James II shilling coin dating back to 1690 found in a field in Roslin

The coin, a James II shilling, was found in a field in Roslin by Jaroslaw Musialkowski and dates back to 1690.

A coin, identified as a James II shilling and dating back to 1690, was recently discovered in a field in Roslin by Jaroslaw Musialkowski, an avid history enthusiast.

According to Musialkowski, who is originally from Poland but now calls Scotland home, 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 at the time.

To confirm his discovery, Musialkowski was presented with a certificate from Treasure Trove, verifying the coin's status as a Bronze Age artefact.

This isn't Musialkowski's first brush with historical finds. Back in 2019, he unearthed a haul of silver coins buried on the site of the Battle of Roslin, which took place in 1303.

The coins were discovered in a small hole, hidden beneath a tree on the edge of a small clearing. The coins are 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 described his latest find as "not a common coin nor scarce one, but still a truly amazing find". He noted that while the coin isn't particularly rare or valuable, it's a significant discovery nonetheless.

"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," Musialkowski added.

Located in the village of Roslin, the chapel was founded by William Sinclair, the first Earl of Caithness, with a groundbreaking ceremony in 1456. The chapel was later completed by his son, Oliver.

The Sinclair family was a massively 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.