and his predicessouris of famous memorie anent the hamebringing of bulyeoun / Especialie ane act maid be vmquhill King James the fourt, quhairby it wes statute and ordanit / That all merchantis sould bring hame the quantitie of buUioun effeirand to the goodis transportit be thame furt]i of this kingdome and deliuer the same to his maiesteis maister cunyeour vpoun the prices specifeit and contenit in the saidis actis vndir the pane of payment of the double availl of the vnces of the said bullyoun as the saidis actis at lenth beiris / And altho thair hes bene diuers intimationis and publicationis maid of the saidis actis, quhair- throw naue of his maiesteis subiectis can with reasoun j)retend ignorance or miskuawledge of the same / Notwithstanding it is of treuth that thair is a grite nomber of personis merchantis and trafficquaris of this kingdome who aganis thair dewtie and obedience and without respect to thair credite, hes concealed the bulyeoun addebtit be thame for the goodis transportit be thame furth of this realme thir diuers yeiris bigane/ and hes not nather yit intendis to deliuer the same to his maiesteis maister cunyeour, quhairthrow according to the tennour of the said act of parliament they aucht tobe burdynit with the double of thair said bulyeoun and executioun sould pas aganis thame for payment thairof / Thairfore the lordis of secrite counsale Ordanis lettres tobe direct chairgeing officiaris of airmes / to pas to the mercat croceis of the heid burrowis of this realme and vtheris placeis neidfull, and thair to intimat and declair to all and sindrie his maiesteis leigeis and subiectis who ar addebtit to his maiestie in his bullyoun That gif within the space of Threttie dayis after the publicatioun heirof at the saidis mercat croceis, thay do not imbring and deliuer to his maiesteis maister cunyeour the bulyoun addebtit be thame for the goodis and geir transportit be thame furth of this kingdome at ony tyme bigane preceiding the dait heirof, and who sail not imbring and deliuer to his maiesteis said maister cunyeour the bulyoun dew tobe payit be thame for the goodis and geir quhilkis thay sail transporte furth of this realme in tyme comeing in suche dew and lauchfull tyme as be the saidis actis is appointit / That lettres of horning salbe direct aganis thame and thair cautionairis vpoun ane simple chairge of Ten dayis / Chairgeing thame personalie or at thair dwelling plaaeis for payment of the double of the said bulyoun, and that the names of the merchantis with the quantitie of the goodis transportit be thame, and the bulyoun dew tobe payit thairfore salbe deliuerit to the officiaris executouris of the saidis lettres in bUl. cxxix. — 17 May 1614, Warrant for coining more Copper. Forsamekni as the kingis Majestic with aduise of the lordis of secreit counsall haueing voi. 1612- 1614: f 23' by ane former act and ordinance of Counsale gevin warrand and directioun for coyniag of > ■ ' thrie hundreth stane wecht of copper quhairthrow the necessitie and indigence of the poore micht be releivit, and the intercourse of small commodities and penny worthis amangis his majestis subjectis micht be the better intertenyit / Yit his Majestic vnderstanding that 236 EECORDS or THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Acts of the suche ane small quantitie of that coyne being out dispersit and put out amangis his "^^leiT.'"^' ' maiesteis subjectis wilbe of no continewance ather for intertenying of this exchange or for the releiving of the indigence of the poore / Thairfoir his majestic with aduise of the saidis lordis of his secreit counsall hes thocht mete and expedyent that tua hundreth stane more of the said copper whilk will mak in the haill fyve hundreth stane salbe coyned in pennyis and tua penny peices And for this eflect Ordauis and commandis the Maister Cunyeour wairdane counter wairdane and sinckair / To proceid to the forgeing working and prenting of the said twa hundreth stane weght of copper whilk with the foresaid thrie hundred stane appointit be the former act abone written to be coyned will comprehend in the haill fyve hundreth stain e wecht of copper And that in the coyneing and workmg of the said twa hundreth stane thay observe the reull tennour and conditiounes prescryuit vnto thame be the said former act of thrie hundreth stane and conforme thaime selffis thair- vnto in euery poynte. As thay will answer to his majestic and his counsall vpoun the dewtie of thair of&ces whairanent the extract of thir presentis salbe wnto thame ane warrand. cxxx. — 31 March 1618, Act anent the Bulyeoun. Vol. 1617- Forsamekle as albeit thair hes bene mony guid actis of parliament maid be the kingis 1620, f. 136'-. i^jaiggt;ie and his predicessouris of famous memorie anent the hamebringing of bullyoun, by the quhilkis it is statute and ordanit that all and sindrie merchandis and trafficquaris who transportis ony commoditeis and wairis furth of this kingdome sail bring hame and deliuer in his maiesteis cunyehouse a certain proportioun and quantitie of bullyoun answerable and effeirand to the commoditeis and wairris transportit be thame to the effect that by the natiue commoditeis of the cuntrey money be manteined and haldin within the same as in the saidis actis at mair lenthe is contenit / quhilkis actis being maid for the weele of the cuntrey and according to the policie of all vtheris weill governit commounwealeis / neuirthe- les it is of treuth that thir diuers yeiris bigane thair hes bene ane grite defect in the obedience of his maiesteis subiectis to the saidis actis quhilk hes proceidit. . . . frome the negligence and ouirsight of the maister and offtciaris of his maiesteis cunyiehouse to whose office and [charge] the cair and directioun of materis tending to the furtherance of the inbringiug of bullyoun properlie belongis Bot cheiflie from the vnwillingenes and con- tempt of the merchandis and vtheris standing obleist in payment of the said bullyoun quho hes refuisit and still refuissis to tak ony course or ordoure thairanent quhairthrow and by the frequent exportatiouu of all kynd of coyne furth of this realme thair is verie grite penurie and scairstie of moneyis within the same quhairvpoun hes followit this extraordinair derth of all kynd of commoditeis necessar for the vse of man, to the grite hurte and preiudice of the commounweele Thairfore the Lordis of secrite counsaill Ordanis Lettres to be direct To command and chairge all and sindrie merchandis and trafifiquaris of this kingdome and all vthiris his maiesteis leigeis and subiectis who hes transportit ony com- moditeis and wairis furth of this kingdome before the first day of Nouember In the yeir of God j"" vj<= and sevintene and thair cautionairis gif ony be foundin be thame for the bullyoun JAMES VI.] RECOKDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 237 be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croceis of the heid burrowis and townis quhair the Acts of tiie saidis merchantis dwellis That thay and euerie ane of thame Imbring to his maiesteis ^"^i6i°8"'^'^'' cunyiehouse and deliuer to his maiesteis maister cunyeoure the haill bully on n addebtit be ' thame for the commoditeis and wairis transportit be thame before the said first day of Nouember within Ten dayis nixt after the publicatioun heu-of at the saidis mercat croceis Certifeing thame that sail failyie or do in the contrair That thay salbe compellit to mak payment of the double of the said buUyoun and lettres of horning salbe direct aganis thame for payment thairof vpoun a simple chairge of Ten dayis / And siklyke to command and chairge all and sindrie personis who sail transporte ony commoditeis or wairis fixrth of this kingdome at ony tyme heireftir That thay within the space of sax monethis after thair transporte of the saidis commoditeis and guidis bring in to the cunyiehouse and deliuer to the maister cunyeour the bullyoun dew to be payit be thame for thair saidis guidis vndir the pane foirsaid of doubling of the said bullyoun / Certifeing thame that sail failyie or do in the contrair / That Lettres of horning vpoun a simple chairge of Ten dayis salbe direct aganis thame for payment of the double of the said bullyoun. cxxxi. — 9 March 1619, Act anent the Coyne. Forsamekle as the transporting of gold and siluer furth of this kingdome and the Voi. 1617- tolleratioun of the course of foreyne coyne within the same being fund be the kingis '^'^"^ ' maiestie and his estaitis of parliament to be verry hurtful! and preiudiciall to the commounweill and verry disgraicefull to his maiesteis royall government Thairfoir his maiestie following the example of his predicessouris of worthie memory in this caice causit diuers good . . . and actis to be maid alsweill for restrayneing of that abuse quhilk is ane contempt and offence most pernitious and wicked aganis ... of the haill kingdome as for pvnisching of the same . . . althoght they yit stand in force, and that the cair and diligence of his maiesteis counsall hes not bene wanting to discouer and pvnish the transgressouris and volattouris of the same Lawis Neuirtheles the priuat respect of gayne conjoyned with the hoip of ... in regaird of the Infinite schiftis to avoyde the searchearis Original juiuh so p . . . and volent in the hairtis alsweill of some his maiesteis subiectis as of strangeris whose actiounis and proiectis in materis of co . . . and Intercourse hes ane only end to wit the vnlawfull . , . gayne without regaird of conscience or reuerence ... as it hes maid and makis the effectis and executioun of . . . and pollicyis that hes or can be vseit in the contrair . . . and frustratt In so far as the proper coyne of this kingdome ... of weyght and . . . foreyne pairtis and plaine and oppin merchandice ... for forreyne coyne being ather bas or lyght and minthoussis ar . . . in forreyne pairtis with the goode coyne of this kingdome and forreyne coyne is broght hame in great aboundance and outit be the hauearis thairof at heich pryces far abone the availl and is now vseit and current in paymentis tradis wissilling and vthirwayis the diuersitie quhairof in prent weyght and fynnes geveis occasioun to his maiesteis subiectis to alter lyght and rais the pryceis of the same at thair pleasure and suche of his maiesteis subiectis as hes skill in this kynde of coysenying and dissaitfull trade keipis as it wer ane cunyehouse for thame selfiis and the ignorant and 238 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Acts of the simple multitude ar schamefullie and mischeantlie circumuenit and abuseit be thame "^1619^'^"^' I'essaueiug payment of lygbt for havie and drosse for goode coyne Quhilk being wyislie foirsene be the kingis maiestie and bis maiestie after his hing experience vnderstanding that the cheife and principall occasioun of this canker (able in schort tyme to eat vp the haill moneyis of this kiugdome) proceidis from the impvnitie of the offendaris and quhairas nothing is so powerfull to hald vndewtifull subiectis vnder a renerent obedience of the Law as the execution of the Law quhilk wer better neuir to be maid than to lie deade vnexecute / Thairfoir his maiestie with advyse of the Lordis of his secreit counsale vpoun verry goode deliberatioun hes of new thoght meit and expedient concludit resoluit statute and ordanit That no foreyne coyne sail haue course or passage within this kingdome at ony tyme after the pvblicatioun heirof bot that the same salbe broght in to his maiesteis conyehouse quhair the awner sail ressaue in guid and reddy payment for euery vnce weyght of gold of xxij carrett fyne the sowme of xxxix ti iij § v d and for euery deneir thairof xxxij s vij halff d penny and for ilk grayne weyght thairof xvj d 4 pairt penny and for euery vnce weyght of siluer being of the fynnes of ellevin deneiris the sowme of Iviij s X d halff penny and for ilk deneir weyght thairof ij s v d and for ilk grayne weyght thairof ane penny And for all vther decryit gold and siluer thay sail ressaue in payment proportionallie for ilk vnce deneir and grayne weyght thairof the Just valour according to ane A. B. C. quhilk salbe sett downe in a table and delyuerit to the maister cunyeour to be affixt in a publict pairt of the cunyehouse And siclyk his maiestie with aduyce foirsaid hes commandit that the Lawis formerlie maid aganis the transporting of gold and siluer furth of this kingdome ^albe put to executioun and the offendouris pvnist with all seueritie And ordanis Lettres to be direct chargeing officeris of armes to pas to the mercat croces of the heade burrowis of this Eealme and thair be . . . the premissis quhairthrow nane pretend ignorance of the same and to command charge and Inhibite all and sindrie his maiesteis liegeis and subiectis and strangearis That nane of thame presome nor tak vpoun hand at ony tyme after the publicatioun heirof to carye or transporte ony gold or siluer furth of this realme vnder the pane of confiscatioun of the said gold and siluer and of the haill remanent moueabill guidis perteyning to the awneris and transportaris thairof And siclyke that nane presum nor tak vpoun hand To ressaue nor delyuer in payment wissilling nor trade ony foreyne gold or siluer vnder the pane of ane hundreth pundis to be Incurrit be euery person or persones contravenyng toties quoties The thrid pairt quhairof with the thrid of the confiscatioun of the transportaris of gold or siluer apprehendit or provin salbe delyuerit in thankfuU payment to the persone or persones that will reveill the same to his maiesteis thesaurer or deputie thesaurer and will furneis probatioun for vericatioun of the same dischargeing heirby all his maiesteis officiaris of ressaitt of all ressaueing of ony foreyne gold and siluer in payment of his maiesteis rentis dischargeing also all persones in quhois handis consignationis ar to be maid That thay ressaue na consignatt money bot in proper currant money of this kingdome vnder the panis foirsaid prohibiteing also all his maiesteis Leigeis to delyuer or ressaue ony forreyne money in buying selling paymentis or vtherwayis vnder the same panis And siclyk to command and charge all and sindry magistratis to burgh and land and all Justiceis of peace quhair JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 239 fairis and mercattis ar haldiu That they caus publicatioun be maid heirof twyse in the Acts of the yeir in the tyme of fair and to cans diligent attendance be givin enery one within thair '^ieig. awin boundis That this act be dewlie and preceislie keij)it And quhairas . . . brek or violatioun of the same that they tak notice thairof and gif Informatioun of the same to his maiesteis thesaurair or depute thesaurair to the effect the contravenaris may be callit and . . . pvnist And gif neid beis That they sease vpoun the money vnlawfullie offerit to be givin or ressaueit and that they delaite the offendouris to the effect abonewreittin Original and that they afl&x authentik copeyis heirof and of the A. B. C. foirsaid vpoun the most publict and patent pairtis of the saidis fairis and . . . throw all his maiesteis leigis may haue Inspectioun and knowledge of the same certifieing the saidis Justeiceis of peace and vther magistratis to burgh and land gif they be remiss or . . . heirin That thay salbe . . . of his maiesteis counsall and quhairas thair is a grite quantitie of lyght and crakit gold quhilkis sindrie persouis for thair advantage buyes and caussis soAvde the same and puttis roovis of fauls gold thairon and gyltis the same to the hurte of the leiges Thairfoir to com- mand charge and inhibite all and sindrie goldsmythis and all vtheris personis quhatsumeuir that nane of thame presome nor tak vpoun hand to sowde ony crakit or brokin gold or siluer vnder the pane to be repute haldin persewit and pvnist as fals cunyeouris. cxxxir. — 11 March 1619, Act anent the Coyne. Forsamekle as the kingis maiestie haueing consideratioun of the greit hurte and Vol. 1617- T • 1 -,1 , , • • P 1 • 1 • ■, 1 . , . ,. . ■ , • 1620, f. 165. inconvenient quhuk the subiectis oi this kmgdome hes sustenit thir diuers yeins bigane through the diuersitie and nomebar of forreyne speaceis of gold and siluer vniversallie current within the same aganes the law and without ony setled or constant stand or pryce bot at the appetyte of the gevearis oute and ressauearis Thairfoir his maiestie with advyce of the Lordis of his previe counsall causit ane act and proclamatioun to be maid of the nynt of this instant aggreabill in substance to the Lawis formerlie maid and yit standing in force ffor restreaning and punischeing of the said abuse of the course of foreyne coyne In the quhilk act althoght no mentioun hes beine maid of his maiesteis awin proper coyne bearing his maiesteis prent and armes yit nomeberis of his maiesteis subiectis Ignorant of the tennour and effect of the said act doeth apprehend that his maiesteis auld coyne especiallie the auld rois nobillis of Scotland and England ar comprehendit vnder the said act and proclamatioun and thairfoir some scruple and questioun is maid in ressaueing of thame in paymentis wissilling and trade vpoun the pryceis for quhilkis they wer current afoir the making of the said proclamatioun ffor removeing of the quhilk scruple and doubt and for giving of satisfactioun to his maiesteis subiectis in this poynte his maiestie with aduyse of the saidis Lordis of his Secreit counsell hes thoght meite heirby to signifie and declair to all his maiesteis subiectis that as the act and proclamatioun foirsaidis is in express termes consaveit and sett doun aganis the course of forreyne coyne so his maiestie haid not nor hes not purpois nor Intentioun at this tyme to tuitche his awiH coyne or to stay the course and passage thairof bot that the same and especiallie the rois nobillis of Scotland and England for the quhilkis the greatest doubt and questioun is apprehendit 240 EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Acts of the sail haue course and passage vpoun the pryceis for quhilkis thay wer current the tyme of "^'\6l9!"" ' the making of the said proclamatioun Exceptand alwayes ane new rois noble callit the spure ryall prentit be his maiestie in England since his going thair haueing on the ane syde his maiesteis portrat and armes in a schip with this circumscriptioun / Jacobus Dei gratia magnae Britannife Francise et Hibernian rex / quhilk new rois noble being in weyght and worthe far inferiour to his maiesteis vtheris rois nobillis of the saidis kingdomes of Scotland and England to wit xxvj § viij d vpoun euery peice thairof in worthe and the subiectis of this kingdome who ar Ignorant of the Just weyght and fynnes of gold haueing sustenit greit hurte and preiudice by ressaueing of this new rois noble vpoun the pryceis of his maiesteis vther rois nobillis foirsaidis althought thair be ane greit disproportioun in the weyght and worth of the same as said is Thairfoir his maiestie with aduise foirsaid hes dischargeit and be the tennour heirof dischargeis the course and passage of this new rois noble foirsaid within this kingdome and Ordanis the same to haue no forder course heirefter And that Lettres of publicatioun be direct heirvpoun quhairthrow nane pretend Ignorance of the same. cxxxiii. — 15 May 1622, Ane7it the transporte of Money. Vol. 1621- The quhilk day The Lettre vnderwrittin signed be the kingis maiestie and directit to 1625, f. 7jh. ^j^^ Lordis comniissionaris of his maiesteis rentis in fauour of Sir George Bruce wes presented to the saidis Lordis and red in thair audience and allowed be thame Off the quhilk lettre the tennour followis James R. Right trustie and right weilbelouit cosines and counsellouris and Right trustie and weilbelouit counsellouris we greete you weele We ressaued your lettre concerning the mater of transportatioun of money whilk we formarlie recommendit to you in fauouris of oure seruand Sir George Bruce and we verie weele allow bothe of your opposing aganis the signatour whilk we required tobe expeid to him and of the course whilk yow intend heirefter to follow in the discouerie and prosequutioun of the bussynes by his meanes and help It being lyke enough that the hoip and exspectatioun of gayne will mak him so mutche the more cairfuU and vigilant thairin And as we lyke not to do ony thing on materis of that kynd whilk by consequence or example may disturb the orders of our exchekquer so we ar weill pleased and continew constant in oure formair resolutioun that the whole fynes and penaltyis quhilkis shall aryise on this subiect salbe freelie disponed to the said Sir George, bot as for the formear meanes quhairby he may be assured of the same we must remitt it vnto yow, willing yow to considder thairof and to tak suche course thairin as yow shall think most fitte / And for suche townis as will offer to compone in grosse for thair offendaris in that kynd we ar weele pleased that yow do thairin as yow shall think most fitt, ather by transacting with the towne or calling of particulair personis to thair tryall And not doubting bot in the premissis yow -will tak that course whilk may be for oure best commoditie we bid yow fairweele Gevin at oure Mannour of Theobauldis the 12 day of Aprile 1622. JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 241 cxxxiv. — 5 Alio;. 