Coin (reverse), lion, from reign of James II

Add to album

This is the reverse of a gold lion minted at Edinburgh between 1451 and 1460, during the reign of James II. The coin was originally worth six shillings and eight pence Scots, later raised to ten shillings Scots.

The reverse has St Andrew's cross with a crowned fleur-de-lys to either side. The Latin inscription translates as: 'Christ Reigns, Christ Conquers, Christ Commands'.

When the throne passed to James he was only seven years old and his earlier coinages continued those of his father. As in his father's reign, the mint often travelled with James on his tours of royal residences.

Record details

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

• Online ID: 000-190-000-003-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1911.506.1096
• Date: 1451 - 1460
  Between 1451 and 1460
  
• Material: Gold; very slight wear. Inscription: Obv.: Crown IACOBVS DEI GRACIA REX SCOTTORVm; crowned shield of arms; lis to either side. Rev.: Crown X / PC : REGn / AT : XP / CVInCITX / P; double saltire stops; St. Andrew on cross, with hands and feet cutting lege
  Coin Type: Second coinage, second issue, type II
  Coin, lion
  
• Dimensions: Diam. 26.00 x 26.50 mm; weight 3.42 g; die axis 12.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Second coinage, second issue, type II
  Coin, lion
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: James II (King)
  Pollexfen collection (1900 sale, lot 279)
  
• Where: Scotland
  Scotland, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: James II gold lion, Scotland, minted at Edinburgh, 1451-1460
  
• References:
  • 'Currency' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • E. Burns, 'The Coinage of Scotland', No. 2a, fig. 525 
  • Stewart, I.H. 'The Scottish Coinage'. Second Edition. London: Spink & Son, 1967 
• Translations:
• Related Records: