Spotlight on the 1613-15 James I Unite Gold Coin > 자유게시판

This rare 1613 James I unite stands as a masterwork of Stuart-era numismatics.

Produced in the years following the Union of the Crowns, when James I sought to forge a single British realm.

It embodies James I’s grand vision of a consolidated British state through standardized coinage.

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

The 1613 issue represents the peak of early unite minting, アンティーク コイン with sharper details and consistent weight.

Made from fine 22-karat gold alloy, with a precise mass of 13.1 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 back showcases a grand heraldic shield displaying the emblems of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, all encircled by the Order of the Garter and topped with a royal crown.

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

Its scarcity in top condition is what elevates it to numismatic legend.

During times of inflation or war, the gold was often reclaimed, reducing the number of surviving specimens dramatically.

Well-preserved examples are sought after by serious collectors for their royal provenance and exquisite craftsmanship.

The iconography was deliberate—combining the symbols of four kingdoms into one coin to legitimize the union.

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

Collectors are drawn to its artistry, its turbulent history, and the solemn authority it embodies.