1623, Proclamatioun anent the Copper Coyne. Acts of the ° ^ ^ ^ pj,jyy couucil, 1623 Forsamekle as it is vnderstand to the kingis maiestie and Lordis of his secreit counsell ' that thair is aue verie grite scairstie of small moneyis especiallie of pennyis now current ji^jg^,, within this kingdome quhairthrow the poore people whose necessityis wer releued by the beneuolence and almous of his maiesteis subiectis ar now through default of small money verie far preiudgeit of thair almous and the intercourse and change of pennyworthis and otheris small commodityis vendible amangs his maiesteis subiectis is gritlie impedit and hinderit And his maiestie being moued with pitie and commiseratioun of the poore whose nomberis ar become so grite and thair necessityis and miseryis so extreame as the lyke wes neuer hard of nor scene within this kingdome, his maiestie for thair cans is content to lay asyde all priuat respect and consideratioun of his awne proffitt whilk in the mater of the coyne his maiestie may laughfullie mak, and in this caise will dispens thairwith And thairfoir his maiestie with aduise of the Lordis of secreit counsell, lies thoght meete and expedient concludit and ordanit that for the releiff of the miseryis and necessityis of the poore, thair salbe fyve hundreth stane weyght of copper vnmixt with ony other mettaU wroght and forged in ane miln and cuttit with a cowter, and be the said miln and cowter maid reddy for the prenting after the accustomed manor of his Maiesteis cunyeehous with pyll and tursell quhairthrow the same be not counterfute, In penny and twa penny peeceis quhairof saxteene of the saidis tua penny peeceis tobe in ane vnce weyght and saxscoir and aught of the saidis twa penny peeceis tobe in the mark weyght with three of the peeceis of remeid of weyght alsweele havie as light on the said mark weyght thairof The saidis peeceis haueand on the ane syde three thrissillis on ane stalk with a thrissiU leaffe on ilk syde of the said stalk at the fute thairof all contenit within the Inner ring with this circuniscriptioun Jacobus d. g. mag. Brit. And on the other syde ane Lyoun crowned with tua titlis a litle distant from the Lyonis taill on the saidis twa penny peeceis, and a title at that same pairt on the saidis penny peeceis for the better decerning of the saidis pennie peeceis frome the tua penny peeceis with this circumscriptioun Fran, et Hib. rex and that the same peeceis half course amangs his maiesteis subiectis for pennyis and twa pennyis with this speciall prouisioun and conditioun. That nane of his maiesteis subiectis salbe astricted to ressaue of the said copper coyne abone the valu of sax pennyis in ilk pund in payment of debtis or otheris blokis wairis and mercheandice Co-mmanding heirby the maister of his maiesteis cunyeehous presentlie to prepair him selff and to proceid to the melting forgoing cutting and making of the saidis penny and twa pennie peeceis at the least sa moiiy of thanie as goodlie may be wroght redie for the prenting agane the aught day of August instant, to the effect that at that same day thay may be enterit to the prenting and be wliolie prented befoir the first day of August in the yeir of god j"" vj'^ tuentie and fyve yeiris. Commanding alsua the wardane counter wardane and sinkair euery one of thame in thair seuerall charge to attend this seruice and to proceid to the prenting of the saidis peeceis As thay will ansuer to his maiestie and his counsell vpoun the dewtie of thair ofticeis And his maiestie commandis that in euerie stane weyght of the saidis peeceis thair be ane pund coyned in pennie peeceis And that lettres be direct 2 H 242 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. to niak publicatioun heirof be oppin proclamatioun at the mercatt croce of the burgh of ' Edinburgh and otheris placeis neidfull quhairthrow nane pretend ignorance of the same And to command and charge all his maiesteis subiectis To ressaue the saidis copper peeceis in payment of debtis blokis wairis and marcheandice in maner foirsaid, and on nawayes to refuise the same vpoun quhatsomeuir cuUour or pretext vnder the pane of tressoun. His maiesteis lettre for warrand of the act abonewrittin. Eight trustie and Eight weilbelouitt counsellour Eight trustie and weilbelouitt cosines and counsellouris and Eight trustie and weilbelouitt counsellouris "We greete you weele / Whereas we haife vnderstoode by youre lettre the want and necessitie of small money in that oure kingdome at this tyme, we ar weele pleased that yow caus coyne fyve hundreth stane of copper in suche seuerall spaceis as yee after dew consideratioun sail think most conuenient And we weill allow that yow shall caus aggree with the maister coyner for performance of the worke vpoun suche conditionis as the same may conuenientlie beare / And nothing doubting of your cair heirin we bid yow fairweele Gevin At Andouer the 26 of July 1623 / / CXXXV. — 5 Aug. 1623, Proclamatioun aganis the transporting of auld ^ Copper. Forsamekle as the Kingis maiestie oute of his priucelie and tender regaird and com- miseratioun of the necessityis and miseryis of the poore who wer preiudgeit of thair almous and of the cheritie and beneuolence of the people through the penurie and scairstie of small moneyis within this kingdome, hes bene gratiouslie pleasit to gif warrand and directioun for the coynage of ffyve hundreth stane of copper in pennyis and twa penny peeceis, to the intent that the necessityis of the poore whilk is his maiesteis cheif purpois being tliairby in some measour releaued, the intercourse of commodityis in pennyworthis may in lyke maner be the better intertenyed amangs his subiectis And the necessitie of this small money for the releiff of the poore is so extreame and vrgent as it can admitt no delay of tyme, bot present prouisioun must be maid of copper for the advancement and setting fordwart of this worke, ffor whilk purpois necessair it is that thair be a restraint of exportatioun of auld copper that hes bene in worke for some certane space to the intent the same may be sauld to his maiesteis cunyeour for a beginning to this coynage, and that in the meanetyme he may haif tyme and laser to mak his proiiisioun and furnissing frome beyond sea . And thairfoir the Lordis of secreit counsell Ordanis Lettres to be direct To command charge and inhibite all and sindrie his maiesteis liegeis and subiectis be oppin proclamatioun at the mercatt croceis of the heade burrowis of this kingdome and otheris placeis neidfiQl That nane of thame presoome nor tak vpoun hand To transporte furthe of this kingdome ony auld copper that hes bene in worke till the feast and terme of Yoole now approtche- ing bot that thay sell the same at the least so mutche thairof as will serue for the coynage foirsaid to the maister of his maiesteis cunyeehouse vpoun suche reasounable pryceis as he and thay can aggree, and that for the furtherance of this so important and JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 243 necessair a worke vnder the pane of confiscatioun of the said copper and of the whole Acts of tiie remanent of thair mouable goodis to his maiesties vse. Pnvy^Councii, ACCOUNTS OF LORD HIGH TREASURER. cxxxvi. — 9 Feb. 1568, Treasurer s account relating to the Coinage. Con a Idem (Eobert Eichardson, Treasurer) onerat se de iij™ iij<= x.Kxiij li vj s viij d proueni- Registrum entibus ex proficuo cone domini regis per assedationem computanti factam pro spacio decem Th™aurarii"' aunorum incipiente nono die mensis Februarii anno Domini millesimo qi;ingentesimo ^5°qc,^^''^ ' sexagesimo septimo vsque ad nonum diem mensis Februarii anni Domini etc. v*^ sexagesimi octaui Et de vno anno integro. Necnon de iij™ iij' xxxiij ti vj s viij d prouenientibus ex proficuo dicte cone prefati domini regis per assedationem dicto computanti factam a dicto die nono mensis Februarii anno Domini etc. v" sexagesimo octauo vsque ad nonum diem mensis Februarii proxime futuri anni Domini etc. v<= sexagesimi noni instantis. Et sic de alio anno integro Et sic computans reddidit computum de proficuo dicte cone de dictis duobus integris annis Quamuis exitus dictorum duorum annorum non dum venit vsque dictum nonum diem mensis Februarii proxime futuri. Item idem onerat se de iij*' Ivj ti iiij s iiij d pro pretio sedecim parapsidum argeuteorum lie pareis fyne spectantium Jacobo olim comiti de Boithuile recepto a magistro Georgeo Halket et domino de Pitfirrane ponderantium quatuordecim libras octo vncias argenti vncia stante ad triginta solidos octo denarios obulum. Item idem onerat se de ij™ Ixxxij ti xix s obulo prouenientibus ex viginti sex millibus petrarum phimbi et lie vre Ex quibus quatuordecim mille jam sunt transportate et duodecim mille in futurum transportande extra regnum recepte et recepiende a Luca Wilsoun Jacobo Johnistoun de Kellobank Eoberto Ker et aliis vigore cuiusdam contractus confecti inter dominam reginam pro tempore et Joannem comitem Atholie cuius contractus vigore dicte persone tenebantur reddere dicte domine regine in cona sua mille tricentas vncias puri argenti vncia stante ad triginta solidos extendentes in integro ad summam predictam prout in dicto contractu plenius continetur [February 1567-8. Payments.] Item to Dauid Forrest generals of the cunyehous be the space of this moneth xij ti x s Item to Andro Hendersone wardane be the said space iiij ti iij § iiij d Item to Maister Johne Balfour comptroUar wardane be the said space iij ti vj g viij d Item to James Gray sincker be the said space viij ti vj s viij d [Similar entries for the other months.] 244 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Accounts ot cxxxvii.— 1570-1572, Treasurer's accounts relating to the Coinage. Lord High ^ ^ Ti'tifisiivGr • • •••• 1570. ' Idem onerat se imprimis de iij™ iij'^ xxxiij ti vj s viij d prouenientibus ex proficuo Voi~7569- ^^^^^ domini Eegis per assedationem computanti factam pro spacio decem annorum 1571. incipiente a nono die mensis Februarii anno Domini etc. v'= sexagesimo nono vsque ad nonum diem eiusdem mensis anni Domini etc. septuagesimi Et sic de vno anno. Et de iij" iij*^ xxxiij ti vj s viij d prouenientibus ex proficuo dicte cone domini Eegis per assedationem computanti vt premittitur factam a dicto nono die mensis Februarii anno etc. v'^ septuagesimo vsque ad nonum diem eiusdem mensis anni etc. septuagesimi primi Et sic de alio anno. Et de iij™ iij'^ xxxiij ti vj s viij d prouenientibus ex proficuo dicte cone per assedationem suprascriptam a dicto nono die mensis Februarii anno etc. v'= septuagesimo primo vsque ad nonum diem mensis eiusdem anni etc. septuagesimi secundi Et sic de alio anno Necnon de ij'= xxxij ti ij s v d quadrante prouenientibus ex proficuo dicte cone per assedationem antedictam computanti factam a dicto nono die mensis Februarii anno etc. Ixxij vsque ad septimum diem mensis Marcii proxime inde sequentis eiusdem anni exclusiue Et sic de viginti quinque diebus a quo die computans nuUam vlteriorem intromissionem prefate cone habuit Et sic computans reddit computum de proficuo dicte cone proveniente per assedationem de tribus annis integris et viginti quinque diebus. Discharge of the cunye of half merk and xl d pecis, Johne erle of Mar being Eegent. Item in the first the comptar dischairgeis him with his profitt dew to him of euirie stane passing the Irnis, fourtene pund x § x d thre fardenis according to tuentie pund of proffitt of euirie stane of ellevin deneiris fyne quhilk he had of before of xxx s peces, and that conform to ane contract maid betuix vmquhile my lord of Mar lait regent and the said comptar extending to iij™ viij'= v ti x s. Ofiiciaris feis ordinar. Item payit to Dauid Forrest generall for his ordinar feis fra the first day of Julij 1571 to the first day of JuUj 1572 nixt thairefter extending to i^ 1 ti payit to Andro Hendersone wardane be the said space 1 ti payit to David Adamsone counter vardane be the said space xl ti Payit to James Mosman assay ar fra the first day of Julii 1571 to the first day of Apprile 1572 And siclyke payit to thomas Achesoun assayar fra the first of Apprile 1572 to the first day of Julii 1572 nixt thairefter be the said space xl ti Payit to James Gray, synkar of the Irnis be the said space Ix ti Payit to the said James for brissilling grynding neilling and tempering of the said Irnis be the said space xl ti Ofiiciaris feis extraordinar. Item payit to Dauid Forrest generall for his awayting vpoun his seruice in the tyme JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 245 of tnibill fra the first day of Junii 1571 to the first day of Junii 1572 : conforme to my Accounts of lord Eegentis Grace precept ... j<= Ixxvj ti x § treasurer' Payit to Andro Hendersouue wardane be the said space [etc] ... 1 ti 1570. ... to David Adamsoun ... xl ti ... to James Gray ... 3'*= ti Payit to Johne Achesoune maister cwynyeour quhilk vmquhile my lord of Mar lait regent and James Erie of Mortoun borrowit fra the said Johne in the moneth of November 1571 . . . j" ij' ti [1572] Item payit be the said comptar to diuers personis be speciale command of vmquhile my lord of Mar lait regent for reparatiounis worklummis and cariageis appartening to the cwynyehous fra the secund day of Januar 1570 to the first day of November 1572 . . . vj« xlvj ti x s i d. Ofi&ciaris feis ordinar. [From 1 July to 1 November 1572 as before.] cxxxviii. — 1572-1574, Treasurers accounts relating to the Coinage. Discharge of the Cunyie of half merk and xl d pecis, James Erie of Mortoun being regent. Item in the first the Comptar discharges him with his proffitt dew to him of euirie stane passing the Irnis fouretene pund x s x d thre fardenis according to tuentie pund of proffitt of euirie stane of ellevin deneiris fyne quhilk he had of befoir of xxx s peces, and that conforme to ane contract maid betuix vmquhile my lord of Mar lait regent and the said comptar extending to j™ vj'^ lix ti xviij s [Officers fees "ordinar and extraordinar " at usual rates, for 1572 and 1573.] Item payit be the said comptar for ane box doubill lokkitt and bandit to keip the Irnis appertening to the cwynyehous iiij ti x s Payit for coillis to the prentaris to strike doun the saidis Irnis . xl s Payit siclike be the said comptar to John Achesoun maister cwynyeour for the remedeis of the wecht and fynes during the tyme of vmquhile my lord of Marris regiment in the quhilk the said Johne wes superexpendit = j'= xxxvij ti v s Payit siclik be the said comptar for carying and transporting of the haill necessaris and worklumis appartening to the cwynyehous fra the castell of Dalkeith to the palice of Halyrudhous, xiij ti x § Payit be the said comptar at diuers tymes to Schir Williame M'^Dougall maister work for reparatiounis and worklummis appartening to the cwynyehous extending to j'^ lij ti 246 EECOEDS OF THE COmAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. 1571-1574. Idem onerat se de ij'" ij'^ Ixxj ti ix s prouenientibus de viginti millibus septingentis et duabus petris plumbi et lie vre extra regnum transportatis a die primo mensis Octobris anni Domini etc v*= septuagesimi primi vsque in diem vicesimum quartum mensis Marcii anni Domini etc v"^ septuagesimi tertii inclusiue vt patet per particulare compotum manu Dauidis Forrest generalis cone supremi Domini nostri regis subscriptum ostensum super computum recipiendis a Eoberto Johnnestoun et suis collegis vigore cuiusdam contractus inter reginam pro tempore matrem dicti domini regis et Joannem comitem Atholie confecti vigore cuius contractus dicte persone tenentur reddere mille triginta septem vncias et duos denarios puri argenti in cona dicti domini Regis cudandi in lie half merk et xl d peces extendente in integro ad summam predictam vt in dicto contractu plenius continetur. May 1573. Item be my lord Eegentis grace speciall command to M'' Williame M'^Dougall maister of work for reparatioun maid vpoun the cunyehous ... ij'= xxxj ti iij § v d May 1573. Item to certane werkmen for removing of the haill graith of the cunyiehous fra the south tour of Halyruidhous to the auld cunyehous ... xl § May 1574. Eessaued be my lord regentis grace and vtheris in his name fra Johnne Achesoun maister cunyeoure for the haill frie prof&te of all the siluer past the Irnis in half merk and fourty penny peces fra the sevint day of Marche the yeir of God j"" v*= Ixxij yeris inclusiue To the first day of Junij the yeir of God j"" v'= thre scoir fourtene yeiris exclusiue as is cpntenit in the said niaister cunyeouris compt sene examinat and considderit be the lordis auditouris vpoun compt The sowme of fourtie^fyve thousand fifty-five pund tua g xj d quarter. [Blank in Eecord from 1574 to 1578.] Accounts of Lord High Trea-surer, 1574. Vol. 1571- 1574. cx:5?;xix. — 1579-1581, Treasurer's accounts relating to the Coinage. Vol. 1579- The ordinar officiaris of the cunyehous in the moneth of Marche the yeir of God 1581. jm ixxix yeiris. Item to the Laird of Merchamstoun generall xij ti x s Itenj to Johnne Carmichaell wardane iiij ti iij s iiij d Item to Dauid Adamsoun counterwardane iij ti vj § viij d Item to Thomas Achesoun assay er iij ti vj § viij d Item to James Gray sinkar viij ti vj s viij d [And so on for the other months.] JAMES VI.] RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 247 October 1580. Accounts of (Payment to George Hay slater for reparing Holyrood palace and the " eist and west pairtis of the cunyehous.") Lord Higli Treasurer, 1580. December 1580. Item be the Kingis majesteis precept past throw the Irnis of the Cunyehous and cuuyeit in foure pund peces to James Erie of Mortoun ane stane and aucht pund wecht of vtter fyne gold quhilk being past the Irnis of xxj carrett fyne extendis to ane stane ellevin pund sex vnce xx deneiris and viij granis comptand the vnce wecht to xxx s Extendis in money to vj': Iviij ti v s v d. Item the comptare aucht to be dischargeit of the sowmes following payit to the officiaris of the cunyehous as for thair ordinar dewitie aucht to thame, viz — Item to the Laird of Merchamstoun generall of the cunyehous be the passage of thre stane wecht of vtter fyne siluer throw the Irnis conforme to his gift maid to him thair- vpoun for the Ixxx yeir of God, quhilk being past of aucht deneir fyne extendis to foure stane aucht pundis comptand the stane wecht to Ixviij ti xvj s Extendis in money to' iijc ix ti xij s. Item to Johnne Achesoun M"" Cunyeour for his dewitie and fee for stamping of the haill stampit mony that is to say xij d of euery pund wecht extendis in the haill to vij ti xij d. Item to James Gray sinkar for his extraordiner chargeis for his panis in making of certane extraordiner Irnis to sindrie peces of Gold appointit to haue bene cunyeit xl ti Item to the generall, maister, Wardane, counter wardane, assayer and sinkar of the cunyehous ilkane of thame ane pece of the new gold extending to xxiiij ti Item to the clerk of Register, clerk of the counsale and herauldis ilk ane of thame ane pece of the said new gold extending to xij ti Item aucht peces of the said new gold put in the assay boix xxxij ti Item to the forgearis of the cunyehous in drinksiluer iiij ti Item for thre dolouris quhilkis wer thocht to haue bene fals and wer coft to tak the assay of iiij ti Item to Johnne Eobertsoun masoun for biging of ane parpall wall in the prentinghous of the cunyehous xlv s Item to the wardanis of the cunyehous for thair coillis of the Ixxx yeir xl § Item to Thomas Rowaue for certane necessar expensis maid be him vpoun lyme and sand and vther necessaris in the cunyhous xvj ti xiij s iiij d Item be the Kingis majesteis precept to William Lord Ruthuen his hienes thesaurair for certane expensis maid and to be maid be him in advancing and furthering of his majesteis commoditie be the Cunyehous — viij ti xvj § mony of the frie proftite of euerie stane wecht of siluer passand the Irnis in half merk and fourty penny peces sen the 248 EECOEDS or THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Accounts of first day of September last bipast to the first day of Januar Extending to fifty ane T'reasurCT^ stane tlirettene pnnd weclit according to the particuler compt of the generall, warden, ' counter warden and assayer comptand the stane wecht to the said sowme Extending in money to iiij<= Iv ti xix s April 1581. Item to Williame Bairniefader apprehendit be the captane of Bigger with fals cunye and put in the castell of Edinburgh be command of the counsale, allouit to him daylie xviij d, and by him fyro and vther necessaris xxx § extending in the haill to iij li j s vj d [May 1581, a charge is issued to enter three men of Selkirk, a bailie of Peebles, . . . Scot of Belstanerig, and a servant of the Captain of Craufurde, and two men of Hawick, suspected of " fals cunyie."] July 1581. Item to William Bairnefather and Alex^ Carmychaell in the tolbuith of Edinburgh apprehendit for fals cunye takand daylie iij s inde for the said moneth iiij ti xiij s. December 1581. Item to Alexander Stobo messinger passand with letteris to Lanark, Glasgw, Air, Yrwing, Dumbartane, Lynlythgw and Striueling, for chargeing the haill xvj iiij aucht