1619 Gold Laurel – James I (MM Spur Rowel)

The 1619 Gold Laurel - James I (MM Spur Rowel)

The first version of the Laurel. Laurels were only minted during the reign of King James I.

When James VI of Scotland became James I of England and began to create a united kingdom, he introduced a gold coin known as the 'Unite'. In 1619 it was decided to replace the Unite with a lighter coin known as the 'Laurel', which was minted in 22 carat 'Crown' gold. The Laurel was still valued at 20 shillings (one Pound). The half-laurel and quarter-laurel were also made.

There are five main versions of the Laurel and the coin does not display a date. This particular coin carries the mint mark of a Spur Rowel (it looks like a six-sided star with a hole in the middle) and that indicates the first coinage struck between 20 August 1619 and 31 March 1620.

Compare with the 1620 Gold Laurel - James I (MM Rose).

The Obverse shows the first bust of King James I which is described as a large laureated bust. The 'XX' to the right is a mark of value (20 shillings). The King faces left on this coin but he faces right on some of his other coins.

The Reverse shows a crowned quartered shield.

This coin is graded as Very Fine and is expensive (probably £4,000+).

Image credit: The Royal Mint

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