Irish Coinage
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Detail Image

© 2001 - Copyright
John _ Stafford-Langan
Version 1.08a
20 Jan 2001

This coin is an Irish sixpence of James I minted between 1603 and 1604.

The legends are clear with no blundering and read:
(obverse) IACOBVS DG ANG SCO FRA ET HIB REX
(reverse) TVEATVR VNITA DEVS

Which translate/expand as
(obverse) James by the grace of God King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland
(reverse) God protect the Union

This coin is an example of James' first Irish issue of sixpences. The mintmark is a bell on both sides.

The bell mintmark dates this coin to 1603 or early 1604 - the mintmark typically changed with the new year (then in March) but viable dies were normally used until worn or broken.

The coin is in Very Fine (VF) condition. It has an area of double striking on the upper left of the reverse and the portrait is not particularly well struck up, both common problems on coins of this type. Despite these faults it is a reasonable example of the coinage and specimens which are as full as this with clear legends are not common. Specimens better than this example are difficult to find.

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