© Stacks Bowers
© Stacks Bowers
1 Sovereign - James I 1st coinage; 2nd bust ND
| Gold (.979) | 11.15 g | - |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | James I (1603-1625) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1603-1604 |
| Value | 1 Sovereign |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Gold (.979) |
| Weight | 11.15 g |
| Shape | Round |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#300715 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Crowned quartered shield dividing monogram.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
EXVRGAT·DEVS·DISSIPENTVR·INIMICI·
I R
Translation: Let God arise and His enemies be scattered
Comment
House of Stuart (1603-49), James I (1603-25), First coinage (1603-04).The sovereign, valued at 20 shillings, was first issued by Henry VII in 1489 and was so called because the obverse shows the King enthroned in splendour. Fluctuations in weight and value took place during the course of the 16th century, ending with a scarcer 30 shilling sovereign minted to circulate alongside the 20 shilling pound in Elizabeth's reign. This scarce Jacobean sovereign reverted back to 20 shilling value before it was replaced by the unite in 1604.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 1 Sovereign - James I (1st coinage; 2nd bust) ND (1603-1604) coin is that it features a unique design element known as a "bust" of King James I. The bust is a portrait of the king that appears on the obverse (front) side of the coin, and it was created by the English engraver and artist, Thomas Simon. The bust is notable for its level of detail and realism, and it is considered a rare and valuable feature among coin collectors.
