Bawbee facts for kids
| Bawbee from the reign of Queen Mary | |
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| +MARIA D G REGINA SCOTORV, crowned thistle flanked by M R | (lis)OPPIDVM EDINBVRGI, saltire cross with crown and cinquefoils |
| BI 21 mm, 2.35 g, 12 h.
First issue, minted circa 1542–1558. Mint: Edinburgh |
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A bawbee was a Scottish coin worth sixpence. It was a copper coin that wasn't made of pure metal. Bawbees were first made during the time of James V of Scotland and continued until William II of Scotland.
These coins were first made by hand, using a hammer. But after 1677, they were made using special machines called screw presses.
Contents
What is a Bawbee?
A bawbee was a type of coin used in Scotland for many years. It was worth sixpence in Scottish money. At the time, this was equal to about half of an English penny.
Different Bawbee Coins
Early Bawbees (James V)
The first bawbee coins were made in 1538 by King James V. They were worth sixpence. These coins had his special 'I5' symbol next to a crowned thistle. On the other side, they showed a large saltire (a cross like the one on the Scottish flag) with a crown in the middle.
There were also smaller coins made: a half bawbee and a quarter bawbee.
Bawbees from Mary of Guise and Mary, Queen of Scots
In 1544, Mary of Guise, who was King James V's widow, made bawbees at Stirling Castle. These coins had her 'MR' symbol on one side. On the other side, they showed a special cross from Lorraine, where she was from.
The first bawbees made for Mary, Queen of Scots were created in Edinburgh. These coins featured the cinquefoil symbols of Regent Arran, who was ruling Scotland for young Mary.
Bawbees from King Charles II
Later, King Charles II also had bawbees made. These were copper coins. They had a famous Latin saying on them: Nemo me impune lacessit. This means "No one provokes me with impunity" or "No one attacks me without getting hurt."
This saying is still used today on some one pound coins in the UK. On the bawbee, this motto was written around a crowned thistle and included the date the coin was made. These coins were also worth sixpence Scots, or half an English penny.
Where the Name "Bawbee" Comes From
The name "bawbee" might come from a person called the Laird of Sillebawby. He was in charge of making coins for King James V. He introduced a silver coin that was first worth sixpence Scots, and later three pence Scots. People started calling this coin after his estate, Sillebawby.
Sillebawby was a farm in Fife, Scotland. Its name changed over time, sometimes sounding like "bawbee." Some later names, like Silverbabie, might have come from its connection to the silver coins.
Another idea for the name's origin is from the French words bas billon, which means "debased copper money." However, many people think the story about the Laird of Sillebawby is more likely.
See also
