James I’s 1613 Unite: Crowned Gold and the Birth of British Identity > 자유게시판

Among the most coveted gold coins of Jacobean England, the 1613 XV unite captures a pivotal moment in British history.

Struck under the dual monarchy of James VI and I, uniting the crowns of England and Scotland.

The unite was more than money—it was propaganda in gold, designed to assert royal authority across divided realms.

The unite was introduced in 1604 as a replacement for the earlier sovereign.

The 1613 issue represents the peak of early unite minting, with sharper details and consistent weight.

Crafted from nearly pure 22-karat gold, weighing just over 13 grams.

The unite was valued at 20 shillings, making it one of the highest denomination coins in circulation at the time.

On the front, a regal, crowned portrait of James I gazes right, encircled by the Latin legend: "James, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland".

The reverse displays a majestic royal shield bearing the coats of arms of England Scotland France and Ireland, encircled by the Garter and crowned with a royal crown.

The rim bears the inscription "1613 XV," clearly marking the year and value in shillings.

What makes this coin especially notable is its rarity in high grade.

Many examples were melted down over the centuries due to their gold content, especially during periods of economic instability.

Surviving specimens in good condition are prized by collectors for their historical significance and artistry.

The design reflects the ambition of James I to project authority and unity, and the coin serves as a tangible symbol of the early push toward a united British identity.

This coin transcends its role as currency—it is a political manifesto in gold.

Its enduring appeal lies in its craftsmanship, アンティークコイン投資 its story, and the quiet power it carries as a piece of England’s royal legacy.