1606-1607 Gold Crown Coin James I mm Escallop

We are very happy to offer this beautiful gold Crown coin of James I in about very fine condition. The coin features the right facing first bust of King James inside an inner beaded circle and Latin inscription. The 'escallop' mintmark above the bust shows that this coin was minted in the Tower Mint in London, from 1606-1607.

After the death of Queen Elizabeth I, James VI of Scotland ascended the English throne as James I, the first Stuart King of England. These coins could possibly have been used to purchase one of the new authorised versions of the Bible, a recently composed manuscript by William Shakespeare, or perhaps to invest in the Virginia Company's new charter to settle North America.

Obverse
James I first bust with escallop, inscription reads 'IACOBUS D G MAG BRI FRA ET H REX' (James by the Grace of God King of Great Britain, France and Ireland).

Reverse
Square royal shield with the combined arms of England and France (1 & 4), Scotland (2), and Ireland (3). The inscription reads 'HENRICUS ROSAS REGNA IACOBUS' (Henry united the roses, James the Kingdoms).