Coin (Reverse), two shilling piece, from reign of James VI

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This is the reverse of a silver two shilling piece minted at Edinburgh in 1581, during the reign of James VI.

The reverse has a crowned leaved thistle flanked by the letters 'IR' (for Iacobus Rex [King James]). The Latin inscription translates as: 'No one shall hurt me with impunity' and is followed by the date, 1581.

The coins of James VI's reign are considered to have the most beautiful designs and most varied legends of all Scottish coins. After the Union of the Crowns of 1603, Scottish gold and silver coins closely resembled their English counterparts.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-486-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C17891
• Date: 1581
  
• Material: Silver; edge damaged at 5.0 - 7.0 (obverse); crack at 1.5; slight double-striking; slight to moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Cross IACOBVS . 6 . DEI . G . REX . SCOTORVM .; crowned shield of arms / Rev. Crown . NEMO . ME . IMPVNE . LACESSET . 1581; crown
  Coin Type: 3rd coinage
  Coin, two shilling piece
  
• Dimensions: 20.50 x 20.00 mm D / Die Axis: 4.0
  
• What: Coin Type: 3rd coinage
  Coin, two shilling piece
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Coats Collection
  James VI
  Kermack Ford Collection
  Weir Collection
  
• Where: Scotland
  Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver two shilling piece of James VI, Edinburgh, 1581
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
• Translations:
• Related Records: