Find Spot record MAB47306 - SHOE LANE, ABERDEEN

Coin hoard of circa 152.4 KG (3 cwt) of billon coins of Queen Mary, all dated 1558 and contained in three bags, found by workmen in 1847.

Coin hoard of circa 152.4 KG (3 cwt) of billon coins of Queen Mary, all dated 1558 and contained in three bags, found by workmen in 1847. A coin hoard was found during the digging of foundations for an extension to Messrs J. Smith and Co, Iron merchants, in May 1847 as reported in the Aberdeen Journal. The hoard of copper coins was recorded to have been found in one canvas bag and two leather bags, and dates to 1558 during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots. The hoard may represent a wealthy family's income over several years. Since the location of the hoard is close to Marischal College and possibly lay within the grounds of the former Franciscan Friary it has been suggested that the friars themselves may have concealed the coins at the time of the Reformation. A more likely explanation is that the hoard was the property of a local counterfeiter or an importer of counterfeit coins, who hid the money to avoid prosecution.

EVANS, DH, 1989, PSAS 119(1988-9) 330-41 (Bibliographic reference). SAB456.

DENNISON, E, 1997, HISTORIC ABERDEEN: THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF DEVELOPMENT. THE SCOTTISH BURGH SURVEY, p. 51 (Bibliographic reference). SAB4057.

Record last edited

Dec 31 2025 9:57AM