© Spink and Son
© Spink and Son
Balance ½ Merk - James VI 6th Coinage
| Silver (.875) | 4.62 g | 28 mm |
| Issuer | Scotland (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | James VI (1567-1625) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1591-1593 |
| Value | ½ Merk (⅓) |
| Currency | Pound Scots (1136-1707) |
| Composition | Silver (.875) |
| Weight | 4.62 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#107691 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Balance scales and sword.
Script: Latin
Lettering: · HIS · DIFFERT · REGE · TYRANNVS ·
Translation: In these a tyrant differs from a king
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Balance ½ Merk coin is that it was issued during a time of economic turmoil in Scotland. The coin was introduced as part of a new coinage system implemented by King James VI in 1591, which aimed to address the country's financial problems by reducing the weight and purity of the coinage. Despite these efforts, the coin still faced opposition from the Scottish Parliament, who argued that it was not worth its face value. This controversy surrounding the coin's value and the economic climate of the time makes it an interesting piece of history.
