Coin (obverse), eighth thistle merk, from reign of James VI

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This is the obverse of a silver eighth thistle merk minted at Edinburgh in 1601, during the reign of James VI. The coin was worth one shilling and eight pence Scots.

The obverse has a crowned shield. The Latin inscription translates as: 'James VI, by the Grace of God, King of Scots'.

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: 000-100-053-775-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C3323
• Date: 1601
  1602
  
• Material: Silver; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. [Cross] IACOBVS . 6 . D . G . R . SCOTORVM; crowned shield / Rev. REGEM . IOVA . PROTEGIT . 1601; crowned thistle
  Coin Type: 8th coinage
  Coin, eighth thistle merk
  
• Dimensions: 18.50 x 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 1.5
  
• What: Coin Type: 8th coinage
  Coin, eighth thistle merk
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: James VI
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: James VI silver eighth thistle merk, Edinburgh, 1601
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Richardson (1901), 84 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
• Translations:
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