BRITISH, Stuart. James I, 1603-1625. Unite (Gold, 37 mm, 9.84 g, 4 h), second coinage, fourth bust, London, no date (1607-1609). (coronet)IACOBVS•D.'G.'MAG.'BRIT.'FRA.'ET◦HIB.'REX Crowned and cuirassed half-length figure of James I to right, holding orb in his left hand and scepter in his right over his shoulder. Rev. (coronet)•FACIAM•EOS•IN•GENTEM•UNAM• Crowned coat of arms dividing I-R in fields. Friedberg 234. KM 46. North 2084. SCBC 2619. A well preserved example of the renowned Unite. The usual areas of weakness and light doubling, otherwise, extremely fine.



In the second year of his reign, James I revalued the existing gold Pound and introduced a new coin known as the Unite. The name itself is richly symbolic, reflecting James’s unique position as monarch of three kingdoms - England, Ireland, and Scotland (where he reigned as James VI).

This message of unity is eloquently expressed on the reverse, where the royal arms of England are combined with the Scottish lion and the Irish harp in a single harmonious design. Yet this ambitious issue proved relatively short-lived. By 1619, the Unite was superseded by the lighter Laurel, marking another adjustment in England’s evolving gold coinage.