Turner: History of the Scottish Two Pence Coin

Illustrated Specimen Details: Turner Coin

Example Specimen: Turner, 1632-1639 (Kingdom of Scotland)

Historical Context: Issued under Ruler Charles I, King of England, Scotland, and Ireland during 1625-1649.

Design Details: The coin bears the Latin inscription CAR D G SCOT ANG FR ET HIB R ("Caroli Dei Gratia Scotiæ, Angliæ, Franciæ et Hiberniaeque Rex" — Charles, by the grace of God, King of Scotland, England, France, and Ireland). It features the royal cipher C II R (Carolus Rex; 2 pence) positioned under an English crown with crosses. Also present is the thistle, a semi-official national symbol of Scotland, surrounded by the Latin motto of the Royal Stuart dynasty: NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT (No one provokes me with impunity).

1. KINGDOM OF SCOTLAND (1632-1679): turner = 2 pence = 1/120 pound.

History and Linguistic Origin of the Turner

About the name of the coin "turner": The name of the turner coin most likely derives from the extremely common French medieval coin, the denier tournois (or "Gros Tournois"). This reflects the strong historical influence of French monetary terminology on medieval and early modern Scottish coinage. Interestingly, the name of the Scottish 2 pence coin evolved in the 17th century from "turner" to, somewhat later, "bodle" (named after a mintmaster with the surname Bothwell).

Monetary System and Economic Role

The turner was a small copper coin denomination of the Kingdom of Scotland during the period of 1632-1679. In the complex pre-union Scottish monetary system, 1 turner equaled 2 pence, or 1/120 pound. Thus, 60 turners made up 1 pound Scots. The coin functioned primarily as an important low-value circulation denomination, serving as everyday petty currency and market small change for ordinary daily transactions in 17th-century Scotland.

Historical Background and Copper Coinage

The turner first appeared during the reign of Charles I of England and continued under later Scottish monarchs. Turners were among the most crucial copper circulation coins of Scotland during a period characterized by silver shortages, monetary instability, and growing commercial activity, all of which increased the demand for small-denomination money. Due to their heavy daily use, surviving specimens are often found significantly worn.

Physical Characteristics and Numismatic Notes

Early turners were typically small, hammered copper coins. Their designs commonly featured crowned thistles, royal monograms, Scottish heraldic symbols, and denomination marks. As minting technology advanced, some later issues became machine-struck. Today, Scottish copper coinage is a vital field within British numismatics. Turners are closely associated with the turbulent Stuart period, and collectors especially value well-preserved examples of Charles I and Charles II issues, as well as rare minting varieties.

Union and Disappearance

Following monetary integration with England and the subsequent political union under the Acts of Union 1707, the independent Scottish monetary system gradually vanished. The turner ceased circulating as unified British currency standards replaced older Scots denominations, marking the end of a unique era that illustrated the blending of Scottish and continental European monetary traditions.