Robert II (1371-1390), Groat, Perth, mm. cross pattée, large head similar to intermediate bust of David II, no star on sceptre handle, tressure of six arcs, nothing in spandrels, reads seotorvm, 3.99g/5h (SCBI 35, 476; cf. B 14, fig. 335; cf. S 5136). Some faint hairline scratches and rather weak in centres, otherwise nearly very fine, toned, very rare £250-300

Provenance: Bt Spink January 1981.

A rare and anomalous issue which is difficult to place in the chronology of the reign. Most specimens are well struck on large round flans but all lack the star on the sceptre handle which signified the weight reduction of 1366/7. The Ashmolean specimen at 4.02g and the present one at 3.99g are at the top of the normal weight range for Robert II Groats; the Davidson specimen (DNW 60, lot 372) weighed 3.53g although still struck on a full flan