and twa schilling peces to be brocht in to the cunyehous befoir the ellevint day of Marche .... viij ti (Messengers to south and north for same purpose.) January 1581. Item to my lord Seytonis painter for certane pictures of his Maiesteis visage drawin be him and gevin to the sinkare to be gravin in the new cunyie .... x ti February 1581. Item to Thomas Foulis goldsmyth for sinking of the new Irnis to his hienes new cunye be his maiesteis precept .... j*^ ti cxL. — 1581-1583, Treasurer's accounts i^elatiiig to the Coinage. Cona Vol. 1581- Idem onerat se de xij"" viij'= xlv ti xvj s xj d receptis a Thoma Achesoun magistro Cone prouenientibus de cona certi argenti deliberati et cudati in lie ten tuenty threttie and fourtie schilling peces post septimum diem mensis Aprilis anni domini millesimi quingentesimi octuagesimi secundi et ante primum diem mensis Maii anni etc. octuagesimi tertii Omnibus oneribus dictam conam concernentibus deductis. JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 240 [Marcli 1582. John Gilbert and others put in prison for "braking of the babies and Accounts of 4.1 ,n ^'^^'^ High Vther money.' J Treasurer, Item be his hienes precept to the ofi&cers of the cunyehous for their extraordinar wages the tyme of the reduction of the xvj s peces .... jc Ix ti Item to the Laird of Marchingstoun generale for his ordiner wages fra the first December 1581 to the first of Aprile 1582 ilk moneth xij ti x § extending in the haill during the said space to 1 ti Item to Johnne Carmichaell [wardane for the said tyme] xvj ti xiij § iiij d Item to David Adamsoun counter wardane [for the said tyme] xiij ti vj s viij d Item to Francis Naper assayer [etc]. xiij ti vj s viij d Item to James Gray [sinker for do] xxxiij ti vj § viij d Item to the Clerk of Register ane ten, twentie, xxx and xl § pece according to the ordour extending to v ti [The same pieces are given to the Clerk of Privy Council, Master of Eequests, Lyon Herald, etc.] Item pait for ane pair of ballance and ane twa stane pyle xxxviij ti Item for aucht stane new Irne wark for furniss coft price of ilk stane xxij g Inde viij ti xvj s Item twenty aucht lyngottis to cast the meltit sQuer in price of ilk pece viij s Inde xj ti iiij s Item sex new studies price of ilk pece 1 § Inde xv ti Item twa pair of new iusting scheris price of ilk pair xxiiij § Inde ij ti viij s Item for Thomas Achesonis expenssis and hors hjdr in ryding to Striueling fyve severale tymes xl ti xiij § iiij d Item for reparationis in the Cunyehous .... Pxxxvj ti xviij s ix d Item for ane hundreth and threttie twa assayes, ane hundreth and threttie twa Jurnayes ilkane weyand ane quarter vnce extending to twa pund ane vnce at xl s ilk vnce extending to Ixvj ti cxLi. — 1587-1588, Treasurer's accounts relating to the Coinage. Idem onerat se de j"" ti receptis a Thoma Achesoun magistro cone infra tempus computi [1 May 1587-1 May 1588]. August 1587. Item to William Porteous messenger and ane trumpetour with him passand to the mercat croce of Edinburgh, with letres commanding the generall maister cunyeour and wardanis of the cunyehous to desist and ceis fra all forder working and 2i 250 RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Accounts of labouring of the allayit money of audit and four penny peces efter the sevint day of [The same proclaimed at Linlithgow, Stirling, Perth, Dundee, and Cupar in Fife.] cxLii. — 1593-1595, Treasurer s accounts relating to the Coinage. Item idem onerat se de ane thousand sevin hundrethe Ixxxx ti xiij s iiij d receptis a Thoma Achesoun magistro cone tarn in pecunia numerata quam in proficuo cone deliberatis Joanni Arnot Henrico Neisbit et Alexandro Hunter virtute quorundam preceptorum directorum per dictum computantem prefato Magistro cone a primo die mensis Nouembris nonagesimi secundi vsque in diem mensis Marcii nonagesimi sexti. cxLiii, — 1599-1601, Treaswers accounts relating to the Coinage. Et de v™ \i proueuientibus de cona terminorum Penthecostis et Sancti Martini anni nonagesimi noni vt patet per assedacionem cone factam Thome Foullis et Eoberto Jowsy. Et de V™ ii provenientibus de cona terminorum Penthecostis et sancti Martini Anni Domini millesimi sexcentesimi vt patet per assedacionem Cone factam Thome Foulis et Eoberto Jowsie Item the compter charges him with the sowme of twenty fyve thowsand twa hundreth threttie thrie pundis xv § iiij d J ressauit fra Thomas Achesoun M'' of the cunyehous as the end of his compt beiris. cxLiv. — 1601-1604, Treasurer's accounts relating to the Coinage. Item idem onerat se de xlv™ viij' Ixxxxix ti ix s vj d provenientibus de cona a primo die mensis Decembris 1601 vsque ad primum diem mensis Decembris 1602 vt pateat per contractum initum et confectum inter dominum regem et assidatores cone registratum in libris secreti consilii. Et de X™ vj'^ Ixvj ti xiij § iiij d ad computum proficui cone recepti a Thoma Achesoun magistro cone a primo die mensis Decembris 1602 vsque ad primum diem mensis Januarii 1604, et sic de vno anno integro et vna mense. [Summa] fyftie sex thowsand fyve hundreth thriescoir sex pundis ij s x d. Lord High Treasurer, 1593. August . . . XX s 1600-1601. JAMES VI.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 251 MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS. CXLV. — 14 Aug. 1567, Memormidum by David Forrest. Resauyt fra George Esstyrt the 14 day of Aug. 1567. Miscellaneous 2 Do" plaittis of ll^ 11°^ weand 1^' 14"" 7° 5 ReSeV passis the ironis of ij^ fyn . 15° 15"^ 11° 11" 5 mowneyit summa — 761 ti 14 § 4d 5 of this rebait for lawbor 15 ti 17s 4d: mair for coper 3 s 10 d restis of stoik and proffit summa. 745 ti 13 s 2 d Dauid Forrest General! cxLVi. — 11 Nov. 1579, Note of Coinages. Ane xl s peice coynyeit conteinand ten in the once of 21 carret fyne with aneHopetouu On the other Papers. crowne on ane syde And scepter and sword in forme of S' Androis crose. syd I and R laissed with the figure of 6. And the once of vtter fyne gold to be boght at 21 ti the Inlaik of courser gold to be modified. Coynage heirby is 32 § 6 d on the once . /I/ in weight on the once . 1 d 22^^^- 19^- • J) Item the merk and twa merk peices of xj d fyne . the twa merk peice weyand 17 d ije'' And the merk peice proportionallie, havand on the ane syde ane thressell with ane I. on the ane the Kingis armes on the other syd with syde And ane y^W^fw\^\ ^^^^^ circumscription Jacobus Dei. gratia rex R on the other / v/j L^1v)^ \ Scotorum. syd. The once of wtter fyne siluer to be boght for 36 s the Inlaik of courser siluer to be modified. Coynage heirby is2s7di|d In weight on the once.— l^— 15e'' — 4:^ • Hf • 252 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Miscellaneous cxLvii. — 15 March 1587, Act of continuation of a supplicatioun gevin 1587.' to the king's maiestie and counsill he the burgh of Edinburgh aganis certaine of his maiesties privtlegit servandis. Hopetoiin At Halierudhous the fyftene day of Marche the yeir of God J"" Lxxxvij yeiris, anent . ' the supplicatioun presentit to the kingis majestie and lordis of secreit counsaU, be the provest and bailUes of the burgh of Edinburgh, makand mentioun that quhere notwitstand- ing the contract and appointment maid betwix merchandis and craftismen inhabitantis of the said burgh be the quhilk it is appointit that all personis without exceptioun sould be subiect to the payment of taxt stent contributioun watching warding and all vther portable charges within the same burgh, notwithstanding ony letres of exemptions purchest in the contrair, yet the personis vnderwritten, they ar to say Kobert Abercrummy saidler, Alex- ander Barclay Ypothecar, Thomas Fowles, Gilbert Prymrois, Johnne Murdo, James IngUs Johne Burrell goldsmyth, and M'' Eobert Purves, hes refused to beir charges with thair nychtbouris, in watching warding and payment of the said taxt, lyke as thay stUl refuse and on nawayis will do the samyn without thay be compellit, Humblie desyreing thairfoir that be act of counsaU the saids lordis wald decerne and declair all the foirsaids letres of exemp- tioun grantit to the saids personis to be null and to have ua strenth force nor effect in tyme cuming, and that the same personis shalbe subiect to watching warding payment of taxt stent and contributioun and all vther portable charges with the rest of thair nichtbours notwithstanding the saids letres of exemptione and as gif the samyn had never bene grantit lykeas at mair lenth is conteinit in the said supplicatioun And anent the charge gevin to the foirsaidis personis to haue compeirit personallie befoir the saids lords at ane certane day bypast to haue hard and sene the desire of the said supplicatioun grantit, or ells to haue alledgit a ressonabill caus in the contrair, with certificatioun and they failyiet the said desire sould be grantit The said John Arnote provest John Eobertsoun Mr James Johnstoun baillies of the said burgh compeirand personallie, and the saids Alexander Barclay and Gilbert Prymrois compeirand alswa personallie for them selfis and in name of the remanent personis thair coUigis abonewritten. The ressonis and allegationis of baith the saidis pairteis being hard and considderit The Lordis of Secreit counsaU continewis this mater in the same forme force and effect, as it is presentlie but prejudice of pairtie vnto the fyftene day of Maii nixt to cum, and in the mean tyme ordanis the Clerk of Eegister to sight the rollis and to deliuer to the saidis provest and baillies the extract of sik exemptiounis as wer grantit in King James the fyft his tyme to his officers and servandis. To the effect the samyn may be prentit sene and considderit be the saids lordis, and that thaireftir they may tak forder ordour heiranent, as appertenis Baith the saidis pairties warnit heirof apud acta. Extractum de libro actorum Secreti Consilii S. D. N. regis per me Joannem Andro clericum deputatum eiusdem sub meis signis et subscriptione manualibus Sic subscribitur Joannes Andro JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 253 cxLViii.— 1591, The Balance Half MerL Miscellaneous Records, 1591. This peice of 10 deneirs J fyne 2 graines remeid was cunyied to have course for Hopetouu 3 § 4 d weighmg l''*''' 19^" j\ quhairof 105f in a marke weight. 10 d J fyne at 40 s Scots the vnce anno 1591. The ounce of siluer of Paper.'- cxLix. — 5 Sept. 1591, Copie agreament betuixt K. James 6. and Francis Naper anent the inbringing of the whole coine of Scotland for reduceing the same tting and abuiss remaneing in the diversaties of spaces wechttis and fyness, fiburtlie thair is occatioun offerrit to the peopill to caus mak counterfut stampis and sicklyk within schort space thai will gif furthe the wnstampit with the stampit all for ane pryce . as hes bene done heirtofoir the tyme of the stamping of the auld fourtie shilling peces and swa the mony salbe abuisit . and his maiestie sail nocht reip the half of the commodaty that may arryse. Quhair be the contrair the foirsaid bass mony and auld half merks being brocht in as said is and the proffeit arryseing of the said half merks being joyneit with the proffeit arruyseing of the bas mony refynit, nocht onlie sail his maiestie get abone ane hundreth thowsand merks of proffeit bot alswa the haill mony salbe brocht to ane gud and honorabil estait to remane permanent and all occatioun of alteratioun or heichtting may be evacuat. And as to the copper remaneing in the bas mony It may be spearit at ony subiect Quhidder it be easier and better ather for keiping or taking of mony to ressaue ane thowsand punds of stampit Achesonis nor to ressaue ane thowsand punds of half merks. Farther gif Marchingstouu had prosecut and foUoweit furthe the reductioun according to the ordinance of the estaitts and thairwith had craveit liberty for stamping of the haill forrane mony. Thir twa mycht haif bene done within xviij monethes, and thairby the forrane mony (quhilk ever causes our mony to heicht) sould haif bene put to ane wse, and his maiestie sould import neirby ane hundreth thowsand pimdis of proffeit. JAMES VI.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 261 CLiv„ — 1593, The compt of fymiing of the base money Intenditt he Miscellaneous Francis Napper and of the soumes of money that wald have ^15*93!'' risin vpoun the affyning of sevin hundreth stane of siluer conforme to the said Francis contract maid he Mr Thomas Foullis att your lordschipps desyre. Item imprimis 700 stane of wtter fyn siluer in the allayd money conforme to his Hopetoun contract reffynitt and past the Irnis be him and to his wsse in ten deneirs twel grains extends to the soume off 450560 ti Item mair in ane wther article in the said contract at the leist extending to the soume off 6666 ti 13 s 4 d Item in ane wther article of the sara contract 600 ti Summa 457826 ti 13 s 4 d Item for the quhilk allayid money he is only obleist in the said contract to pay 398560 ti Swa Testis to him selff and for his affyning the soume of 59266 ti 13 s 4 d The gud affectioun I bere to his maiestie and subiectis mewfit me to withstand the samyn, Quhairvpon Merchunstoun teuk instrumentis and falslie calumniatt on me protestit I sowld be haldin to reduce the haill base money quhilk mowitt me this to deill with strangeris that the commodety arysing thairof micht remain with his maiestie and subjectis quhais Industrie euidentlie appeiris to be maist proffitable to his hieness and commonweill in wechtier matters then this is in doing quhairof I maist humbly desyre your lordschipps declairature quhither gif Merchunstoune quha is the Kingis oflEicare and hes conceallitt swa gritt sowms for his sones particulare, or I hes doune best seruice thatt hes reveallit the samyn. CLV. — 1593, The compt of the commodetie arrysing of the affyning of the base money conforme to the act att Linlithgow the aucht day of March anno fourscoir allevvn. Item thair is to be affynitt in the awld base money ane hundreth stane fyne siluer Hopetoun att the leist quhilk is presentlie bocht att threttie sewin schillingis the wnce Item thair is to be affynitt sax hundreth stane fyne siluer in the awcht penny peicis quhilk as Merchunstoun sayis may be had att fourtie fyve shillings the wnce Item this 700 stane bocht as said is may be refynitt conforme to the said act the proffeit arrysing thairof will extend to fyftie thowsand merk At Edinburgh the day of the yeir of God I™ v"= fourscoir threttein yeiris. The quhilk day the Lords of Counsall halting ryplie advysitt ane contract past 262 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Miscellaiieinis betwix his maiestie and Thesaurer on the ane pairt and Francis Napper sone to Sir ^159^^' Archibald Napper generall of his niaiesties Cunyehous and moyenner of the said Contract, Twiching the affyning of the haill base money and haifing sien the compt maid conforme to the said contract flfinds that the said Francis Napper wald haif takin for the affyning of sax hundreth stane in the babies nonsuntis and gray plakis as the said compt beiris for his labour and chairgis in that proportioun the sowme of 59266 ti quhilk wad haif bein gritlie to the prejudice of his heiness and subiects gif itt had nocht bein preventitt be Thomas Foullis quha be the haimbringing of certane strangeris is able to gett the samyn done to his maiestie wpoun mair resonable conditions then the said Francis wald have done be fourtie thowsand pownds and abone The doing quhairof in the said Thomas persone we find to be maist acceptable serwice and repellis the said Francis and Archibald Napper of Merchunstoun elder his father, ffrom craifing persewing and prosecuting of the said contract as subtill moynners of thair lucre and conceallers of his maiesties commodetie att the leist wnskilfull and ignorant handellaris of the matter of the money, In respect that thair judgment will nocht serue them to reffyne the money vpon sik resonable pryces as the said Thomas offers himself to do. And ffinds that quhatsomewer instruments protestations calumniatt speiking in privatt or publick maid against the said Thomas ather be the saidis Laird of Merchunstoun Francis Napper his sone or ony wthers to haif proceiditt vpon falss growndis, and lurking Invy conceawitt be them against the said Thomas wpon thair awin particulars gain and commodetie He onKe sewteing his maiesties Weill togither with the common weill thairwith, as ewidentlie appeirs be his compts gifin in be him thairvpon And als finds the onlie abixsses of the daylie heicliting of the money to hawe proceditt pairtlie thro the overtours gifin in att all tymis be the said generall for raising of the Invart money conforme to the prycis of the fforrane, and pairtlie be nocht making of sik overtours as mycht haw stayit the subiectis in ressawing and delywring of the forrane money according to thair awin plessuris Swa that sen the said generalls entrie to his office itt is maist notoure that the wnce of siluer is heichtitt twentie schillings Pleiss your maiestie and Lordschippis to considder that necessitie compeUis ane of four wayis to be takin with the base money and half merks etc. The first is the samyn to stand and remains in the samyne forme as is iu presently doing of the quhilk the act maid with aduiss of the Estaits at Edinburgh the sext of Agust anno fourscoir aUevin yeirs sail tak na effect Secundlie the said act takand effect and according to the act off Counsalle maid att Linlythgw the awcht of Marche anno fourscoir allevin the said money be takin in efter the present rait of fourtie fyve schillings the vnce vtter fyne siluer affynitt cunyeit and giffin out efter the rait of fyftie schillings and neir four pence in the spacis of half merks and fourtie penny peicis thair salbe gritt scairsety of small money quhilk wald be respected as alswa quhat frie proffeit Thomas Foullis will mak his maiestie of the foirsaid moneis wald be knawin Thridlie the samyn being takin in and cunyeit in ane wther space of aUay money and gifin furth vpon the stand of fyftie schillings four pence vtter fyne siluer efter the tennour JAMES VI.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 263 of the foirsaid acte of the Estaitis his maiestie sail import neir by twentie thowsand punds Miscellaneous of frie proffeitt all chairgis deducitt. ^1593.