James III Copper Coin, Edinburgh Castle

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This is a James III (1460-88) crux pellit penny, also known as ecclesiastical penny, Crossraguel penny, Cochrane's plack or three-penny penny. Pennies like this were issued by Cochrane, Earl of Mar and were known as 'black money'. James III's favoritism to the Earl of Mar, along with other actions, made him unpopular with Scottish nobles. This led to his imprisonment at Edinburgh Castle and, later, his murder after his defeat at the battle of Sauchieburn in 1488. On one side it features an orb, a cross and five-pointed stars. The other side features a Latin cross and quatrefoil (an ornamental design of four lobes or leaves). Some of the inscription can still be read: 'James by the grace of God King' and 'The cross drives away all sin'. It was found during excavations at Edinburgh Castle from 1989-1991. For information on visiting Edinburgh Castle, see our website. dia 20mm EDIN-317 | Rae Project