Description
Denomination: Silver penny
Period: Stuart
Date: 1603-1604
Origin: London mint, Thistle initial mark
Condition: VF+, good clear details to both sides on this scarce coin
Obverse: Crowned bust (1st) of James I, right, mark of denomination behind ‘I,’ legend around thistle mm I D G ROSA SINE SPINA
Reverse: Royal shield of arms (now including Scotland), thistle above, no legend
Size and Weight: 14mm, 0.43g
References: S2650, North 2177
Features and Provenance: James VI of Scotland became James I of England and Ireland in 1603, after the death of Elizabeth I who died without an heir. He later styled himself as ‘King of Great Britain’ and came to the joint throne as an experienced king. He had a very sad young life. James was only eight months when his father, Lord Darnley, was murdered by smothering or strangulation having first survived an explosion. His mother, Mary Queen of Scots, was forced to abdicate and was imprisoned in England, never to see her son again. James was one when Mary was executed in 1567.
As king of Great Britain he was constantly at odds with Parliament and they disagreed with his extravagant lifestyle. There was a plot to blow up Parliament with him inside, but the ‘Gunpowder Plot’ of 1605 was thwarted with the discovery of Guy Fawkes. His coinage contains gold, silver, and for the first time, copper coins in the form of token farthings. He died in 1625.
Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between
Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear
Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear
Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn
Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.