^' ffourtlie takin in the foirsaids spaces of money and gewin the pepill for ilk fourtie fy ve shillingis they bring in fourtie sax schillings bak again stamping and setting furth the aucht penny pece att nyne pence, and the half accordinglie the anld half merk piece att sewin schillings sax pence and the half accordinglie, the stand of fyne siluer conteinitt in the foirsaid actt of the Estaitts salbe satisffied (or within fourtie pence att the maist) and the pepill sail hawe small money for exchange and his maiestie sail import neir ane hundreth thowsand merk of frie proffeitt besyde the spairing of the copper in the foirsaid spaces Heirfoir your Maiestie and Lordschippis may considder quhilk of thir four wayes ar best and tak the samyne for thair is nocht ane fyft. CLVi. — 1593, Nott of the dehaitt betivix the Laird of Merchistoun generall of the Cunyehous and Thomas Foullis anent the reductioun of the money. Certane articles to be preponitt against Thomas Foullis his warrand of reductioun of Hopetoun the allayitt money / Papers. In the first it is far against his maiesties proffeit and the weill of the cuntrie to tak away the speciall money without the quhilk the commonis can nocht weill be seruit and to put na wther in the steid, and in doing thairof to heich the money fra fourtie fy^ve schiUingis the wnce to fyftie and abone to his vnlie vtilitie and na wtheris / Secundlie gif his maiestie will be content to wse the advyss of the maist expert of his hienes counsall in the effairis of the cunyie and of the cheif ofiicaris of the Cunyehous and ordor salbe sett doun how his maiestie may gett ane hundreth thowsand merks of proffeitt at the leist and the said Thomas sufficientlie satisfeit for all coistis and chairges that he hes bestowitt vpoun the said reductioun / Thirdlie, Gif his maiestie will neidis sett fordward the said reductioun to his awin hurt and of his cuntrie for the proffeit of ane particulare persone latt him be obleist to his hieness to reduce the haill money appointitt thairto and na wther vnder sick painis as his maiestie and counsall sail think expedient / Item to the effect that the fyn siluer be nocht affynitt and brokin doun wnder collour of the base money, Thatt the wardenis or att the leist ane of them be alwayis present att the demolesing or melting of the said base money and thatt they keip just Register of the wecht and specis thairof conforme to the ordinances of France and all wther ciuil cuntries / Item thatt he be obleist to pay the haill of6.caris of the cunyehouss thair wagis and all wther coistis and chairgis to be maid vpoun the said reductioun In respect that he sail ressaive all the proffeitt thairof / Item thatt he be obleist to mak or to causs to be maid sufficient quantity of small money of the said affynitt siluer to serue the haill lieges for exchange / / RECOKDS or THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Answeris to the generallis his Invasioun against Thomas FouUis ffor ffinding the meynis how his maiestie may reduce the base money conforme to the ordinance of the Estaittis and to his hieness gritt commode tty ffar by the said generallis knawledge To the first / That micht hawe been weill proponitt against the generall and his sone Francis qua nocht only era wed the liaill proffiett arysing of the base money for the reducing of the sam bot also wald hawe had from his maiestie allevin thowsand merkis Quhair be the contrair Thomas Foullis hes fund the meinis how that sow me sail be preserved the reductioun maid and his maiestie to rype fyftie thowsand merks (alwayis the aucht penney peicis being att fourtie fywe schillings the wnce of siluer as the generall alledgis) and fyne siluer will be in thair'rowme conforme to the ordinance Quhairthrow this article can in na wayis twich Thomas Foullis as he alledgis bot may weill be proponitt to the generall and his sone Francis / In the second / he wald seim to say his maiestie war laith to imitate his overtouris (|uhilk appeirandlie hes bein to mekill ffollowed and twiching this off ane hundreth thowsand merk, Itt may be speiritt gif it be by hiechting quhilk in his first he swa heichly quarrellis or gif it be in erecting ane new allay quhilk is far diverss from the meining of the estaitis, bot it is to be feirit he respectis mair his awin fiees than any satisfactioun to quhatsomever In the thrid / he seimis to quarrell his maiestie for the reductioun quhilk he himselff' knawis was appoyntit be the Estaitis wpoun ane especiaU and gud Intentioun thatt na money sewld be in this cuntrey wnder the fyness conforme to the act quhilk gif itt war prosecuted wald be maist proffeitable to his hieness and common weill. Quhair the generall wald say that Thomas Foullis is to rype gritt gain lett him hawe the doing thairof wpoun sik conditions as Thomas Foullis is willing to do the same Bott gif he nather can nor will quhy is Thomas Foullis sua cullumniatte In the ffourth / he wald say thair is diverss spaces of money appoyntitt to be boillon C[uhilkis makis diverss kynds of proffiett the quhilkis be Thomas Foullis his proceidings is able to cum to his maiesties chekker cownts na wayis to the generalls commodetty nor honour quhilkis ffieris him to permitt Alexander Huntter to exercies his office appoyntitt be his maiestie nocht onlie exchanger bot comptroller of that work. Now sen the generall is swa beissie, It may be speiritt quhat cownt he hes gifin to the chekker of the fyn siluer brokin down be him selff and his sone Francis and quhat quantity of allay hes bein brokin down sen the last reductioun was appoyntit. To the ffyft / sen Thomas Foullis be his wark is able to import to his maiestie, fyftie thowsand merks quhairfoir sowld he pay to the officers (thay being in his debt) thair fiees mair than Francis Napper quha thocht to hawe tane to him self this fyftie thowsand merks togither with allevin thowsand To the sext / quhat mesteris men to be obleist to do that quhilk eiseilie may be done be his maiesties derrectioun and warrand from the counsall. JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 265 CLVii. — April 1593, Anent the reforming of the Cunye. Sen the expenssis of the kingis house will in the present estait amont to L"' ti in the yeir And that his propirtie being for the maist part all fewit for payment of money, To be payit in vsuall money of the realme, will nocht beare the thiid pairt of thir expenssis apperandlie. It suld be thocht guid seruice in ony that wald mak overtures how this rent suld be maid mair to sustene the expenssis and releive this difficultie and necessitie It is a Lyk to mak the rent mair and to tak away the occasioun of a pairt of the expenssis vntakand away ony pairt of his fude that eittis and drinkis, or ony pairt of his fie that servis, bot rather to mak it better / The moyen quhairby to do this Is the cunyie / ather be cunyeing samekle mair in rosnoblis and tua pennie pecis / as will mak the haill supplie of that quhilk wantis, at leist of X™ ti thairof quhairby the prices of gold and siluer of necessitie will increse and augment the derth of all viveris and merchandise yeirlie, sa lang as that schift mon be vsit / Or then to stay that trade and all cunyeing for vij yeiris to cum and in the meantyme to lett the gold and siluer pece and pece fall doun, as it hes extraordinarlie growin vp thir last sevin yeris and mak a certane cry euerie yeir anys at the first of Nouember, vpon the prices of forreyne gold and siluer / ffor sen the first of Maij 1583, the fourt pairt of the layit money and of lait the fourt pairt of euerie vnce of gold hes bene taken, as ane proffite to the king, quhilk altogidder may be easelie comptit, and sie quhat hes bene his maiesties verie gayne thairby It may alsua be comptit how far his maiesties expenssis in meit drink and clething hes excedit the prices in the yeir 1582 / quhairby I think it sail appeare that he hes loissit mair in his bying nor he hes won be ony proffite ressauit of the cunyie in that space to his awin vse, beside the lose of all his people that hes bot siluer rent quhilk had vont to by als mekle for a babee as now thay do for aucht pennyis and alsmekle for ane vnce of gold at the price of xxiiij ti as now for ane vnce of gold at xxix ti vj s viij d. Gif thairfoir the further cunyeing of base money salbe stayed and the viij d pece cryit back to vj d and the gold accordinglie it sail mak that quhilk the king byis in effect the fourt penny better chaip And consequentlie bring doun the fourt or fyft penny of the thingis commonlie coft in viveris or merchandice to his hienes vse. Quhair be the contrair gif this cours of mone continew as it hes done thir sevin yeir bigane / necessarly for the sustening of this maiesties hous and clething thair will require ane augmentatioun euery yeir of x"" ti at leist / suppois thair be not ane pece eikit in quantitie / And sa for euery yeir x"^ ti may be eikit be the cunyie for all vther dubbis ar lavit. Sa that it is to be aduisit quhidder it be better for the king and his haill subiectis That the viij d pece be cryit vp to ten or cryit doun to sex d And the croun of the sone cryit vp to iij ti (quhilk gevis Lvij s already) ar cryit bak to L § and all vther gold accordinglie. Dorso : Anent the reforming of the Cunyej Apryl 1593. 2 L Miscellaueous Records, 1593. BalcaiTes Papers, Adv. Lib,, Edinburgh. 266 KECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Mi^eiianeous CLViTi. — 1594, Note as to the privileges of the Moneyers. 1594. ' To seik the 12 acts of parliament lialdin at Edinburgh the fyft day of Junii 1592 In ^Papers™ fauoris of frie borrowis . act 152 It is providit therein that it sail not be liesum to vnfre men Bott to burgesses to exercise traffique of merchandice without preiudice to nobillmen barronis or vther land men, to cans bring hame merchandice to thair awin vse. 8 Junii 1594 quhilk wes the last day of the parliament haldin at Edinburgh 14 Parliament haldin at Edinburgh the viij of Junii 1694 yeiris 225 act Eex Clerk of Eegister Forsamekill as in our last Parliament haldin in Junii Ixxxxiij we than declairit our will and mynde anent the exemptioun of our speciall seruandis of our cunye- hous within our burgh of Edinburgh, or outwith the samyn, and speciallie exemit for our seruice ane of ilk calling and vocatione Lyke as now againe in this our Parliament in presentis of our Estaitis We haue maid manifest the samyn, Heirfoir it is our will and command that ye contene and insert in the act of the generall discharge of exemptiounis maid in this present Parliament The officers of our cunyehous prentar forger and ane meltar, To be speciallie exemit for our said seruice conforme to our giftis grantit to thame thairvpoun of befoir Qwhilk we will and ordanis to be keipit to thame in all tymes cuming according to our will and mynde declairit thairintill, Thay are to say our ordinar officers of our said cunyiehous meltar forgaris and prentaris of the number foirsaid, and thir presentis salbe to you ane sufficient warrand subscruit with our hand, at the day of Junii 1594. CLix. — August 1596, Cunyie. Miscellaneous The condicionis of ane contract anent the Cunyie : The pryces at the whilk all RegSer kynd of pieces of gold and silver sail be brocht in to the cunyiehouse and House. the profifeit whilk the cunyear sail mak to the king thairupone. It is prouydit that the M"^ Cunyeour sail pay to the fyner ffor ewerie vnce wtter fyne silver necessar to be refynit off the auld half merk peces the soume of twa schillingis money and that by and attour the pryce of bying appointit to him be the contract within written. Followis the kingis proffeit upoun ilk vnce wecht of gold passand the Irnis of twentie twa carrat fyne quhairof the M"" Cunyeour is Comptable To wit upoun ilk vnce thairof fourtie four schillingis and swa consequentlie upoun ilk stane wecht passand the Irnis fyve hundreth thrie scoir thrie poundis four schillingis money JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 267 Followis his maiesties proffeit wpoun ilk stane wecht of silver passand the Miscellaneous Irnis of ellewin deneir fyne in the particular fynes following isgg, ' To wit wpoun ilk stane wecht of ellewin deneir fyne passand the Irnis as said is coft at fourtie sax scliillingis the vnce and all wther silver of vther fynessis coft of the equiva- lent pryce threttie audit pundis auchtene schilHngis. Item the M'' Cunyeour is comptable upoun ilk stane wecht of elewin deneir fyne in the new half merk peces threttie sewin pund 13 s penneis quhilk passis the Irnis. Item the said M>' Cunyeour is Comptable vpoun ilk stane wecht of elewin deneir fyne in the auld half merk peces passand the Irnis thrie scoir saxtene punds four s viij d Quhairof thair is to be deduceit of his Maiesteis said haill proffeit the officieris feis monethlie according to the warrand presentlie geuin to him as alswa his hous maill and new wark lomes conforme to the within writtin contract. It is ordanit that he sail work ewerie stane wecht of the said gold passand the Irnis to wit in the fyve pund peces twelf pund wecht and in fiftie schilling peces four pund wecht. As alswa it is ordanit that he sail work in ewerie stane wecht of the said silver passand his maiesties irnis to wit in 10 s peces pund wecht In fyve schilling peces pund Blank in wecht In threttie penny peces pund wecht And in twelf penny peces ane pund ° wecht and this forme and ordour to be keipit in the end of the ould or monetlilie The particulare fynes and spaces of gold and pryce of the vnce thairof Quhilk the M"" Cunyeour sail pay to his maiesteis subjectis thairfoir In the fir.st the vnce of auld rose nobillis auld angel nobillis and Harie nobillis and auld Portingall ducattis off the fynes of twentie thrie carrattis audit granis ffor twentie nyne pund ellewin scliillingis aucht penneis money The vnce of Scottis Eoisnobillis dowbill ducattis and croysed ducattis off the fynes of twentie thrie carrattis sevin granis and of the Vngaris ducattis of the lyk fynes ffor twentie nyne pundis sevin s sax penneis money The vnce of Inglis angellis with the gwne hoill the Harie ducattis of the fynes of twentie thrie carrattis for twentie aucht pund fyfteine scliillingis The vnce of crownis of the sone of the fynes of twentie twa carrattis sex granis ffor twentie aucht pund twa schillingis sax penneis money. The vnce of Spanische pistolettis Scottis thrie pund peces fourtie four schilling peces Inglis royallis the lait four pund peces the lait Inglis crownis sanct ducattis the syde coit Lyones and Dummyes of the fynes of twentie twa carrattis ffor twentie sevin pundis ten s money The Vnce of the thrie pund fyfteine schilling peces of the fynes of twentie ane carrat sax granis ffor twentie sax pundis sevintene schillingis sax penneis money. The Vnce of the auld four pund peces quhairof fyve is in the vnce Scottis vnicornis and Abbay crownis of the fynes of twentie ane carrattis ffor twentie sax pundis fyve § money. 268 RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. The Particulare fynes and spaces of silver and pryce of the vnce thairof qiihilk the M'' Cunyeour sail pay to his majesteis subjectis thairfoir In the first the vnce of Spanische ryallis off the fynes of ellewin deneiris four graneis ffor fourtie sax schillingis aucht penneis money The vnce of Frenche quart decus auld fourtie, threttie, twentie, and auld ten schillingis peces togidder with the twa merk paces, saxtene aucht schilling ffour schilling peces Scottis Testaneis and Inglis money of the fynes of ellewin deneiris for fourtie sax schillingis the vnce. The vnce of new half merk peces fourtie pennie peces and auld Frensche testaneis of the fynes of ten deneiris twelf grains ffor fourtie four schillingis money The vnce of Frensche frank peces Dowglas groittis of the fynes of ten deneiris for fourtie ane schillingis aucht penneis money. The vnce of Scottis testaneis callit the Dukeis testaneis of the fynes of nyne deneiris ffor threttie seviii schillingis sax penneis money. The vnce of auld half merk peces and fourtie pennie peces of the fynes of aucht deneiris ffor threttie schillingis the vnce. CLX. — April 1597, Ja. Achesone's Overture anent the Cunyie of Copper. Schir seing it hes pleisit your maiestie to tak sik solide aduyse with the disordourit estait of the cunyie in your cuntrie quhilk hes bein sa far abusit in tymes past And that your maiestie is of that guid motion to half na alayit money cunyeit bot onlie fyne gold and fyne silver, and that the pryces thairof sail be of ane inst equivalence and stabilitie, quhilk agreis with all reasoun and equitie, I remembering my dewtifuU seruice to your maiestie and for the better help of your maiesteis gude intentioun heiranent I thocht guid to lat your maiestie wnderstand sum particular heidis that will agre to the furtherance of this gude wark Item for the better help of the exchange and small money in the cuntry It wer necesser that thair war ane small money of fyne copper onlie To wit penneis and twa penneis Quhairby thair will redound sum ressonabill proffeit to your maiestie Item it wald be rememberit that all the fals twa penny plakis and fals aucht penny peices and all wther copper penneis of wther natiounes hes courss and passis in this cuntrey for penneyis and twa pennyes to the hurt of your maiestie and cuntrie quhilk wald be decayit and alluterlie distroyit. Item it wer necessar that the fyne gold, fyne silver, and fyne copper wer sa weill wrocht That it micht avoid all counterfuitting of the samyn, ffor I am abill to preif that the ewill working of the money in tyme past hes bein the speciall caus of counterfuitting and romidging thairof To the greit hurt of your maiesteis Liegis. Item I half dewysit a new forme of wirking and wark lumes thair to that sail avoid JAMES VI.] RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 269 all thir lossis and daingeris abonewritten and siklyke sail avoide this loss namelie That in all tymes past thair hes bein twa granes of remeid of weycht vpoun eiirie pece vnder and abone allowit to the M'' of the cunyiehous Be the quhilk your Maiesteis commoditie hes bein grit impairit. Swa that the maist part of the money gewin owt of the cunyiehous is heavy, and falling in the merchandis handis thay transport the heavie and Leifis the licht money in the cuntrey ffor be this forme of wirking quhilk I intend thair sail be na pece of money ather gold silver or copper according to thair quantite and wecht that sail be ane grane heavier or lichter thikker or thinner braider or naroer, ane nor another. Quhilkis commoditeis sail avoid all counterfuitting, romidging, or turning the licht from the heavy. And farder the money sail be weill prentit that na pece thairof sail want ony thing of the superscriptioun. Item it war necessar that your Maiesteis awin cunyiehous war repairit quhilk may be done wpoun the availl of twa yeiris rent that your maiestie payis quhair the cunyiehous presentlie is, and that your Maiestie micht tak occasioun to visite your awin work as ye war accustumit to do, and be the better sein in the knawledge thairof, Quhilk knawlege appertenis to nane bot to your Maiestie and your counsall. CLXi. — 2 August 1598, Tach of the Cunyehouse. At Edinburgh the secund day of August the yeir of God j™ v<= Ixxxxviij yeiris In Hopetoun presens of the lordis auditoris of our souerane lordis chekker Compeirit personallie Walter commendatar of Blantyre thesaurar to our souerane lord and gaif in the lettres of tak and assedatioun vnderwrittin subscrybit with his hand as followis and desyrit the samyn to be insert and registrat in the buikis of his hienes chekker thairin to remane ad futuram rej memoriam and executoriallis gif neid beis to be direct thairvpoun in forme as effeiris The quhilk desyre the saidis lordis of chekker thocht ressonabill, and thairfore hes ordanit and ordanis the saidis lettres of tak and assedatioun tobe insert and registrat in the saidis buikis of chekker ad futuram rej memoriam and decernis and ordanis executoriallis to be direct thairvpoun gif neid beis in forme as effeiris off the quhilk the tennour followis Be it kend till all men be thir present lettres me Walter commendatar of Blantyre thesaurar to our souerane lord That fforsamekill as vpoun the penult day of Junij lastbypast his maiesties nobilitie and estaitis being convenit and assemblit ffor certane caussis and con- siderationis moving thame at lenth expressit and sett doun in the act eftermentionat Hes ordanit me to mak sufficient tak rycht and securitie to Thomas Foulis goldsmyth and Robert Jowsie merchant burgesses of Edinburgh of his hienes cunyehous haill proffeittis and casualteis thairof for the space of sex yeiris ffor the yeirlie dewtie of thousand poundis to be retenit iia thair awin hand and to be furthcummand to their creditoris in maner mentionat and expressit in ane act maid thairvpoun as the samyn off the dait foirsaid mair ampley proportis Thairfore for satisfactioun and obedience of my part of the said act twiching the tak and sett of the said conyehous proffeitis and casualteis thairof To haue sett and in tak and assedatioun lattin and be the tennour heirof settis and in tak and Miscellaneous Records, 1597. 270 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Miscellaneous assedatioun lattis to the saidis Thomas Foulis and Eobert Jowsie thair airis assignais 1598. ' deputis and siibstitntis ane or ma his maiesties conyehous foirsaid hail proffeittis and casualteis thairof ffor the space of sex yeiris nixt and immediatlie following thair entrie thairto quhilk salbe and begyn God willing at and fra thyne furth to indure and to be peciablie bruikit joysit osett vsit occupyit and possest be the said Thomas Foulis Robert J owsie and thair foirsaidis during the space abonewrittin siclyke als frelie and efter the samyn maner in all respectis as his maiestie and I his thesaurar foirsaid mycht haue done before the making heirof with frie Ische and entrie thairto and with all and sindrie vtheris commoditeis friedomes etc, but ony reuocatioun to indure etc. With power to the said Thomas Foulis Eobert Jowsie and thair foirsaidis to Imput maister assayaris sinckeris wardanis compter wardanis and all vtheris officiaris and seruandis necessar in the said conyehous quhair the present officiaris ar absent or refuiss to serue ffor quhome they salbe haldin to ansuer And als to conclud contract and bargan with thame anent the conyie provydit be the actis of parliament to be stricken and how the samyn salbe wrocht and forget and to inyone to thame all chairges necessar for the said Thomas and Eobert Jowseis furtherance weill proffeit and advancement of the said wark And that the foirsaid tak of the conyehous may be mair effectuall and proffitabill to thame I the said Walter commendatar of Blantyre lord thesaurar haue assignit transferrit and disponit and be the tennour heirof assignis transferris and disponis to the saidis Thomas and Eobert and thair foirsaids all and sindrie proffeitis casualteis and sowmes of mony quhatsumeuir appertening or that may be knawin justlie to appertene belang and fall to his maiestie and his successouris and thair thesaurar in thair names of the said conyiehous and haill conyie of gold and siluer that salhappin fra this tyme furth to be stricken sett furth and conyeit within this realme haill boundis and dominionis thairof induring the said space of sex yeiris nixttocum allanerlie, with all and sindrie vthers proffeitis and sowmes that sail result vpoun bulyeoun Quliilk is provydit tobe inbrocht within this realme and deliverit to his maiesteis conyehous and personis haveing chairge thairof alsweill addettit as awand ffra the first day of Marche the yeir of God j"" v" Ixxxvj yeiris allanerlie as in all tyme cumming induring the said space of sex yeiris with speciall and full power alsuato the saidis Thomas Foulis and Eobert Jowsie and thair foirsaidis to intromet vplift intak and ressaue the foirsaid bulyeoun and money abonewrittin and to chairge thairfore alsweill for byronis as in tymes cuming according to the prouisioun before reheirsit and to gif dischairge thair- vpoun quhilk salbe sufficient to the ressauaris With power also to thame to by brek doun and melt all and quhatsumeuir gold and siluer or allay alsweill conyeit as vuconyeit ffor the vse and seruice of the conyehous according to the lawes of this realme And I forsuytli bind and obleiss nie that I haue maid nor heirefter sail mak na vther tak rycht or securitie of the said conyehous haill proffeitis and casualiteis thairof abonewrittin to ony vther persone or personis in hurt preiudice or derrogatione of this present tak and rycht foirsaid nather yet that I sail directlie or indirectlie alter quarrell or impung this my tak and sett foirsaid nor yet trubill or molest the said Thomas Foulis Eobert Jowsie and thair foirsaidis in the peciabill bruiking jowsing and vsing of the samyn at thair pleasour in maner and during the haill space abonewrittin hot salt wairand acquiet and defend the samyn ffor my JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 271 awin deid and fact allanerlie Payand thairfore yeirlie the saidis Thomas FouUis and Eobert Miscellaneous Jowsie and thair foirsaidis to our souerane lord and his hienes successouris and thair ^isqs!