Scotland 1249-86 Alexander III Silver Sterling almost Very Fine-Very Fine

This is your chance to own a superior grade coin of legendary medieval Scottish king, Alexander III – grandson of King William I, son-in-law of England’s King Henry III and rival & ally of England’s King Edward I.

Alexander’s long reign was generally peaceful, as the monarch was both wise and determined to protect his people. He was a controversial figure, however, and it was recorded that, after his wife died in 1275, “he used never to forbear on account of season nor storm, nor for perils of flood or rocky cliffs, but would visit none too creditably nuns or matrons, virgins or widows as the fancy seized him.” Alexander’s death tends to bear out the chronicler’s description.

On the eve of the birthday of his second wife, Yolande de Dreux, Alexander spent the night celebrating. Having consumed much alcohol, he rode from Edinburgh to visit his new queen. On a dark and stormy night, Alexander’s horse lost its footing, and plunged off a cliff, with the king breaking his neck. His death led to extreme instability in Scotland, and ultimately war with England.Although Alexander ruled Scotland for nearly 37 years, coinage from his reign is still scarce in the upper echelons of quality. Bearing a strong, stylised portrait of the king, the few coins available are in better-than-usually-seen aVF to VF.