Coin (reverse), merk, from reign of James VI

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This is the reverse of a silver merk minted at Edinburgh in 1580, during the reign of James VI. The coin was worth 13 shillings and four pence Scots.

The reverse has a thistle. The Latin inscription translates as: 'No one shall hurt me with impunity' and is followed by the date, 1580.

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: 000-100-050-908-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C456
• Date: 1580
  
• Material: Silver: small flan crack at 11.5 (obverse); fairly worn. Inscription: Obv. Cross . IACOBVS . 6 . DEI . G . REX . SCOTORVM .; crowned shield / Rev. Crown . NEMO . ME . IMPVNE . LACESSET . 1580 .; thistle; I to left; R to right
  Coin Type: 2nd coinage
  Coin, merk
  
• Dimensions: 30.00 x 29.00 mm D / Die Axis: 7.5
  
• What: Coin Type: 2nd coinage
  Coin, merk
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: James VI
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: James VI silver merk, Edinburgh, 1580
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
• Translations:
• Related Records: