Coin (Obverse), saltire plack, from reign of James VI

This is the obverse of a saltire plack minted at Edinburgh in 1594, during the reign of James VI. The coin was made of billon and was worth four pence Scots.

The obverse bears a leaved thistle superimposed on two sceptres in a saltire. The Latin inscription translates as: 'James, 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

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID:	000-100-053-804-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland H.C3352
Date:	1594
Material:	Billon; both sides slightly off-centre, bent, part of edge ragged, some flattening; fairly worn. Inscription: Obv. * . IACOB [' .] D . G . R [.] SCO' .; initial mark is a quatrefoil; leaved thistle over two sceptres in a saltire / Rev. * . OPPID' . EDIN [
Dimensions:	20.50 x 22.00 mm D / Die Axis: 6.0
What:	Coin, saltire plack
Subject:	Queen Street Coin Collection
Who:	James VI
Where:	Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
Event:
Description:	James VI billon saltire plack, Edinburgh, 1594
References:	'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 Richardson (1901), 121 Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967
Translations:
Related Records:

< 1 of 1 > Back