^' thesauraris in thair names the sowme of fyve thousand poundis money of this realme to be " retenit in thair awin handis and tobe furthcumand to the creditoris in maner mentionat and exprest in the act of estaitis Provyding awayis that incais at ony tyme heirefter thair salbe ane new ordour appointit for streking of the conyie and of ane vther forme fynes and weght nor is expreslie mentionat in the actis and statutis alreddie maid sett doun and concludit thairanent And quhairthrow gif it salhappin his maiestie and me his hienes thesaurar rather to haue the conyehous proffeittis thairof and of the bulyeoun and vtheris abonementionat To be vsit be his grace and me nor to suffer the saidis Thomas Foulis and Eobert Jowsie to bruik jois and possess the samyn conforme to his hienes present tak vpoun the conditionis abonexpremit In that cais it salbe lesum to his maiestie and me to tak the samyn in our awin handis we first making payment at the leist guid and sufficient securitie to the saidis Thomas Foulis and Eobert Jowsie and thair foirsaidis for payment yeirlie to thame of the foirsaid sowme of ffyve thousand poundis money yeMie for sa mony yeiris of the saidis sex yeiris as salbe to ryn heirof and they to bruik and stick with the said conyehous and proffeitis of the conyie bulyeoun and vtheris before reheirsit and nowayis to be dispossest thairfor quhill they haue ressauit the said securitie for payment of the foirsaid yeirlie dewtie during the space abonewrittin And for the mair securitie I am content and consentis that thir presentis be actit and registrat in the buikis of our souerane lordis chekker thairin to remane ad futuram rej memoriam and that executoriallis gif neid be may be direct thairvpoun in forme as effeiris and to that effect I constitute procuratoris vberiori forma etc. In witnes quhairof I haue subscryuit thir presentis quhilkis are writtin be J ames Garves seruitour to Johnne Gilmoir at Edinburgh the secund day of August 1598. Dorso : The iust copie of the tak of the conyehouse sett be Walter Commendatar of Blantyre thesaurar to Thomas Foulis and Eobert Jowsie etc. CLXii. — 1601, Wa7'rant for Coinage. The just copy of Thomas Foullis Warrand Eex Thomas Foullis Sincker of the Irnis of our Cunyehous It is our will and we Hopetoun command yow immediatlie efter the sycht heirof To mak and forme Matriceis ffor sincking ^"P®^**" pyllis and tursillis to our new cunyie of gold and siluer The gold havand on the ane syde Thrie crownit thrissillis and thrie Lyonis thrie quarterlie with ane rois in the myddis with this circumscriptioun Clementi plectit et protegit imperio That is he pwnesis and defendis with his clement Impire And on the vthair syde oure airmis in ane scheild crownit with this circumscriptioun Jacobus 6. D. G. E. Scotorum and the halfis to be 272 EECOKDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Miscellaneous accordinglie And the siluer cunyie liavaud on the ane syde thrie E, with ane J in ilk E 1601.''' crownit and thrie Lyonis siclyke quarterlie with the figour of 6 in the myddis with this " circumscriptioun Eegem Joua protegit Innoxium and on the vthair syde our airmis in ane scheild crownit with this circumscriptioun Jacobus 6. D. G-. E. Scotorum with the dait of the yeir alsweill on the gold as siluer and with halffis quarteris and smaller pairtis for the siluer conforme to the act to be maid thairvpoun The quhilk ye faill nocht for the mair furtherance heirof as ye will ansuer to ws thairvpoun Quhairanent thir presentis salbe vnto yow and your deputtis ane sufficient warrand subscriuit with our hand at the God 1601. This for the gold plectit he pwnessis et protegit he defendis or mantenis Imperio dementi with ane mercifull or gratious Impire or regimen This for the siluer Jehoua or Joua God protegit proteetis or defendis Eegem Innoxium ane Innocent King. day of The yeir of Secretarius Sic subscribitur James E. Dorso : Buikit with the rest of the warrandis CLXiii. — 14 February 1602, Case of James Browne. Haddington The Thesaurar and aduocat persemt James Broune younger merchand burges of MSS Adv. Lib.Edin. Edinburgh for contravening the act of convention dischargeing the owt geving of fyve pund pieces as payment and currant money and commanding the sam to be inbrocht as bulyeoun to the cunyiehous Be delyuering to Eobert Arnot of sevin fyve pund pieces Wha compeirand alledgit that he had delyuerit the saids sevin fyve pund pieces to the said Eobert as ane of the pairtners of the cunyiehous Whairvnto it wes ansuerit be the thesaurar that the said Eobert ressauit the same in payment of his debtis Inrespect whairof the Lords fand that the said James had contravenit the said act and incurrit the confiscation of the saids sevin fyve pund pieces and penaltie of ane hundreth pund conforme to the said act. British Museum. Cotton MSS. Otlio E, X. Fol. 2421). CLXiv — 1604, A Project for the reducing of the monies of England and Scotland to a conformity and equall goodnesse. A Project for the reducing of the monies of England and Scotland to a conformity, and equall goodnesse It is necessary to be ordered First that the gold & silver monies be made after one Standard in their Allay, weight Stampe, and currant Valewe ; viz. 1. The silver monyes to hould xj ounces ij pennyweight fyne, and xviij pennyweight of .TAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 273 Allay in the pound weight Troy, to which end three standerdes peeces are to be made, the Miscellaueo one to remayne in the Exchequer, One other in the Mynt, and the Third at goldsmithes ^i604.^' hall to be the Standerd for plate, and the like three to be made for Scotland. The gold monyes to hould xxij Carrettes of fyne gold and two Carrettes of Allay, in 2. the pound weight Troy weight like standerd peeces for y® gold, as before is sayd for the silver. The said pound weight to be established of xij ounces and no more, The ounce xx 3. pennyweights, the pennyweight xxiiij graynes or other wise to be made uniforme in quantity & denominacion as shall be convenyent for both the Eealmes. Objections and Answeres to the Project. Foi. 243, They conceive not ho we y® standerd of silver monyes should be as . . . silver & Object. 1. xviij pennyweights of Allay, and yet be no better than their standerd . . . silver, and This MS. is one ounce of Allay nowe established, neither have the . . . of a standerd tryall peece. ^ The Standerd peece beeing commixed & made of xj ounces ij pennyweights of fyne Answ: silver & xv . . . and rightly tried with five parts of leade, will fall out by report at the . . . xi ounces and therefore but equall to y^ standard & to y^ moneyes of Scotland if . . . were made accordingly. Besides their monyes would be advanced in credyt. . . , the name to be equall to ours of xj ounces ij pennyweights with out alteracion in substance . . . any inconvenyence or charge to the King or Eealme. The use of th . . . peece is thereby to Judge certainly whether y^ assay master have m . . . report trewly or not, with out which peece y^ Assay master should be Ine . . . the valewe of Bullioun & monyes, & might advance or impayre them a . . . pleasure. To this they agree saving for y« Standerd peece, whereof they knowe no . . . necessary 2. use, which is answered as before. / To this poynt they take exceptions, First that their poundweight Troy being xv . . . object. 3. & ours but xij ounces their ounce divided into xxiiij pennyweights, & ours but into xx pennyweights . , . their pennyweight into xxiiij graynes as ours is The reducing of their weigh ... so well knowne among their people to an unknowne nomber & weight would breede a confusioun in their Accomptes, Yet they can agree to reduce their poundweight to xij ounces as ours is, so as wee wlU. reduce our ounce into th . . . same nomber of pennyweights as theires is being apter for the small divisions then ours is. Secondly they say our poundweight of xij ounce being nowe founde to overpoize theirs by iiij penny- weights ix graynes English is increased since the first Institution of our standerd, which they would proove, because they have & produce of our ould English pence, which by the Standerd should weigh a pennyweight, which doe agree with their denyer, and is lighter then our pennyweight nowe used viij graynes three quarters. Thirdly they alleadge (and herein Sir Eichard Martyn and his soune doe agree with them) that it is a great losse to the Eealme to have our weights heavier than those of other Countryes, in that y*^ merchant 2 M 274 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [james vi. Miscellaneous who buyeth Bullion by the weights of other Countryes fyndeth himself deceyved & to RiBcords • 1604. ' loose when he cometh to sell the same by the weights of England, and for thir respectes they would persuade us to conforme our weightes to theirs, as more perfect for reckoning, more ancyent, and more agreable with other natyons. For the first reason, to induce a conformity in the . . . necessity that therebe a conformity of weight but this in . . . reduction offered by chaunge of both weightes will will breed . , . confusioun in both Countryes, without good to either of them; . . . whereof If they can proove that the Mynt of Scotland is ... be more wrought then the Mynt of England, that y^ comme . . . country is greater then of this, that it concerneth the people . . . countrey more neerely then it doth ours, and that the avoyding ... & discontentment with them then with us be of more importaunce . . . wee will willingly yelde to them. If not wee hope they will as wi . . . yeelde to us. For y" second reason, They are deceyved in their affection & more in . . . proofe, for it shaU be demonstratively prooved that y*^ pennyweight of E . . . which they afKrme to be increased since the first Institution is no . . . since it was first instituted in the xiiij* yeare of King Edw . . . And where they would proove their affection by the ould pence, that ... no proofe with reason, in that y® moneyes have ever beene made deliverable ... in their remedyes, and therefore doe ever vary more or lesse from th . . . standerd, besides so large use may easily make them lighter then the . . . were first made. For the third reason, wee never heare of any such coniplaynt in h . . . majesties mynte, and hould the merchant as wise in his trade, as th . . . husbandman is in his, who is never deceyved by y^ difference of me . . . that is usuall in one market towne from an other, neither can . . . state beare the abatement of our weightes (among many other) for th . . . speciall reasons. The abating of the weight, by which y*^ monyes are . . . would necessarily be an imbasing of the monyes. It would thereby ma ... all y® monyes made in former tymes to become Bullion, It would abate the credyt of the monyes & there valewe upon y" Exchainge. It would thereby advance the prize of all home and forreyne commodity es, It would alter all the weightes & measures of England which have beene lately with greate charge & trouble to the people beene reduced & established, according to the ancyent standerd of England, and above all the rest it would alter & lessen y** present assize of Bread, drinke & all measures of grayne, which are all grounded upon y^ grayne, the pennyweight, the ounce, & the pound weight Troy, and so deprive the poore of his necessary maintennce, which beeinge soone and sencibly felt would breede more inconvenyence the happily will be Imagined. All which beeinge con- 244''. sidered, the lesseninge or change of one weight is not to be graunted unto . . . and prynt of the monyes to be uniforme, saving in some small . . . cret poynt. The monyes of our Realme to be distinguished from . . . ther, that the one Mynt may not beare the default of the . . . other if any happen to be found. Fol. 243b. Answ: JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 275 The current valewe of the monyes of gold & silver is to be after the proporcion of Miscellaneous xij parte of fyne silver to one of gold. If therefore the monyes of silver of the fynes ^1604."' aforesaid be shorne into Ixij peeces in the poundweight Troy, every peece to be current for xij d as nowe they are and the like poundweight of gold of the fynes aforesaid to be shorne into Ixij peeces, every peece currant for xij s and so the lesser peeces accordingly. The gold and silver monyes would be exact in proporcion after twelve to one in currant valewe, and would so answer the one to the other without any fraction either in wight or in tale, as every man of meanest capacity shall be able to weigh and valewe the one by the other without error. The proffyt will be advaunced hereby in every poundweight of gold to the King xx s for coynage, and to the subject liiij s in monyes by tale, more than is nowe made thereof. Secondly, that there be one mannour of Indenture or contract betweene the King & the M"" Workers, or such convenient covennte for either of them, as may best stand with the state of both y^ realmes, so alwaies as the monyes may be made of equaU weight & fynes, with such a course of receiving Bullion into y^ Mynte, making of the monyes, delivery of the same, with such tryall, avouchment and allowance as shall be fyt for the exact observing of the Standerd which shalbe established. In this poynt wee agree, and it is devised by them, a ... by us, that for distinction Foi. 245. sake, the crowne imp . . . Armes for monyes made in England should hould . . . Ball in y^ toppe thereof, as nowe is used, and those . . . should have a flower de Lyze in steede thereof, unlesse his maiesty do appointe it otherwise. In y*' proporcon of xij to one, wee agree with them, because it is h . . . pleasure to object. .5. have it so, wee differ onely in y^ meanes, They objec . . . this course set downe in this Article, that if y® gold monyes sh . . . sizee in nomber and Valewee accordingly, men could not of y*' . . . make a Just pound, or half-pound in monyes by tale, but y^ acc . . . thereby would fall out improper. They rather wish the . . . monyes may be sizee after Ixxiiij peece the pound weight, an . . . peece to be current for x s, which would make the pound weight xx . . . in currant monyes by tale, and within iiij s of xij ii of th . . . silver monyes to one of gold monyes. The inconvenyence is not to be respected equall to the conven ... of the certeyne Answ: knowledge of the weight & valewe of the o . . . money to the other, and it is farre easyer by gold and si ... to make the pound tale, then in sUver monyes alone, for the ... is used the shilling, the sixe pence, the grote, the three . . . the two pence, the penny, and the half penny. But th . . , is indifferent wee leave it to his maiesty to make choice of which sort doth please him best. Concerning y<^ allowance for coyninge & y® resolu- tion in the other points folowing, & of y® Indenture not spoken of, It is referred to further consideration after conference hadd with some merchaunts of Scotland, and the vewe of y*^ present Indentures for England, whereupon they promise to drawe a draught with such 276 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [james vi. Miscellaneous Covenants as shall be fit for Scotland, & to establish the making of the monyes there to be ^i6o'4.^' of equall valewe & goodness with the monyes to be made in England which when wee have scene wee shall judge of. And this is the effect of all that hath passed in our last two daies of conference beinge the x''^ & xij*^ of October, 1604. Koi. 245''. . . . that the merchaunts of England may bringe their gold and . . . Bullion into the Mynt, as of late hath beene accustomed, to deliver the same at an equall valewe in fynes to the Standerds . . . gold and silver monyes to be established, and to receive the same . . . aine in complete monies by the same weight they doe deliver ... at. In con- sideracon wherof they are to pay for coynage of every . . . pound weight of silver monyes — ij s vj d, and for every pound weight of gold monyes — xxx §, which is after the rate of xij to one for coynage proporconable to the advancement of the gold monyes in their currant valewe. Fourthly that the Assay maisters be sworne to discharge their duty, & carry them- selves uprightly betweene the King & his subjects in the place they hold, The exact tryall of the Bullion beinge the ground worke of aU our worke in the mynt. Fiftely that the moniers may have their allowance for the working of their monyes to be certeyne, and that for gold to be advanced for in truth they are loosers by the working of y^ gold monies as they are nowe allowed for the same. In consideracon whereof they would be enjoyned upon a strayte penalty, to size their monyes more exactly than they are woonted to doe. Foi. 246. [Blank in original.] ^ when the artycles of both sides shall be agreed upon M'' Atto . . . generall doth desire to have liis Maiesties warrant, or his pleas ... to be signifyed from your honors, before he dare drawe a newe Booke for his Maiestie to signe that shall import & warrant the alteracon of his monyes. Some consideracon would likewise behadd of the gold monies allready coyned and currant abroade. / Foi. 246". [A blank leaf] Foi. 247. Agreem ... wee fynde the Scottish monies holde, as is quar ... of Eleven to one / /. And the English wanteth allmost one JAMKS VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 277 CLXV. — 16 Nov. 1604, Cojyie Contract anent Coinyie hetuix Jus majestie Misceiianeou.s and Thomas Achesone Maister of the Coinyiehous ^16*04.^' daitted at QuhythaLl the 16 of No'' 1604, and Registrat in the bookis of Counsill the day of the moneth therefter. Superscryuit be liis majestie James R. At Quhythall the saxtein day of November the yeiris of God ane Thowsand sex Hopetuuii hundreth and foure yeir it is appointit agriet and finallie contracted betwix the ryght heigh ^'^P®""'- Eyght excellent and michtie Prince James be the grace of God King of Gritt Brittane France and Irland defender of the faith with advyse of his hienes trustie & weilbelouit cousigne and Counsallour George Lord Berwick his hienes Thesaurer of Scotland on the ane pairt and Thomas Achesoun his maiesties maister Cunyeare of his Kingdome of Scot- land on the vther pairt, In maner forme and effect as efter foUowis That is to say, His maiestie vnderstanding that thair is nothing moir honorabill convenient suir and proffitt- abiU for his haill subiectis of his kingdomes of Scotland and England nor ane iust lawfull spedie and perpetuall vnioun of baith the saidis realmes, And for the better effectuating thairof and ease of his subiectis of Scotland frequentlie resorting for his maiesties service to England,^ haifing ordanit the gold and siluer moneyis of Scotland to haif als frie and reddie course in England sen his maiesties repair within the samyn as the proper moneyis cunyeit in England and yit^ knawing that it is moir expedient that the saidis coynes be reduceit to ane perfyte and constant conformitie in all respectis nor that the samyn soidd ony longer continew vnder the incertaintie of temporal! tolleratioim Efter mature deliberatioun tain thairanent alsweill with the Lords of his hienes most honorabill privie Counsall of England for the pairt of his said kingdome of England as with ane sufficient nomber of his Estaittis and Counsall of Scotland assemblit be his hienes auctoritie for the pairt of his said Idng- dome of Scotland and resoluit be advyse of baith that the ^ reduceing of gold and siluer of baith the saidis kingdomes to ane perfyte equalitie is not onlie ane necessar preparatioun for the vnioun of the saidis kingdomes bot ane essentiall pairt of the samyn and that the gold to be cunyeit * of the fynnes of twentie twa carrettis and the siluer moneyis at Ellevin deneiris off fynnes out of the fyir according to the indentit standart tryell peices of gold and siluer efter specifeit will keip iust proportioun amangis thaim selftis and be of best vse for his peopill In espaces fynnes weght and pryce vnder writtin conforme to ane act maid 1 The coyne of Scotland to haif course in Ingland. * More fitt that the coyne of both kingdomes be reduceit to an constant conformitie. * Becaus the reduceing of gold and siluer in both kingdomes to ane perfyte equalitie is a necessar preparatioun to the vuion of the kingdomes and ane essentiall pairt of the samyn. * The gold to be at 22 caratis and the siluer at xj deneiris fyne according to the Indentit standart efter tnecifeit. 