Laurel: James I (obverse); Shield of Arms (reverse)

1619–1620
Diameter: 3.7 cm (1 7/16 in.)
Weight: 9.066 g (0.32 oz.)
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Location: not on view

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Did You Know?

The king is shown dressed as a Roman Emperor wearing armor.

Description

In 1611 the value of all gold coins, which had previously been down-rated, was now raised by ten percent. Previously the gold coins had circulated at inconvenient fractional values, such as 33 shilling; 16 shillings and 6 pence; 4 shillings and 4 pence three farthings; and so forth. To obviate this a new unit of 20 shillings value was introduced, of which this is a specimen. Showing the king wearing a laurel wreath, it quickly became known as a "Laurel."
Laurel: James I (obverse); Shield of Arms (reverse)

Laurel: James I (obverse); Shield of Arms (reverse)

1619–1620

England, James I, 1603-1625

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