![Postcard of Coin (obverse), half-unicorn, from reign of James IV.](/database/media.php?file=postcard/image/0098/00984337.jpg&PHPSESSID=b9141s4dmjlbsc02klovgr3vj4) 000-100-084-260-C © National Museums Scotland |
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Coin (obverse), half-unicorn, from reign of James IV
This is the obverse of a gold half-unicorn minted at Edinburgh between 1488 and 1505, during the reign of James IV. The coin was worth nine shillings Scots.
The obverse bears a unicorn holding a shield of arms. The Latin inscription translates as: 'James, by the Grace of God, King of Scots'.
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: |
000-100-084-260-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland A.1911.506.1116 |
Date: |
1488 - 1505 Between 1488 and 1505
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Material: |
Gold; slight wear. Inscription: Obv.: . IACOBVS : DEI : GRACIA : REX . SCT .; stops are single and double V-shaped ornaments; unicorn to left, holding shield of arms. Rev.: Lis EXVRGAT . D . S . ET . DISIPEnTVR In; stops are V-shaped ornaments; final n d
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Dimensions: |
Diameter 21.00 x 20.50 mm; weight 1.91 g; die axis 7.0
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What: |
Coin Type: Stewart Ia; Murray q (Id); cf Burns 1, fig 660 Coin, half-unicorn
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Subject: |
Coins and currency
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Who: |
James IV (King) Pollexfen collection (1900 sale, lot 309)
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Where: |
Scotland Scotland, Edinburgh
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Event: |
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Description: |
James IV gold half unicorn, Scotland, minted in 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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