Bawbee

A bawbee was a Scottish sixpence. It was a copper coin issued during the reigns of James V and Mary, Queen of Scots, and later revalued during the reign of James VI. The name "bawbee" is believed to derive from the Edinburgh mintmaster, Alexander Orrok of Sillebawby. The bawbee was significantly debased over time, losing much of its intrinsic value, and eventually ceased to be minted in the 17th century. It came to be associated with small sums of money and poverty.