Coin (obverse), quarter thistle merk, from reign of James VI

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This is the obverse of a silver quarter thistle merk minted at Edinburgh in 1602, during the reign of James VI. The coin was worth three shillings and four pence Scots.

The obverse has a crowned shield. The Latin inscription translates as: 'James VI, 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

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• Online ID: 000-100-053-773-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C3321
• Date: 1602
  
• Material: Silver; rather angular flan, slightly uneven striking; generally moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Cross IACOBVS . 6 . D . G . R . SCOTORVM; crowned shield / Rev. REGEM . IOVA . PROTEGIT . 1602; crowned thistle
  Coin Type: 8th coinage
  Coin, quarter thistle merk
  
• Dimensions: 21.50 x 21.00 mm D / Die Axis: 3.0
  
• What: Coin Type: 8th coinage
  Coin, quarter thistle merk
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Ardmaddy Castle Hoard, 1955
  James VI
  
• Where: Scotland, Argyll, Kilbrandon, Ardmaddy Castle
  Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: James VI silver quarter thistle merk, Edinburgh, 1602
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
• Translations:
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