★ “Toom Tabard” ★

SCOTLAND: John Balliol (1292-1296) AR penny. Berwick, 1.22g, 18mm.
Obv: +JOHANNES DEI GRA; bust in profile with sceptre
Rev: REX SCOTORVM+; long cross pattée with four voided five-point mullets in quarters
SCBC 5071. Scarce.
From TheRed collection.
Estimate: 180

John Balliol (derisively known as “Toom Tabard,” or Empty Coat) was selected to be the Scottish king under the influence of Edward I; when the nobility perceived he was beholden to Edward they took matters out of his hands and forged an alliance with France, ultimately forcing Edward to invade. John was eventually captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London, though later allowed to retire to a private life in France. John’s father founded Balliol College, Oxford.