278 RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI Miscellaneous be his maiestie with advyse of his Estaitis and Counsall of Scotland thairanent As lykwayis ^le'ol'*' that it is necessare thair be ane certain knawin and vnchaingable proportioun betwix the weghtis ^ of the gold and sUuer of the saidis kingdomes and equall allowance of remeidis in working of the samyn, To the intent that no maner of difference nor inequalitie inward or outward may be heireefter fundin betwix the saidis moneyis, Bot ane iust and perfyte vniformitie in all respectis, ffor that purpois his maiestie hes ordanit^ ane Indentit standard tryell peice of gold to be maid of the fynnes of Twentie tua carretis be the advyse of ane Jowrie to be sworne Efter the forme and tennour accustomat in the mynt of England and ordanis that the ane half thairof remain in England according to his maiesties appoint- ment and the vther half to be send to Scotland and to be devydit in thrie pairtis To witt ane pairt thairof to remain with his maiesties Thesaurer or his Deput of Scotland, ane vther pairt with his hienes generall of his Cunyehous thair, and the thrid pairt thairof To remain with his maiesties maister Cunyeare thair. To be maid furth cumand be thaim to chairge the said master Cunyeare thairby in tryell of the fynnesses of the saidis moneyis of the said croune of gold at the making of the Essay of the box be the Lordis of his hienes Counsall and Chakker or sick vtheris as his maiestie sail appoint to that effect ^ and that thair be prentit of the said Croun gold the fyve spaces of gold moneyis vnderwrittin haifing tua graines of remeid of fynnes alsweill vnder as abone quhen the samyn sail happin be casualitie, Ane peice thairof callit the vnite and to haif course in Scotland for tuelff pound Scottis money and in England for tuentie schilling sterling quhair of threttie sevine and ane fyft pairt* sail wey tuelff vnces fyve deneiris nyne graines auchtein prymes Scottis, and In England tuelff vnces Troy, Ane vther peice of gold callit the double croune quhilk sail haif course in Scotland for sax pund Scottis money and in England for Ten schilling sterling quhairof thrie scoir fourtein and tua fyft pairtis sail wey tuelff vnces fyve deneiris nyne graines auchtein prymes Scottis and in England tuelff vnces Troy, Ane vther peice of gold callit the Brittane croune quhilk sail haif course in Scotland for thrie pund Scotis money and in England for fyve schilling sterling quhairof ane hundreth ffourtie audit and foure fj^ft pairtis of ane peice sail wey tuelff vnces fyve deneiris nyne graines auchtein prymes Scottis and in Ingland tuelff vnces Troy, Ane vther peice of gold callit the Thrissell croune quhilk sail haif course in Scotland for ffourtie aucht schilling Scottis money and in England for four schilling sterling Quhairof ane hundreth four scoir sex peices sail wey tuelff vnces fyve deneirs nyne graines auchtein prymes Scottis and in England Tuelff vnces Troy, Ane vthair peice of gold callit the half croune Quhilk sail haif course in Scotland for threttie schilling Scotis money and in England for tua schiUingis sex penneyis sterling quhairof tua hundreth four scoir sevintein and the ^ fyft pairt peice 1 Equalitie of weclitis and equall allowance of remeids in working of the samyn. ^ Ane Indendit standart try el pece of gold quairof the ane half sail remeyn in Ingland, and vther half sent to Scotland and to be devydit In 3 pairtis quhairof 1 to remeyn with the Thesaurer ane with the generall and ane with the M' of the Mynt. 3 Fyve spaces of gold moneyis to be prentit with 2 graynes of remeid viz. (1) vnit 12 }i (2) doubill croune 6 ti (3) Britane croun 3 ii (4) the Thrissell 48 s (5) the half croun 30 i. * The difference betiux our wechtis and the Inglische is thair pund consisting of 12 wnces callit the troy pund and our proportional thairto wey is twelf vnces 5 deneiris 9 graynes 18 prymes. ^ [In another copy it is, thrie fyft part.] JAMES VI.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 279 sail wey tuelff vnces fyve deneiris nyiie graines auchtein prymes Scottis and in England Miscellaneous * t R.G cords tuelff^ vnces Troy with twa graines of remeid of weght alsweill heavie as licht vpoim ilk i604. ' peice of the saidis tuelff and sax pund peices of gold and with ane grain of remeid of weght alsweill heavie as licht vpoun ilk peice of the saidis thrie pund peices fourtie aucht and threttie schilling peices quhan it sail happin by casualitie With prouisioun that the said Thomas exceid not fiftie graines Scottis licht in athir of the saidis tuelff vnces The remeids of the said gold abone the iust fynnes and the heavie thairof rebaitand alwayis the remeidis vnder and lycht of the same^ And the said maister Cunyeare being obleist that thair sail be cunyeit in ilk Tuentie pound weght of the said croun gold, at the leist ane pund weght of the said small gold callit the thrie pund peices fourtie aucht and threttie schilling peices that pass his maiesties Irnes And to keij)e ane reasonabill proportioun of the saidis tuelff and sax pund peices, as his maiesties Thesaurer and his Deputis with advyse of the Lords of his hienes Counsall and Chakker sail think expedient to prescryve^ The prent of the said vnite or tuelff pund peices of gold haifand on the ane syd thairof his maiesties portrat fra the belt vp crownit and armit with ane septare in his rycht hand and in his left hand ane warld or gloib with ane croce abone it, all within the Inner Ring except the croune extendit to the vtmost ring with this circumscriptioun . lACOBVS . D.G . MAG . BRIT . FRAN . ET . HIB . REX . and on the vther syd his maiesties armes* in ane new forme of scheild quarterlie, To witt in the first quarter Thrie floure de lycess croce with thrie libbertis croce And in the croce quarter als mekill with ane Lyoun in ane doubill tressour in the vther quarter and the Harpe in the ffourt quarter with ane Crowne above the cheild extendit to the vmest ring with ane I on the ane syd of the cheild and ane R on the vther with this circumscriptioun FACIAM EOS . IN . GENTEM . VNAM. And the said doubill crowne or sax pund peice Scottis and the said croun or thrie pund peice Scottis haifand on the ane syd his maiesties portrat fra his pajjis vpe crownit all within the Inner Ring with this circumscriptioun lA. D.G. MAG. BRIT. FRAN. ET. HIB. REX. and on the vther syd his maiesties said armes within ane plaine cheild crownit vpward to the vtmest ring with ane . I . on the ane syd and ane . R . on the vther with this circumscriptioun HENRICVS. ROSAS. REGNA. lACOBVS. And the said thrissell crowne or fourtie aucht schilling peice Scottis haifand on the ane syde ane roiss crownit with this circumscriptioun lA. D.G. MAG. BR. F. ET. H. REX. and on the vther syd ane thrissell flowre crounit with this circumscriptioun TVEATVR. VNITA. DEVS. And the said half crowne or threttie schilling peice Scottis haifand on the ane syd his maiesties jDortrat crownit as said is all within the Inner ring with this circumscriptioun I. D.G. ROSA SINE. SPINA, and on the vther syd his maiesties armes foirsaid within ane plain cheild crownit vpwart to the vtmest ring with this circumscriptioun TVEATVR. VNITA. DEVS. with ane littil thrissell at the begynning of the said circumscriptiones of ilk peice of the said gold respectiue abone ^ The vnites and doubill crownis to haif 2 graynes of remeid and the rest 1. Providing that iri the 12 vnces thair he no more nor 50 graynes licht. ^ The M"" Cunyear bund to cunyie of ilk 20 lb. wecht of gold In the said sjjaces of small gold quhilk ar beneth the doubill croun ane pund wecht thairof. 3 The circumscription of the saids 5 spaces of gold cunyie. * [In another copy it is, of his saids Jcingdomes.] 280 RECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Miscellaneous wi'ittin on ather syd thairof,^ and forther his maiestie with advyse of the Estaitis foirsaid J\G cords 1604. ' hes appointed and ordaynit that the siluer moneyis in all tyme cuming sail be of the fynnes of ellevin deneiris at the report of the Essay out of the fyne conforme to the indentit standard tryell peice to be maid thairanent in maner vnderwrittin To be delyuerit keipit and vseit be his maiesties Thesaurer of Scotland and his depntis and be the saids generall and Maister Cunyeare of Scotland in maner and to the effect abonewrittin with twa graines of remeid of fynnes alsweill abone as vnder quhen it sail happin by casualitie ^ and to be sett furth in the seuin seuerall spaces after mentionat, viz Ane peice thairof callit the siluer crowne or thrie pund peice Scottis and to haif course in Scotland for thrie punds money and in England for fyve shilling sterling qiihairof twelff peices and twa fyft pairt peice sail wey twelff vnce fyve deneiris nyne graines auchtein prymes Scottis or Twelff vnces Troy of England, Ane vther peice callit the halff crowne or threttie schilling peice Scottis to haif course in Scotland for threttie schillingis money and in England for twa schilling sex penss sterling quhairof twentie foure peices and foure fyft pairt peice sail wey twelff vnces fyve deneiris nyne graines auchtene prymes Scottis or twelff vnces Troy of England Ane vther peice callit the tuelff schilling peice Scottis to haif course in Scotland for twelff schillingis money and in England for twelff penneyis sterling quhairof thrie scoir tua peices sail wey tuelff vnces fyve deneiris nyne graines auchtene prymes Scottis or twelff vnces Troy of England. Ane vther peice callit the sax schilling peice Scottis and to haif course in Scotland for sex schillingis money and in England for sex penss sterling quhairof ane hundreth twentie foure peice sail wey tuelff vnces fyve deneiris nyne graines xviij prymes Scottis or tuelff vnces Troy of England Ane vther peice callit the twa shilling peice Scottis and to haif course in Scotland for Twa schillingis money and in England for Twa penneyis sterling quhairof thrie hundreth thrie scoir twelff peices sail wey twelff vnces fyve deneirs nyne graines xviij prymes Scottis or twelff vnces Troy of England, Ane vther peice callit the twelff penny peice Scottis to haif course in Scotland for twelff penneyis Scottis money and in England for ane penney sterling quhairof sevin hundreth fourtie foure peices sail wey twelff' vnces fyve deneiris nyne graines xviij prymes Scottis or twelff vnces Troy of England, Ane vther peice callit the sex penneyis Scottis and to haif course in Scotland for sex penneyis and in England for ane half penney sterling quhairof ane thowsand four hundreth fourscoir aucht peices shall wey twelff vnce fyve deneiris nyne graines auchtein prymes Scottis or twelff vnces Troy of England ^ with twa graines of remeid of weght alsweill heavie as licht vpoun ilk peice of the saids thrie pund peices xxx schilling peices and xij schilling peices of siluer and ane grain of remeid of weght alsweill heavie as licht vpoun ilk peice of the saids sex schilling peices twa schilling peices twelff penney peices and sex penneyis Scottis quhan it sail happin be casualitie With prouision 1 The Indentit standart of sihier coyne at ij d fyne according to the tryell pece to be keipit be his maiesteis Thesai;rer, the ttenerall and M"" of Mynt with 2 graynes of remeid. 2 7 spaces of siluer coyne viz 1 siluer crown 3 ti 2, the half 30 s 3, twelf s peice. 4. sex schillings. 5. twa schillings. 6. 1 shilling 7. 6 pence Scottis. ^ The graynes of remeid in the siluer coyne abone 6 schillingis to be twa graynes, and beneth 12 s to 1)6 1 gra3me, Providing thair be no more in twelf vnce but 60 graynes of remeid The heavy rebaitand the remeids quhilk ar vnder both in fynnes and wecht. JAMES VI.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 281 that the said Maister Cunyear exceid not thriescoir graines Scottis lycht on athir of the Miscellaneous • RGCorfls saidis twelff vnces The remeidis of the said siluer abone the iust fynnes and the heavie 1604. ' thairof rebaittand alwayis the remeidis vnder and licht of the samyni as also the said maister Cunyear standand bund to work cunyie and prent off ilk hundreth pund weght of the said siluer moneyis ffoure pound wecht And of the said smaU moneyis viz Twa pund wecht of the said Scottis twa shilling peices Ane pund wecht and ane half of the saids Scottis twelff penney peices and half ane pund wecht of the saids sex penney peices and working tlifi gritter moneyis abone exprest at ane lawful proportioun as sail be fund expedient be his maiesteis Thesaurer and his deputis be advyse of his hienes counsall and eschakker to prescrjoie the said siluer moneyis being alwayis wrocht with the prentis and circumscrip- tiounes following, That is to say the said new siluer crowne or thrie pund peice and threttie schilling peice Scottis haifand on the ane syd his maiesties pictur crownit and armit with ane sword in his hand on horsbak with ane littill thrissell in ane cheild on his hors hip all within the inner ring with this circumscriptioun ^ lACOBVS D.G. MAG. BEIT FEAN. ET. HIB. EEX. and on the vther syde his maiesties armis of his saidis kingdomes in ane new forme of cheild quarterlie To witt in the first quarter Thrie flower de lyces croce with thrie libbertis croce and in the croce quarter alsmekill with ane lyoun in ane doubill tressoure in ane vther quarter and the harpe in the fourt quarter all within the inner ring with this circumscriptioun, Que Deus coniunxit nemo Separet. And the said twelff shilling peice Scottis haifand on the ane syde his maiesties portrat foirsaid fra the papis vp crownit and armit with this mark at his neck xii "With this circumscrip- tioun Jacobus D.G. Mag. Brit. Ffran. et Hib. Eex, and on the vther syd his maiesteis armes foirsaid without the crowne in ane plaine scheild with this circumscriptioun Que Deus Coniunxt nemo Separet. And the said sex schilling peice (Scottis) haifand on the ane syde his maiesties said portrait armit fra the papis vp and crownit with this mark at his neck vi with this circumscriptioun . Jacobus D.G. Mag. Brit. Fran, et Hib. Eex and on the vther syd his saidis armes without the crowne in ane plain scheild with this circumscriptioun Que Deus coniunxit nemo separet, with the dait of the y^ir abone the armes And the said twa schilling peice Scottis haifand on the ane syd ane roiss crownit with this circumscrip- tioun J. D.G. Eosa sine Spina, and on the vther syd ane thrissell flowre crownit with this circumscriptioun Tueatur vnita Deus, And the said twelff penney peice Scottis haifand on the ane syd ane roiss with this circumscriptioun J. D.G. Eosa sine Spina, and on the vther syde ane thrissell flowre with this circumscriptioun Tueatur vnita Deus, With ane lytill thrissell at the begynning of the said circumscriptiouns off ilk peice of the said siluer respectiue abone exprest on athir syde of the samyn. And the said sex penny Scottis haiffand on the ane syd ane roiss and on the vther syd ane thrissell floure.^ For performeing of the quhilk premisses and of his office and ordinar chairge of Maister ^ Of ilk hundreth pund of siluer 4 pund wecht sal be cunyeit of the smaller monejas viz of 2 schilling peices twa pund wecht of tweK penie peices 1 lb and ane half, and of 6 pennies ane half pund wecht. ^ The circumscriptioun of the 7 spaces of siluer Coyne. ^ The M'' Cunyear ))und to bye in from the subiects the gold at 22 carrats peying thairfoir 34 tt» 18 s for ilk vnce of gold iu lyngotts. 2 N 282 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Miscellaneous Cunjeare in Scotlaud to his maiestie the said Thomas Achesoun faithfullie binds and RiGcords • • ■ 1604^ ' obleissis him to by and ressaue be himselff and his deputis all gold brocht in to him in lyngott and tryit to be of the fynnes of twentie twa carrettis according to the said indentit standart tryell peice now apointit to be foUowit in all tymes cuming, And sail pey for ilk Scottis vnce thairof the soume of threttie four pounds auchtein schilling Scottis money^ And for all gold brocht in to him in cunyeat spaces of quhatsomeuer fynnes the same be sail ressaue peyment proportionallie thairto for euerie sort thairof alsweill forane as his maiesties awin according to the fynnes thairof and A. B. C. to be maid and gevin to the said M"' Cunyeare be his maiesties Thesaurer and his deput with advyse of the Lords of his maiesties Counsall and eschakker, and the Laird of Marchingstoun GeneralP And to keip and obserue trew register of the particular names of everie persone quhome fra he byis any gold with the weght and pryce of the same, and preceiss day and moneth of the bying thairof, and sail causs the same be meltit forgit and builyeit in the spaces foirsaid and the same trouit be the Wardanis thairof, and thairefter delyuerit to the prenting. The essay off the quhilk gold being tain, and the fynnes thairof reportit vnder the stampt and subscriptioun of his maiesties essay M'' and put in the said essay box The iust weght thairof being also weyit and the spaces thairof nomberit and tauld The remeidis comptit the day of the moneth and yeir of God nottit and The haill premisses laufullie registrat be the general! and his deput warnit thairto, and be the wardanis of the said Cunyehous Than the foirsaid Thomas to half power to dispone thairvpoun reseraund for his awin labour his workmen and all vther chairges and expenses ^ susteinit be him for ilk vnce of the said gold sax schilling aucht penneyis Scottis money, and for his maiesties proffeit of ilk vnce thairof the soume of twentie fyve schillingis fyve penneyis money foirsaid quhairof the said Thomas Achesoun obleisses him his airis and executoris to mak compt and peyment to his maiesties Thesaurer and his deput quhen he sail be requyreit * Attour the said Thomas Achesoun M"" Cunyeare takis vpoun him be himselff and his deputis to by and ressaue all siluer brocht in to him in lyngoit and tryit to be of the fynnes of Ellevin deneiris according to the said indentit standert tryell peice now lykwayis apointit to be foUowit in all tymes herefter, and sail pey for ilk Scottis vnce of the same the soume of fiftie aucht schilling Scottis money and for all vther siluer brocht in to him in cunyeit spaces of quhatsomeuer fynnes the same be sail ressaue peyment proportionallie thairto for euerie sort thairof alsweill forane as his maiesties awin according to the fynnes thairof and A. B. C. to be maid and gevin to the said Maister Cunyeare in maner foirsaid, and sail obserue and keip perfyte and trew register ^ of euerie personis names quhome fra he byis 1 And for gould in Coynyeit spaces alsweill forane as of liis maiesties awin according to the fynnes and to the A. B. C. to be sett donn be his maiesties Thesaurer and the Lords of his maiesties Counsall and of Chekker. 2 Ane Register to be keipit be the M' Cunyear of all gold brocht in to the Cunyehous viz the persoun the wecht the fynnes and the pryce thairof. - Essey M' to haif power to dispone of the cunyeit gold reservand to himselff 6 s 8 d of ilk vnce and 25 i 5 d Scottis to his maiestie out of ilk vnce of gold. The like anent the siluer to be bocht at 11 d fyne and to pay for ilk rnce 58 i of lyngoitt siluer and lor the cimyeit according to the fynnes and A. B. C. to be sett doun vt supra. ^ The like Register to be maide to the of all siluer brocht In to the Cunyehous. JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 283 the same, with the weght and pryce thairof and the preceiss day and moneth of the Miscellaneous hying thairof And sail cans melt forge and builyie the same in the spaces foirsaid and the ^i604.'