4 Shillings - James VI (3rd Coinage) 1581 front 4 Shillings - James VI (3rd Coinage) 1581 back
4 Shillings - James VI (3rd Coinage) 1581 photo
© Trustees of the British Museum

4 Shillings - James VI 3rd Coinage

1581 year
Silver (.916) 2.78 g 26 mm
Description
Issuer
Scotland (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies)
King
James VI (1567-1625)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
1581
Value
4 Shillings (0.2)
Currency
Pound Scots (1136-1707)
Composition
Silver (.916)
Weight
2.78 g
Diameter
26 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-08
References
Numista
N#329617
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Crowned thistle, 'I' to the left and 'R' to the right.

Script: Latin

Lettering: · NEMO · ME · IMPVNE · LACESSET 1581 ·

Translation: No one shall hurt me with impunity

Comment

These coins were withdrawn by the Privy Council in March 1582 (old style: 1581). Very few remain extant as a result of this.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the 4 Shillings - James VI (3rd Coinage) 1581 from Scotland is that it features a unique design element - a thistle, which is a symbol of Scotland, on the reverse side of the coin.