Laurel: James I (obverse); Shield of Arms (Cleveland Museum of Art 1969.191)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1619–1620
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." Cleveland Museum of Art object 1969.191: Laurel: James I (obverse); Shield of Arms (reverse), 1619–1620. England, James I, 1603-1625. Gold; diameter: 3.7 cm (1 7/16 in.). Inscribed: IACOBVS D:G: MAG: BRI: FRA:ET HIB: REX, XX (James by the Grace of God King of Great Britain, France and Ireland.
20 (shillings)); FACIAM EOS IN. GENTEM. UNAM (I will make them one nation). Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 3
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The king is shown dressed as a Roman Emperor wearing armor.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- gold
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 3.7 cm (1 7/16 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 3.7 cm (1 7/16 in.)
- Material and technique
- gold
Design
- Inscriptions
- IACOBVS D:G: MAG: BRI: FRA:ET HIB: REX, XX (James by the Grace of God King of Great Britain, France and Ireland. 20 (shillings)); FACIAM EOS IN. GENTEM. UNAM (I will make them one nation)
Identification
- Date recorded
- 1619–1620
- Culture period
- England, James I, 1603-1625
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1969.191
- Published references
- Cleveland Museum of Art, and Emery May Norweb. English Gold Coins, Ancient to Modern Times, On Loan to the Cleveland Museum of Art from the Norweb Collection . [Catalog. 1968. p. 50
- Museum classification
- Coins
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider coin type and standard catalogue references against numismatic literature.