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

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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: 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
  Coin Type: Stewart I (James III), Murray Z (Ie)
  Coin, unicorn
  
• 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:
• Related Records: