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

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Postcard of Coin (reverse), unicorn, from reign of James IV.
000-190-000-350-C
© National Museums Scotland

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

This is the reverse 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 reverse has a large wavy star superimposed on a cross fleury. The Latin inscription translates as: 'Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered'. The words are taken from Psalm 68.

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: 000-190-000-350-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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