Description:
English silver shilling, 1603-4
Diameter 33mm
The obverse features the diademed bust of James I facing right. The number 'XII' is to the left of the bust signifying that 12 pence is equal to one shilling. The legend around the outside reads 'JACOBUS I D:G: MAG.BRIT.FRA.ET.HIB.REX', Latin, abbreviated meaning 'James I By the Grace of God King of Great Britain, France and Ireland'. The reverse features a shield divided into four parts within a central beaded ring. The first and fourth quarters bear the three lions of England combined with the fleur-de-lys of France. The second quarter bears the single lion rampant of Scotland and the third bears the harp of Ireland. The legend around the outside, though barely legible on this example, reads 'QUAE DEUS CONJUNXIT NEMO SEPARET' Latin for 'What God has joined together let no man put asunder'.