Lot 2280
Great Britain. Unite, ND NGC MS62. S.2620; Fr-234. James I, 1603-1625. Second coinage, 5th bust. Mint mark plain cross. Obverse, half-length bust of king with longer hair in armour, right, holding sword and sceptre. Reverse, crowned square garnished shield with I R (Iacobus Rex) at sides. Legend reads: FACIAM EOS IN GENTEM UNAM (I will make them one nation: Ezekiel, 37,22) A well-produced coin on a large round flan/planchet with an outstanding portrait. Some evidence of double striking, as is often the case with this issue, but the lettering is crisp and clear and the eye appeal undeniable. NGC graded MS-62.
* This coin was made in the period 1618-1619, and in 1619 the Unite was replaced by a new lighter 20 shilling gold coin - the Laurel.
James I had been King of Scotland since July 1567 (when he was 11 months old) and King of England from 1603. Indeed, he could not remember a time when he was not King! It is hardly surprising therefore that he had a high opinion of himself.
James said of the monarchy: 'The state of monarchy is the supremest thing upon earth, for kings are not only God's lieutenants on earth and sit upon God's throne, but even by God himself they are called gods. …I conclude then this point touching the power of kings with this axiom of divinity, that as to dispute what God may do is blasphemy…so it is sedition in subjects to dispute what a king may do in the height of his power.' These comments serve to explain how James and his son Charles I could never see beyond the 'Divine Rights' of the monarch, and demonstrate how the confrontation with the forces of parliament became almost inevitable. Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500
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| Realized $5,170 |
