25-04-2025
Historic 300-year-old silver coin found in Midlothian
The coin, a James II shilling, was found in a field in Roslin by Jaroslaw Musialkowski and dates back to 1690.
According to Musialkowski, who is a history enthusiast, the coin could have been issued as payment for the war in Ireland, also known as the Williamite War, and could be exchanged for silver.
READ MORE: Historic ruling paves way for first forced private land sale to community in Scotland
Musialkowski, originally from Poland but who now lives in Scotland, was presented with a certificate from Treasure Trove verifying his find from the Bronze Age.
(Image: Jaroslaw Musialkowski)
The amateur historian is no stranger to unearthing historical artefacts, as he found a haul of silver coins buried on the site of the Battle of Roslin back in 2019.
The coins were discovered hidden beneath a tree and were believed to be in connection with the 1303 battle, and may have been payment for mercenaries fighting in the First War of Scottish Independence.
Returning to Roslin, Musialkowski said his find was 'not a common coin nor scarce one, but still a truly amazing find".
He added: 'Most people don't even realise, but Roslin is an outstanding place.
'There are treasures hidden and lost, from the English army wages in 1303 worth today in the region of eight to nine digits in cash for completing The Rosslyn Chapel.'
(Image: Jaroslaw Musialkowski)
Rosslyn Chapel, also known as the Collegiate Chapel of Saint Matthew, was built in the 15th century and is located in the village.
The chapel was founded by William Sinclair, the first Earl of Caithness, with a ground-breaking ceremony in 1456.
The Sinclair family were a vastly wealthy and influential family in Scotland during the medieval period, and there have been several archaeological findings in Roslin linked to the family, including pottery, silver coins and skeletal remains.
