Mints of Scotland

In 1571, the principal officers of the mint were; David Forrest, General; Andrew Henderson, Warden; David Adamson, Counter-Warden; James Mosman, Assayer, and his replacement Thomas Acheson; James Gray, Sinker of the dies or coining irons; John Acheson, Master coiner.

[5] Regent Morton revalued copper or base "black money" coinage, using a countermark of a heart, some at three times its face value, and used this to pay for various building projects for the Crown, including the building of the half-moon battery at Edinburgh Castle.

The countermark was made by the goldsmith James Gray, and can be seen on many placks and hardheads today.

[6] Regent Morton attempted to revive gold mining in Scotland, and in July 1576 a proclamation was issued, forbidding the sale of gold in Scotland except to the Master Coiner, John Acheson.

[7] From 1574 until 1707 the mint in Edinburgh was located on the Cowgate at the foot of South Grays Close, east of Cardinal David Beaton's lodging.