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Coin (obverse), unicorn, from reign of James IV

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Postcard of Coin (obverse), unicorn, from reign of James IV.
000-100-050-559-C
© National Museums Scotland

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.


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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
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
Dimensions: 25.00 mm D / Die Axis: 9.0
What: Coin Type: Stewart I (James III), Murray Z (Ie)
Coin, unicorn
Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
Who: James IV
Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
Event:
Description: James IV gold unicorn, Edinburgh, 1488 - 1505
References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
Translations:
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