^' samyn trouit be the wardanis and thairefter delyuerit to the prenting The essay of the quhilk siluer being tain and the fynnes thairof reportit vnder the stamp and subscriptioun of his maiesties said essay maister and put in the said essay Box, The iust wecht thairof being also weyit and the spaces thairof nomberit and tauld the remeidis comptit the day of the moneth and yeir of God no tit and the haill premissis laiifuUie registrat be the said generall and his deput warnit thairto, and be the wardanis of the said Cunyehous than the said Thomas to haif power to dispone thairvpoun reseruand for his a win labor workmen and all vtheris chairgis and expenssis susteinit be him for ilk saxtein pund wecht Scottis the sowme of ffyftein punds Scottis money, and for his maiesties prolfeit of ilk saxtein pund wecht Scottis comptit ^ to be ane stain wecht the sowme of twentie ane pund ten schillingis aucht penneyis Scottis money quhairof the said Thomas Achesoun and his foirsaidis sail mak compt and peyment to his maiesties Thesaurer and his deput to his hienes vse ^ and forther the said Thomas Achesoun sail ressaiue all bulyeoun dew be the merchands and trafliqueris for the wairis transportit and to be transportit be thaim furth of Scotland conforme to the actis of parliament maid thairanent ffor the quhilk he obleisses him and his foirsaids to refund to thaim sufficient peyment and satisfactioun conforme to the said actis and that within the space of fyftein dayis nixt after the ressait thairof and sail mak compt reknyng and peyment to his maiesties Thesaurer and his deput of his hienes proffeit of the said Bullioun extending to the twelff pairt of the samyn quhen he sail be requyrit to that effect, Eebaitand and reserueand to him selff of the said twelff pairt for his labor workmen and chairgis foirsaid for ilk saxtein pund wecht Scottis the soume of fyftein punds money of Scotland Lykeas the said Thomas obleissis him to refund and pey to the said Thesaurer or his deputis quhatsumeuer remeidis that sail happin to result vpoun the said gold and siluer vnder the iust fynnes and lycht of the same in swa far as the samyn sal nocht be recompansed be the remeidis of the said gold and siluer abone the iust fynnes and heavie thairof deduceand alwayis of his maiesties said haill proffeittis the ordinar officeris fies new weghtis and Ballancis new work loumbis and hous maillis quhilk his maiestie be thir presentis ordanis and commandis to be defaisid in his comptis in the first end of his hienes said proffeit, Lykeas his hienes givis heirby power to the said Thomas Achesoun to elect and choiss all maner of workmen necessar for the said seruice sic as meltaris forgearis Justaris and prentaris for whom he sail be answerable with power to him to imput and output thaim at his plesour And for the mair securitie thir presentis ar ordanit to be registrat in the bulks of his hienes counsall and sessioun to haif the strenth of ane act and decreit of the Lordis thairof with letres and executoriellis to pass 1 The Cunyear to haif power to vent the cunyeit siluer reservand to him selff for ilk stane of siluer 15 ti money and 21 ti 10 s 8 d dew to his maiestie of ilk stane of Cunyeit siluer. ^ That the M' of the Mynt sail ressaive and be comptable for the bullioun aiul to pey to the merchants thairfore in his maiesties coyne within fyftein days efter the ressait and to mak compt to the kings maiestie of the twelff pairt of the samyn and als of the remeids vnder the just fynnes and wecht, quhilk sail not be recompensit be the remeids abone the fynnes and wecht deduceand of his maiesties dews and proifeits the ordinar ofiicers fies new wechts and ballances new workloms and houss maill. 284 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Miscellaneous and be direct thairvpoun give neid beis of hornying poinding and warding and the horneing Records ^ 1604. ' to be vpoun ane sempill chairge of sax dayis warneing allanerlie And to that effect makis and constitutis Sir Thomas Hamiltoun of Mounkland knycht his maiesties aduocat and als procuratores in vberiori constitutionis forma promittentes de rato etc. In Witnes heirof his maiestie hes signit the samyn with his hand and thir presentis ar subscryuit be the handis of my Lord of Beruick and the said Thomas Achesoun The bodie heirof being writtin be Dauid Dickesoun comptar wardane of his maiesties said Cunyehous day yeir and place foirsaidis befoir thir Witnesses Sic subscribitur Beruick CLXVi. — 1604-1608, The Copye of the answers send he the Laird of Merchingstoun as generall of his maiesties Cunye- hous in Scotland with my Lord Aduocat to Lundone tuichmg the suhscryving of the Indentour or hill vnderwrittin. Hopetoun The caus quhairfoir the said Sir Archibald Naper of Edinbellie knycht generall Papers. foirsaid refuisses to subscryve the Indentonr or bill abone writtin send furth of England be Sir Thomas Knybett to him is becauss the samin conteanis that twelf once EngHs sould ourwey twelf once Scottis, Be foure penneis nyne grains Englis wecht Quhair it sould beire and conteane ffour penneis ten grains and twa sevint pairt graine, and swa thairby differis fra the agreement and the mutuall weghtis gevin and ressauit be the - said Sir Archibald and Sir Thomas ane grane and twa sevint pairt graine. Als tuiching the standart peces of gold and siluer send furth of England to Scotland, the said Sir Ar'' heaving tryit the samin f&ndis the said standart pece of gold to be of the fynnes of twentie ane carrettis xj graines and ane half efter his compt Quhilk lykewayes differis fra the fynnes aggreit vpoun, To wit the samin should be of the fynnes of twentie twa carrettis out of the watter : Siclyke he fyndis the said standert piece of siluer to be off the fynnes of ellevin deneirs ane grane sharpe efter his compt quhilk also differris fra the fynnes aggreit vpoun, viz. the samin to be of the fynnes of eUevin deniers out of the fyre My Lord in the conference and agriement maid at Lundone anent the gold and siluer moneyis of this haill Illand it wes thair appointtit that the gold of baith the realmis sould be of the fynnes of twentie twa carrettis as the warrand direct thairupoun beiris. Nocht the less we fynde sen syne that there is certain new spaces of gold cunyeit and sett furthe of ane hier fynnes quhilk wer necessar to be knawin and the price thairof at the leist signefeit heir by proclamatioune that your lordships may considder thairof seing it is done by your lordships advise and knowlage. JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 285 CLXVii. — Nov. 1611, The copie of the ahaitments and remeidis ivith the aiisceiiaueous sewerall peicess of gold send frome England he my leii. ' Lord Salisherrie To my Lord Chancellare of Scot- land. The abaitmentis or remeidis with the seuerall peices of gold send frome England be Hopetoun lay Lord Salisberrie the day of Nouember 1611 to my Lord Chancellar of Scotland ^''P^''^- In ewerie peice of gold current for England Scotland G' p' Sc T F XXX § Ster The remedeis iiij^'" h 5 12 18 XX and abait 3 16 12 14i XV quhilk sail ij^^ i 3 1 8 10 12i X nocht exceid ij 2 10 16 8 V In English 1 1 5 8 4 4f ij § vj d graines J 14 16 2 2ii Fryday the 22 of Nouember 1611. Jo" Ach'esoun generall George Foules M'' Cunyeor Dauid Dickesoun wairdan Henrie Oliphant Compter Wardan and Jon BurreU Temperar of the Trnis being wairnit be Ar* Douglas, maisser, Compeirit in presence of the Lordis of Secreit Counsell to wit my Lord ChanceUar precident aduocat The erlis of Argyle and Mar the bishop of Glasgow My Lord Chancellar produceit ane writing twiching the stricking and crying vp of the vnit peice of gold 6? 3p and 30 s pece to the prices following. To wit the said vnit peice to xiij'^ iiij s The double crown callit the 6'*" peice to vj''' xij § The brittane croun callit the 3'*" peice to iij''' yj s The half crown callit the 30 § peice to 1"" xiij s. And swa the vnce of gold to be new by taill than it wes befoir be iij"' xiij § d Quhilk vnce was sett furth at and current for xxxvj"' x s l.d and be this new appointment will mont to xl"* iij s 1 d i\ Quhilk writing produceit be the said lord Chancellar con. teanit the remeideis in English granis as is abone conteanit quhich he deliuerit to the said M'' Cunyear and generall to be thairwith auisit and to gif ansuer vpoun Mounday the xxv day Answers wes maid thairto be the M'' Cunyeour foirsaid M'' Ko* Foules his brother and Alex'' Hunter, and the said Englis grains reduceit to Scottis granis as is abone writtin Quhilk wes produceit vpoun Mounday the said xxv day in presence of the counsallours following To witt my Lords ChanceUar aduocatt precedent secreter. Be Jon Aitchesoun generall being accumpaneit with the saids M'' Cunyeour Dauid Dickesoun Henrie Oliphant and Jon BurreU, and efter lang confirance had with the saidis Lordis thay for guid causses deleit furth of the proclamatioune anent the heichting of the said spaicess of gold, the remeidis and abaitis lycht vpoun Uk space of the said gold, quhilk thay wer of purpois to haif conteanit in the said proclamatioune And trew it is that vpon Wednesday afoirnoon the xxvij day of Nouember 1611 286 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Miscellaneous Archibald Dowglas, Messinger, maid publicatioune at the mercat croce of Edinburgh of the Rccorcls • • • • • ■ 1611. ' vpcrying of the said gold as is within written It is to be rememberit that thair is fyve sewerall spaices of the crown gold publiclie wrocht in Scotland To wit the vnit peice quhilk hes twa graines of remeid of weight alsweill heavie as lycht on ilk peice quhan the samyn sail happin by casualitie quhereof 37 and ane 5 pt peice saU wey 12 vnces 5 deneirs 9 grains and 18 prymes Scottis and in England 12 vnces troy CLXViii. — Jan. 1612, Articles sent to the King anent the transport of Gold. Miscellaneous The caus quhy the gold is more accepted in Fran'ce nor the siluer (current) is Becaus Register the Siluer is lichter nor the gold in proportion of twell to one neare the tenth pairt. And House. ^i^g^j. i^y. j,gasone the siluer is wroche in the tower vpoun remeedis in the pound and not in Abuse in working of tiie the peice whiche geives the inbringaris occasion to trone the new conoyed money and tak remeedit.*° ^'^^ ^^^^ heavie So the light money only remaning current is found lighter nor the richt proportion of twell to one neare the tenth wors nor the gold. ffor remeide Lat the Moneyes be wrought be the peice as they ar in Scotland Let no heghting be maid by no ordinance vnder his ms}^^^ hand Iff it be requisite that gold suld cum in the cuntray which presently is not in it Let it be propounded how money oulder groates or iij d or vj d (Coyned in Queue Elizabethes tyme or before and yit presentlie current) will buy a Frenshe crowne in France a Spanishe Proposition to pistoU in Spane / or a Flemishe nobiU in Flanderis And let these peices of gold (pro rata) to heioht. be toUeratit for so muche current till his Ma"'' fynd the Cuntrey furnished with gold thair- efter do quhat semethe best. But let no warrand pas vnder his maiesties hand heirof. Indorsed : " Copie Articles sent be his maiestie anent the cause of transport of gold & meanes to bring and reteane the same with in his Maiesties dominions Januar 1612." CLXix. — Circa 1618, Note as to the Privileges of the Mint Officials. Hopetoun In the first to declair To the pro west baillies and counsall of Edinburgh that we the Papers. of&ciaris of the cunyehous vnderwrittin To witt John Aichesoun portioner of Inuerask generall Thomas Aichesoun maister cunyeour Dauid Dickesoun principal! wairdane Henrie Oliphant compter wairdan George Fouleis sayar Thomas Fouleis sincker Johnne Burrell temperar of the Irnis and prenter Dauid Myle Abrahame Hammiltoun George Gledstanis and James Walker prentaris forgearis and oure predicessouris Hes thir foirscoir yeris bygane ilk ane in thair seuerall offices seruit his majestie and his maist noble progenatouris of wordie memorie without payment of any stentis or taxationis and frie of all oistis raidis weiris wapponschawing gadderingis and assembleis etc conforme to the ffoure seuerall giftis efter mentionat. viz the first gift grantit to our predicessouris be King James the fyft vnder his signet and subscriptioun daitit at JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 287 Edinburgh the xxiij of October and of his regnne the xxx yeir quhilk is Ixxx yeris past Miscellaneous As lykwayes our souerane lord be his tua seuerall lettres and gyftis vnder his previe seill 1613. ' Hes exeamit the officiaris etc. in manner abone writtin The ane of the samen of the dait the XXV day of Junij 1579 and the vthir of the . . . xxij day of Aprile 1584 The fourt and last gra[nt] laitlie be his majestic at Quhithall the xv of November in the secund yeir of his regnne of England France and Ireland and of Scotland the xxxviij yeir 160-1 Quhilkis gyftis ar authorizat be his majesties lordis commissionaris be decreit gevin be thame in fauouris of the saidis officiaris vpoun the thrid day of Junij 1607 yeiris Suspend- and simpliciter the lettres of hornyng execuit at the instance of Sheref of Edinburgh, George Archibischoip of S* Androis for George Gledstanis 200 li thairof 50 for the first termes payment James Commendatour of Melrois Henrie Wardlaw Chalmerlane of Dun- fermeling contrair the saidis memberis of the cunyehous. And als authorizat and aUowit be our souerane lordis justice Justice Clerk and his deputtis and als be the lordis of secreit counsall Be granting of lettres of horning vnder the signet chairgeing the prowest and baiUies of Edinburgh to obserue and keip the prevelege of the saidis exemptionis and thay to desist and ceiss ffra all trubleing wairding or poynding of thame or ony of thame for ony maner of taxt stent or contrabutioun quhatsumever imposit or to be imposit vpoun the said burgh in tymes cuming and for burdening of thame with waching or wairding vnder the pane of horning and gif thay failyie to denunce etc. Daitit at Falkland the xij of September and of his majesties regnne the xviij yeir 1584. Nochtwithstanding of the quhilkis the saidis prowest and baillies of Edinburgh at diuerss and sindrie tymes poindit and wairdit certan of the saidis personis viz. vmquhile "William Cokky and George Gledstanis prentaris ffor non payment of thair pairt of certane stentis imposit vpon the said burgh maist wranguslie considdering that the saidis prowest and baillies of Edinburgh vpon the xv day of Marche anno etc Ixxxvij yeiris presentit ane supplicatioun to his majestic and lordis of secreit counsall desyring that be act of counsall the saidis lordis wald decerne and declair all the saidis lettres of exemptioun grantit to the saidis personis To be null and to haif na strength force nor effect in tymes cuming, and that the saidis memberis of the cunyehouse salbe subiect to waching and wairding payment of taxt stentis and contrabutionis and all portable chairges. clSix. — 1613-1625, To the King's most excellent Maiestie, Infonnation to your hienes concerning the estate of the money presentlie in Scotland be Johne Achesone generall of your Maiesties Coyne hous. It may please your Maiestie Considder that the estate of the money in this realme is Miscellaneous highlie abused to your hienes grit hurt and prejudice and vndoeing of your true leiges as Reg^^'t^er efter foUowes : First be the oversight and permission to the merchants to give out all sorts of forrayne money alsweill gold as siluer at what pryces they please far abone the availe and 288 RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Miscellaneous pryces of your Maiesteis owne money whilk no vther king nor commonwealth doeth per- Reoords, ., • i i 1613-1625. i^it vnpunished. Secondlie the transporting of your best and heaviest money out of this countrie and Leaveing the light and counterfitt within the same direct contrarie to many good acts and Lawes made in the contrarie. Thirdlie be the Inbringing of light and counterfitt money at the bordars fairis and merkats whilk if your Maiestie prevent not speedilie your hienes Leigis of this realme sail Loise (at the leist) the third penny of the said light money. Ffor remeid of the first It appears to be necessarie if your maiestie with advyse of the parlement find it expedient to be done That ane new act be made In regaird of the Contemptious contraveening of all former acts that if any persone sail offer or give out money, either gold or silver in payment vpon hier pryces nor sail be sett doun in ane table to be sett out in print That it salbe Leisum to the pairtie To whom the said money salbe offerred in payment or byeris change vpon hier pryces then are contenit in the said table To conveen and perseu the said pairtie offerers befoir sic Judges as your Maiestie and Counsell saU find maist fitt to that effect With power to them to try the said matter either be witnesses or be the aith of the pairtie offerer of the said money contrarie to the said act whilk if he refuis to depone to be halden pro confesso and the said money to be confiscat The ane haK to your Maiesties vse and the other to the pairtie reveillar / and farder / Incaice that ony persone haueing occasion to borrow money vpon annuell salbe constrained in his vrgent necessitie be the Lender to receaue money contrarie to the tenour of the said act That the probatioun of the contraveening of the said ordinance in form foirsaid salbe ane sufficient discharge of payment of the said money Secondlie for remeid of Transporting of money out of the Countrie may it also please your maiestie to ordaine be the said act that all clerks of cocketts salbe solemlie sworne in presens of your hienes counsell that they sail delyver na cocketts vntill sic tyme as they sail likeways take the aiths of the skipper mariners merchands and passengers that they sail neither directlie nor Indirectlie be themselves nor na otheris transport mair money nor may serve for the Intertainment of their persones in that voyage. And na wayes to be Imployit in merchandice with certificatioun as effeiris And the form of the said aith to be sett doun in writt eftir the maist strict forme that can be advysed. And to that effect also searcheris wold be appoyntit efter the same form to searche and apprehend'any money that can be found to have contraveenit the said act To whom the half sould appertaine and the rest to your Maiestie. Thirdlie as Concerning the Inbringing of Light groats and vther light money whilk is sent into this Land be ane secreet and subtill convoy from our nighbour countrie feiring the decrying theirof / Necessarie it were that your Maiesties counsell wold advyse be what moyane the said light money may be convoyed bak agane and some good course taken that na mair be receivet in this countrie It is also to be remembered that the course of forrayne money by the peice is maist vnreassonable and also hurtfull to your Maiesties proffeitt and the commonwealth whilk may be easilie proven by the ordinances of France JAMES VI.] KECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 289 and many vther countries, may it theirfoir pleise your hienes to discharge the course of the Miscellaneous said forraine money but onlie by weight to be brought Into the Coynehouse Thair to \qi^°^iq25 receive sic reassonabill pryce as your Maiesties counsell appoint conforme to the order vset in all nations and hes of aid bein practized in this realme And for the better performing theirof Lett the receiveris of your highnes rents The customeris and their deputs The receivers of the consigned money befoir the Lordis of session Thesaurers and deans of gild within burghs and the money payit at redemption be maist straitHe Inhibite to receive any forraine money And forder seeing the decry of the money in forrayne countreis (especiallie in france) makes our owne gold formerlie Transported to be rounged and sett bak againe That it may be intimat vnto the leiges that it salbe leisume to them to refuise the same if they be 3 graynes lighter then their owne weight wheirby they wer coinyed. And likwayes because their is ane grit quantitie of light and cracked gold whilk sindrie persons buys good cheip and Causes the samen to be soulderit And also put roude (?) of base gold and Lattoun theirin and thereefter gilts and gives out the same to the leiges to their grit hurt and prejudice Theirfoir all goldsmyths and vtheris wold be discharged to vse that forme of doeing vnder the paynes vset and execute againes fals coyneyeris Last of aU it is maist carefuUie to be considdered be your maiestie that the merchandis hes transported the best and hiveest of your money besyds mony other vnlesume waires And In place theirof hes brought home foraine gold and siluer whilk they have given out at hier pryces then your hienes owne money direct contrairie to your Maiesties acts and ordinances made theiranent whilk out of all question will be ane occasion either to hight the money (whilk is already at ane hier rate then the commonwealth may weill permit) or els to decry the forraine money to the grit prejudice of your hienes trew subjects Their- foir reasson wald reither command that they who hes made the fault sould be punished then the Innocent liegeis ffor without punishment of the contraveenaris of Lawes, lett never your maiestie exspect any benifite of your coynyie or have your countrie stored with money, ffor remeid wheirof may it please your maiestie to direct ane Commission to conveen all merchands ventours within Scotland befoir the secret counsell Their to be examined vpon their grit oath what forraine money they have brought hame sen the dait of the last proclamatioun anent the money And vpon what pryces they have outted the same wheirby they that salbe found to have contraveened your maiesties acts may be fyned at the Coun- sellis discretion Be the whilk fyne the forrayne money may be brought into your hienes coyniehouse to be converted in your maiesties owne money without prejudice to your trew leiges But abone aU things I recommend vnto your hienes fatherlie care of your native countrie that pourpose which your maiestie hes long aymed att and hes onlie been cUs- appoynted by some subtile and Craftie heidis whom I know (whilk is the making of the woollskins and hyds whilk your countrie does yield in seable wairis befoir that be transported) wheirby this countrie may not onlie be stored with money good waires Bot also ane Infinite nomber of Idill and vnprofitable people sett to work wheiranent if it sail 2 290 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [jAMES VI. Miscellaneous please your hienes to take any good course your maiestie sail haue farder Information at Records, , • i n -i i • o 1613-1625. your pleasure with ail possible service tor me to performe Dorso : Coyne : Johne Achesone generaU his Ouuerture to his Maiestie anent the Coyne. CLXXi. — 10 March 1614, A Letter in favour of Alexander Hunter. Registrum Ane Letter maid be our souerane lord with advyse and consent of the lordis of his LXXXlLff.