diff --git a/core/src/main/java/com/google/bitcoin/core/TransactionInput.java b/core/src/main/java/com/google/bitcoin/core/TransactionInput.java
index 8a7a04f9..5ad9ed44 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/com/google/bitcoin/core/TransactionInput.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/com/google/bitcoin/core/TransactionInput.java
@@ -170,7 +170,8 @@ public class TransactionInput extends ChildMessage implements Serializable {
      */
     public Address getFromAddress() throws ScriptException {
         if (isCoinBase()) {
-            throw new ScriptException("coinbase transaction");
+            throw new ScriptException(
+                    "This is a coinbase transaction which generates new coins. It does not have a from address.");
         }
         return getScriptSig().getFromAddress();
     }