![Postcard of Coin (obverse), unicorn, from reign of James IV.](/database/media.php?file=postcard/image/0098/00984330.jpg&PHPSESSID=7u15be3k18pgcnl4d9krup2jt6) 000-100-050-559-C © National Museums Scotland |
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Coin (obverse), unicorn, from reign of James IV
This is the obverse of a gold unicorn minted at Edinburgh between around 1488 and 1505, during the reign of James IV. The coin was worth 18 shillings Scots.
The obverse bears a unicorn with a shield. The Latin inscription translates as: 'James, by the Grace of God'.
James IV's coins were mainly continuations of the types issued during the previous reign. Those stylistic changes that did occur were largely backward-looking. No attempt was made to follow James III's example of using a realistic portrait.
Record details
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Online ID: |
000-100-050-559-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland H.C107 |
Date: |
1488 - 1505 Between around 1488 and 1505
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Material: |
Gold; fairly worn. Inscription: Obv. Lis IACOBVS : DEI : GRACIA : REX : SCOTORVM : :; stops are double six-pointed stars, last one probably double struck; unicorn to left, supporting shield of arms; crown around neck; chain and ring below / Rev. Lis EXVR
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Dimensions: |
25.00 mm D / Die Axis: 9.0
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What: |
Coin Type: Stewart I (James III), Murray Z (Ie) Coin, unicorn
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Subject: |
Queen Street Coin Collection
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Who: |
James IV
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Where: |
Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
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Event: |
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Description: |
James IV gold unicorn, Edinburgh, 1488 - 1505
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References: |
- 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995
- Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967
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Translations: |
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