A unique medieval coin from the reign of David I of Scotland (1124-1153) has sold for £32,000 – double its pre-sale estimate.
The coin was auctioned off last week by Noonans Mayfair. It was estimated at £15,000-20,000 and was bought by a collector bidding via the internet. Jim Brown, Coin Specialist at Noonans commented, “We are very pleased with today’s result – there was a lot of interest in the coin from both private collectors and institutions who recognised its importance and rarity.”
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The rarity of this medieval coin is due to the fact that it was minted in Carlisle, a town along the English-Scottish border. In the first half of the 12th century it was firmly under English hands, but after 1135 that country was caught up in a civil war between Matilda and her cousin Stephen of Blois. David I of Scotland, seeing an opportunity, invaded northern England in support of Matilda, capturing Carlisle by early 1136. The Treaty of Durham later secured the city for David, who strengthened its castle and made it one of his residences.
Photo courtesy Noonans Mayfair
David I’s rule left a lasting mark on Carlisle, which became a key stronghold. He frequently stayed at Carlisle Castle and died there in 1153. His fortification efforts and the region’s strategic importance were central during this period of unrest.
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The discovery of silver near Carlisle in the 1120s led to the establishment of a mint. Coin production continued under Scottish control, with moneyers Erembald, Udard, and Wilealme striking coins in both Stephen’s and David I’s names. This blending of English and Scottish coinage is when the present coin was likely struck, around 1141-2.
“This is a find of considerable historical and numismatic importance,” added Jim Brown. “It is not really surprising that new varieties of medieval coins turn up from time to time – this is to be expected. What makes this find so different is the unique nature of the design – a complete and totally unexpected departure from the norm.
“The exact occasion of its striking however can only be surmised. It was a tumultuous period of alliances, battles and treaties changing with the ebb and flow of the political and military struggle. In view of the obverse type, it may be to commemorate David’s fortification of his new power base in Cumbria – an issue unparalleled in British medieval numismatics.”
A unique medieval coin from the reign of David I of Scotland (1124-1153) has sold for £32,000 – double its pre-sale estimate.
The coin was auctioned off last week by Noonans Mayfair. It was estimated at £15,000-20,000 and was bought by a collector bidding via the internet. Jim Brown, Coin Specialist at Noonans commented, “We are very pleased with today’s result – there was a lot of interest in the coin from both private collectors and institutions who recognised its importance and rarity.”
The rarity of this medieval coin is due to the fact that it was minted in Carlisle, a town along the English-Scottish border. In the first half of the 12th century it was firmly under English hands, but after 1135 that country was caught up in a civil war between Matilda and her cousin Stephen of Blois. David I of Scotland, seeing an opportunity, invaded northern England in support of Matilda, capturing Carlisle by early 1136. The Treaty of Durham later secured the city for David, who strengthened its castle and made it one of his residences.
David I’s rule left a lasting mark on Carlisle, which became a key stronghold. He frequently stayed at Carlisle Castle and died there in 1153. His fortification efforts and the region’s strategic importance were central during this period of unrest.
The discovery of silver near Carlisle in the 1120s led to the establishment of a mint. Coin production continued under Scottish control, with moneyers Erembald, Udard, and Wilealme striking coins in both Stephen’s and David I’s names. This blending of English and Scottish coinage is when the present coin was likely struck, around 1141-2.
“This is a find of considerable historical and numismatic importance,” added Jim Brown. “It is not really surprising that new varieties of medieval coins turn up from time to time – this is to be expected. What makes this find so different is the unique nature of the design – a complete and totally unexpected departure from the norm.
“The exact occasion of its striking however can only be surmised. It was a tumultuous period of alliances, battles and treaties changing with the ebb and flow of the political and military struggle. In view of the obverse type, it may be to commemorate David’s fortification of his new power base in Cumbria – an issue unparalleled in British medieval numismatics.”
Top Image: Photo courtesy Noonans Mayfair
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