^' pi'ivy counsale, his maiesties commissioners, and of the lords auditouris of his hienes chekker, To Alexander Huntar burges of Edinburgh Giveand grantand and disponeand to him his assigneyis deputes or factoures all and quhatsumever bullioun adebtit and restand vnpayit be quhatsumevir customeares thair deputes mercheandis traffecqueris skipperis and all vther persones ffor all guidis and merchandice transported furth of this kingdome of Scotland or ony pairt thairof at ony tyme bygane befoir the first day of Februar the yeir of God J™ vj*= and elevin yeiris Quhilk preceedit the deceis of vmquhile Thomas Achesoune last maister cunyear to his maiestie and quhairof na compt is maid nor past in chekar Togither with all actioun and executioun competent to his maiestie for the same With full power and commissioun to the said Alexander Hunter be him self his deputes assigneyis or factoures in his name To charge the takismen of his maiesteis customes and thair vnder customeris To exhibite and produce sic comptes as hes nocht bene maid nor past in chekar befoir the said first day of Februar the yeir of God J'" vj^ and ellevin yeiris As als to charge the maister cunyear the aires and executouris of vmquhile Thomas Achesoun or ony vther haueares of the saidis buikis of buUioune in thair handis To gif inspectioun thairof to the said Alexander and his foirsaidis and to mak thame furth cummand at all tymes neidfull for the verifieing of the treuthe anent the iust debt of the said bullioun and to haue libertie to visie the roUis and register of the customes maid in chekar To vnderstand quhat comptis ar alredie maid and quhat comptis ar yit to be maid and to intromet with ressaue and vplift all and quhatsumever the said bygane bullioune adebtit and resting vnpayit be the persounes foirsaidis In maner and duiring the space bygane abonespecefeit acquittances and discharges vpoune the ressait thairof to be maid and givin be the maister of his maiesteis cunyiehous and the said Alexander conjunctly and na vtherwayis To compone transact and agrie thairanent and gif neid beis to call follow and persew thairfoir as accordis and all vther thingis that is requisite and necessare for recovering payment of the said bygane bullioune duiring the said space vnpayit To do vse and exerce at his plesour in ample forme With command thairin to all and sindrie iudges magistrates officiares his hienes custumeris clerkis of Coquettis skipperis merchandis, trafficqueris, and all vtheris his maiesteis leiges To reddilie ansueir intend and obey and concur with the said Alexander and his foirsaidis in all and sindrie thingis concerning the premissis vnder all hiest pane and charge that efter may follow As also commanding thairin the lordis of his hienes privie counsall chekar or sessioun to grant and direct Letteris at the instance of the said Alexander or his foirsaidis In all and sindrie thingis JAMES VI.] RECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 291 concerning the premissis of horning poynding and vtheris neidfull for performeing of the Miscellaneous premissis according to the accustomet forme observeit thairanent of befoir At Edinburghe, ^1614!'^' the tent day of Marche the yeir of God J*" v]'^ and ffourteine yeiris Per Signaturam. CLXXii. — 25 Nov. 1619, A Proclamation for reforming sindrie incon- veniences touching the Coynes of his M. Realmes. James, by the grace of God, King of Great Britaune, France, and Ireland, defender Caidounel of the Faith : To our loveds messengers, our sheriffs in that part, conjunctlie p^3"^ijo%ii & severallie, constitute, greeting, Forsamikle as Wee, & the Lords of our secret counsale, having consideration of the great hurt & prejudice that divers of our lieges have susteined, and daylie susteine, through the clipping, roungeing, impairing, & diminishing of our proper coynes of golde, both old & new, committed by numbers of avaritious & godles persons, who, preferring their own privat & unlawfull gaine to the common weal, and all others dueties of respect and consideration, brings in within this our kingdome, diminishes & puttes out amongst our subjects all forts and spaces of golde, farre under and within the just weight ; so that this our country is filled with a greate quantitie of lighte gold, which hath commoun course, without controlment, especialie among the ignorant multitude, who are senslis of their own harme, & lookes no foorther but to the peece, without regairde either to weght or fynnese : Whereas, if the receiving & delyverie of our coyne were by weght, according to the poletie & ordour of others countryes, not only would the abuse of diminishing of the said coyne cease, & be of longer continuance, but our subjects would be sure to receive their paymentes in good coyne, holding weght & fynnesse. And wee being cairefull that the said abuse of diminishing of our coyne may be remooved, & the inconvenients following thereupon prevented & suffered to have no foorther course nor progresse. Therefore wee, with advyse of the Lords of our secret counsale, have found it meet & expedient, that in all tyme coming, after the publication hereof, our coynes of gold, old and new, of the particular spaces & peeces under-written, shall be received by weght ; & that such peeces shall be lighter then the particular weghtes, and the remedies & abaitments after specified, may be lawfullie refused in all kynd of payments ; that is to say, the new English peece of fyne angell gold, called the Rosc-Rijall, & marked on the one side with the number of XXX. the remeid & abaitment shall not exceed three graines. In the new English peece of fyne angel-gold, called the Spur-Ryall, marked on the one syde with the number of XV. the remeid & abaitment shall not exceed one graine-half- graine. In the new English peece of fyne angell-gold, called the angell, marked on the one side with the number of X. the remeid and abaitment shall not exceed one graine. In the new English peece of crowne-gold, called the New-Unite, marked on the one side with the number of XX. the remeid and abaitment shall not exceed two graines. In the new English peece of crowne gold, called the Bouble-Croinie, marked on the one side with the number of X. the remeid & abaitment shall not exceed one graine. And in the new English peece of crowne gold, called the Nevj-Britan-Crowne, marked on the one side with 292 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Miscellaneous tlie number of V. the remeid & abaitment shall uot exceed half one graine. In the peece T^iBCords 1619. ' of gold called the Unite, or Doiible-Angell, the remeid & abaitment shall not exceed thrie graines. In the peece of gold called the Bouble-Crowne, or Single- Angell, the remeid & abaitment shall not exceed two graines: And in the peece of gold called the Britan-Grovjne, or Halfe-Angell, the remeid and abaitment shall not exceed one graine. And to the effect all our subjects throughoute this our whole kingdome may have good & just weghts for the true weghing of all the saids coynes of gold, & true & upright graines for the remedies & abaitments. We, with advyse of the saids Lords of our secret counsal, have given command, warrand, & direction to Charles Dickeson sinker of our irons, to prepare & make readdie sufficient numbers of upright & true weghts, as weel of the severall peeces of gold abone written, as of the remedies & abaitments, according to the patterne & warrand which he hath received from the Generall of our Coyne-house ; which weghts, compting nyne peeces for everie stand, according to the number of the severall spaces of the said gold, & double graines to everie stand, the said Charles Dickeson shall bee holden to sell to our leiges at the pryce of twelfe shillings usuall moneye of this kingdome for everie stand, & hee shall not exceed the said pryce, as hee will be answerable at his perrell. And wee, with advyse of the said Lords, discharges all others our leiges & subjects whatsomever, of all making & selling of any of the saids weghts & granes of remeid, but such as shall bee make bee the said Charles Dickeson as said is, upon whatsomever colour or pretext, under the paine of falset, & to bee punished therefore in their persons & goods as counterfaiters of our weghts with all rigour. And fourther, to the intent our subjects may know upon what pryces the saids new peeces of gold laitlie coyned in England shall have course io this our kingdome, we with advyse of the saids Lords, declares, that they shall have course in this our kingdome, upon the same pryces that they are coyned for in England, to witt, the peece of angel-gold, caUed the Rose-Byall, marked on the one syde as said is with the number of XXX. for eighteen pounds. The peece of angel-gold, called the S^mr-Eyall, marked on the one syde as said is, with the number of XV. for nyne pounds. The peece of angel-gold, called the Angell, marked on the one syde as said is, with the number of X. at the syde of the angell for six pounds. The peece of crowne-gold, called the Unite marked on the one syde as said is, with the number of XX. for twelfe pounds. The peece of crowne-gold, called the New-double Crowne, marked on the one syde, as said is, with the number of X. at the syde of our portrait, for six pounds. And the peece of crowne-gold, called the New-Britain-Croione, marked on the one syde, as said is, with the number of V. for three pounds. And touching all other spaces of gold which are decry ed & ordained to be brought into our coyne-house, the owner shall receive in our coyne-house in readdie & thankfull payment for everie unce weght of gold of xxii carrets fyne, the soume of threttie- nyne pounds three shillings fy ve-peuce ; and for all other gold they shall receive payment proportionallie for ilk unce, denier, and graine weght thereof, according to the former proclamation made thereanent, and A. B. C. delyvered to the master coyner for that effect. Our will is herefore, and wee charge you straitlie and commands, That incontinent these our letters scene yee posse, & in our name and autoritie make publick thereof, by oppeu proclamation at the market-croce of our burgh of Edinburgh, & other places JAMES VI.] EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 293 needful, wherethrogh none pretend ignorance of- the same. The which to doe wee committe Misoeiiaiieom to you conjunctlie and severalie, our full power, by these our letters, delivering the same jgig. ' to you duelie execut & indorsat again to the bearer. Given under our signet, at Edinburgh ~~ the twentie-fyft day of November, & of our reignes the fiftie-three & seventeene years 1619. [ *^* Proclamation printed at Edinburgh by Thomas Finlason.] CLXXiii. — 29 March 1621, Note as to the privileges of the Mint officials. Thursday the 29 of Mar 1621 efter 12 houris and befoir ane I than deliuerit to Adam Lawtie writar sevin peces of writtis tuiching the exemp- Hopetoun tioun and privilage of the hous to be advysit with and to gif answer at efternoon That is to say the extract of King James the fyft his gift subscriuit be vmquhile Alexander Hay Item ane vthyr gift be our souerane lord the Kings maiestie vnder the previe seill Item the thrid gyft be our said souerane lord vnder the previe seill. Item the ferd gift be our souerane lord granted at Quhithall Item the fyft pece is ane decreit gevin be the lords of counsaU vpone ane taxatione Item the sext, ane letre vnder the signet daitit 1584 chairging the prouest and baillies of Edinburgh to obserue and keip the saids priualages Item The sevint ane act of Parliament ratifeing and approving the saids gifts The said day at thrie efter noon Henrie Oliphant and I went doun to the said Adame to ressaiue his answer, quha declaired that the said decreit was the best rycht that we had and that the said letres of horneing wald not meit to dischairge the saids prowest and baillies in this taxatione and swa to concluid befoir we wer chairgeit and distressed we could nocht complene The fyft of Marche 1622 being Tyisday I than delyuerit to Henrie Oliphant counter wairdane in his maiesties Cunyehous in Scotland the sevin pecess of writtis within writtin to be deliuerit be him to the said Adame Lawtie writter within nemmit To forme ane bill of Suspentioun for the haiU memberis of the said hous fra payment of ony pairt of this present taxatioune quha promest to bring the same bak to me againe with the buist quherein he ressauit the samyn Mouneday the thrid of Junij 1622 Johne Aitchesoun generall Dauid Dicksoun wardane Henrie Oliphant counter wardane deliuerit than to M'' Robert Foulis aduocat, the saids sevin pecess of writtis within writtin togidder with the letres of suspentioun to be producit befoir the lords ffor instructing of the letres of suspentioun, quha past vp witli ws to M'' Thomas Nycholsoun aduocat instantlie to consult with him thereanent Nota vpoun Wednesday the 20 day of No'' 1622 the actioun of suspentioun be roll weo callit, nether compeirit the memberis of the cunyehous nor prowest and baillies The lords continewit the said mater quhill Fryday efter noon 22 of No'' 1622 and ordainit the saids officeris to be present in over tolbuyth than and to bring with thame thair privilegis lyke as thai did. The mater being callit compeirit J ames Inglis baillie, M'' John Hay 294 KECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. thair Clerk LitillJohne thair agent for Ed'' Lykweyis compeirit Jon Aichesoun generall the M"" Cunyear The wairdanis the sinker Jo" Menteith The Lords continewit the samyn to The 2 of Marche 1625 deliuerit be me to Henrie Oliphant ane gift writtin be me at Quhithall The act of Parliament in parchment confirmand The haill gyftis King James the fyft his gift subscriuit as said is The just Copye of our letres of suspentioun The Copye of the letres of horneing contra the provest and baillies CLXXiv. — 10 Dec. 1622, Anent the easterlyne trade. Apud Edinburgh decimo Decembris 1622. Anent the matter of transporte of moneyes and the forme of tryall thairof contravertit betuix the burrowis and Sir George Bruice The lordis thinkis meitt for thare better informatioun both anent the abuse of the transport of moneyis and the necessair vse of the transport for suche commodityes as the countrey can not want to be aduysed with some merchant treadaris who ar best acquent with matteris of this kynd ffor whilk purpois thay haue appoyntit the matter to be ressouned in presence of the whole counsaill vpoun Thuirsday in the afternoone and ordanis the bailleis of Edinburgh to gif in a roll of suche personis as thay think meitt to be hard vpoun that subiect to the end that the matter being throughlie ressouned and deiested suche ane answer may be send to his maiestie as with ressoun may gif vnto his maiestie satisfactioun. Apud Edinburgh duodecimo Decembris 1622. The quhilk day in presence of the Lordis of Secreit Counsaill compeirit personallie Johnne Sinclair baillie of Edinburgh Dauid Aikinheid lait proueist Williame Dick Johnne Byris Dauid Eichartsoun Nicoll Vdwart Dauid Jonkene Dauid M'^Caill George Smith George Sutye James Murray Alexander Speir Patrik Eileis Alexander Menteith and Alexander Broun merchandis burgessis of Edinburgh M"" Johnne Mortymer commissioner of Abirdeyne Gabriell Cunynghame Commissioner for Glasgw and Johnne Oisburne Com- missioner for Air Sir George Bruice George Foullis Maister Cunyeour Thomas Foullis and Alexander Huntar / and they being desyred to declair the verritie vpoun thair grite and solemne oathe in suche matteris as sould be demandit of thame concerneing the coyne Thay all gaif thair oathes and held vp thair handis to that effect and diuerse of thame who ar and haid bene easterlyne tradaris as namelie John Byris Dauid Eichartsoun Dauid Jonkene Alexander Broun Alexander Menteith and vtheris being demandit yf the easter- lyne trade can be intertenyit with the native commoditeis of the countrey without exportatioun of money Thay declaiiit vpoun thair grite oath that the said trade cannot be nor neuir wes intertenyit with the natiue commodityes of the countrey hot that of necessitie some moneyis must be exportit to that effect and thay being demandit gif the Fleymis and Frensche trade could be intertenyit without exportatioun of money Thay answerit that in some sort it might be intertenyed without exportatioun of money. Miscellaneous Records, 1621. MSS. Gen. Reg. House, Edin. JAMES VI.] EECORDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. 295 The lordis ordanis the personis abone wreittin to attend the couusall vpoun Tuysday MisceUaneou^ nixt to the intent this matter anent the coyne may be forder ressouned. ^1622 ''' Apud Edinburgh decimo septimo Decembris 1622. The quhilk day the merchantis particvdarlie abonewreittin with the maister cuuyeoiir and Thomas Foullis compeirand befoir the counsaill and thay being demandit vpoun the best and most probable meanis how moneyes might be intertenyit and broght within the countrey and sindrie discourssis being hard thairanent As namelie the increase and strenthening of the trade, the making of the trade of fisheing peceable, the dischargeing of the course of forreyne coyne The lordis contenowis the forder resolutioun vpoun this poynt till Tuysday nixt / Dorso : Anent the easterlyne trade. CLXXV. — 1625, Informatioun for the officeris of the Cunyehous and memberis thereof to the lordis of Counsall. Informatioun in the actioun of Suspentioun raisit be the ofi&cers of the Cunyehous Hopetoun and memberis thereof. Papers. The memberis of the cunyehous ar chairgit for payment of thair taxatioune ordinar and extraordiner quhilk thai haue suspendit vpoun thair privileges and immwniteis ffor instructing heirof to produce the gyftis the acte of Parliament and decreit It wilbe apponit to all this the act of Parliament beirand ane expres annulling and dischairgeing of privilegis and immuniteis quhatsumever quhereby any persoun may think thame selfis frie of payment of any taxatione To answer the act of Parliament is not extendit to this gift, hot is only extendit to c. 1. immwniteis gevin to persones, bot this immwnitie is not gevin to any persoun bot to the office quhilk is cleir, Becaus thair is na personis name insert into the gyft, and albeit ane die, yit that successour bruiks the privilege. It is onlie extendit to privileges and immwniteis gevin to personis, and is not c. 2. extendit to ratificatiounis and actis of Parliament, and the persewaris rycht is ratifeit in Parliament in anno 1612 not onlie to be extendit ad preterita bott to be extendit in all tyme cuming to be vaHde and effectuall to the memberis and officeris of the cunyehous present and to cum It can be na mair effectuall nor the taxatione grantit in anno 1597 in the quhUk the c. 3. lyke dischairge of privileges is conteinit de verbo in verbum and yit not withstanding thereof. The Lordis be thair decreit hes fund thair privilege and exemptioun to be valide notwithstanding of the act of Parliament. Item his maiestie vnderstanding the continwall troubling and molesting of the saids officeris of the cunyehous of taxing thame and imposing of vthers burdiugis vpone thame be the burgh of Edinburgh grantit letres vnder his hienes signet be deliuerance of the lords of his maiesties secreit counsell to charge the provest and baUlies thereof to desist and ceis 296 EECOEDS OF THE COINAGE OF SCOTLAND. [JAMES VI. Miscellaneous from all troubling or stenting of the saidis officeris and to obserue and keip the priuilege of '^ms.^' thair saidis exemptionis vnder the pain of rebellione and putting of thame to the home and gif they failzie to denunce thame to the home, as the saidis letres proportis 1 Sir W™ Oliphant his maiesteis adwocat 2 Sir E5"J Cokburne Lord previa Seill 3 The Viscompt of Lauderdaill 4 M'' Thomas Heniysoun 5 My Lord Eidhous wer all informit the secund day of Marche 6 My Lord Chanceller 12 My Lord Carnegie The Thrid day of Marche 13 The Erie of Melroiss 14 Sir James Skene 15 The Laird of Mercyntoun The'' Deput Nota vpoun Fryday the 24 of Junii 1625. The actioun was calHt the generall compeirit and declairit that M'' Eo* Foules our procurator as also the M'' Cunyeor wer baith seik, The Lords continewit the said actioun to that day aucht dayes the first of Julij nixttocum. The first of Marche 1624 7 8 9 10 11 The Erie of Mar Thes^ My Lord Durie My Lord Innerpeffer My Lord Kilsyth e My Lord Innerteillene END OF VOLUME I. 9 ■ GETTY RESEARCH INSTITUTE 3 3125 01360 1717