A Scotch billon coin first struck in the reign of James V and dis- continued under William III.

The early varieties, issued at the Edin- burgh or Stirling mints, were of the value of one and one half pence, but in the reign of Charles II the value was raised to sixpence.

The name by some is derived from has piece or has billon; others think it takes its name from Alexander Orrok, Lord of Sillebawbye, who is said to have been the first to strike these coins.

Marston in The Malcontent, 1604 (In- duction), speaks of a wager " that was not worth five bau-bees, " and the coin is also mentioned by Beaumont and Fletcher, in Wit at Severall Weapons ,1647 (v. 2).