Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†HARDHEAD, n. A small coin, made of copper or some metal alloy, of Mary and James VI, orig. valued at three halfpence. Now hist.Sc. 1786 A. De Cardonnel Numism. Scotiae Pref. 37:
Of this King [James VI] there are only two [coins]. No. 1 was called the Hardhead. The reverse has two points behind the lion, to denote its value of two pennies.Sc. 1876 R. Cochrane-Patrick Rec. Coinage Scot. Intro. cxxxviii.:
In 1554 the Privy Council authorised a new base coinage to be called “Lions,” now commonly called “Hardheads.”Sc. 1893 Antiquary (March) 105:
Coins found in St Queron's well, 1869 . . . Scottish: James VI, hardheads or bodles.Sc. 1902 A. Lang Hist. Scot. II. 553:
As to coinage, fraudulent “hard heads” were a standing grievance.
