Ireland James I Silver Shilling, First Coinage, Bell Mint Mark, 1603-1604

Description

Denomination: Silver shilling

Period: Stuart

Date: 1603–1604

Origin: Tower Mint. London

Condition: Fine. some weak areas. rare

Obverse: Crowned first bust with square cut beard. right. IACOBVS D G ANG SCOT FRA ET HIB REX

Reverse: Crowned harp. legend around. EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI

Size and Weight: 28mm. 4.3g

References: Spink’s C of S I. 6512

Features and Provenance: With the accession of a Scottish monarch a general amnesty was declared after defeat and famine was the general outcome for the Irish. Elizabeth I’s wartime base money was now replaced with a new coinage of ‘fine’ silver from 1603 which was minted in London. James’ aim was for a uniform currency throughout the realm of Great Britain and Ireland.

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