Gold coin (reverse) showing sword and sceptre

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This is the reverse of a gold half sword and sceptre piece minted at Edinburgh in 1601, during the reign of James VI. The coin was worth 60 shillings Scots.

The reverse has a crossed sword and sceptre with a crown above, thistles at the sides and the date, 1601, below. The Latin inscription translates as: 'Safety of the people is the supreme law'.

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: 000-190-000-018-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1911.506.1185
• Date: 1601
  
• Material: Gold; very slight wear. Inscription: Obv.: Rosette . IACOBVS . 6 . D . G . R . SCOTORVM .; crowned shield of arms. Rev.: Rosette . SALVS . POPVLI . SVPREMA . LEX . ; crossed sword and sceptre; crown above; thistle-head to either side; . 1601 . below
  Coin Type: Eighth coinage
  Coin, half sword and sceptre piece
  
• Dimensions: Diameter 22.00 x 21.50 mm; weight 2.52 g; die axis 11.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Eighth coinage
  Coin, half sword and sceptre piece
  
• Subject: Coins and currency
  
• Who: Bain collection (1901 sale, lot 55)
  James VI (King)
  
• Where: Scotland
  Scotland, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: James VI gold half sword and sceptre piece, Scotland, minted in Edinburgh, 1601
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Stewart, Ian Halley. The Scottish coinage: with supplement. London: Spink & Son, 1967
• Translations:
• Related Records: