Coin (Reverse), hardhead, from reign of James VI

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This is the reverse of a hardhead minted at Edinburgh between 1588 and 1590, during the reign of James VI. The coin was made of billon and was worth two pence Scots.

The reverse has a crowned lion rampant with two pellets behind. The pellets indicate the coin's value. The Latin inscription translates as: 'Truth has conquered'.

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: 000-190-000-647-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C4299
• Date: 1588
  Between 1588 and 1590
  
• Material: Billon; both sides slightly off-centre; part of edge ragged; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. [* .] IACOB' . 6 . D . G . R . SCO [' .]; initial mark is quatrefoil; crowned IR / Rev. * . VINCIT . VERITAS .; initial mark is quatrefoil; crowned lion rampant
  Coin Type: 2nd issue
  Coin, hardhead
  
• Dimensions: 19.50 x 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 6.0
  
• What: Coin Type: 2nd issue
  Coin, hardhead
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Advocates' Collection
  James VI
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: James VI billon hardhead, Edinburgh, November 1588
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
• Translations:
• Related Records: