Catalog
| Issuer | England |
|---|---|
| Year | 1619-1620 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1/4 Laurel (1/4) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Gold (.917) |
| Weight | 2.25 g |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Sp#2642, KM#68 |
| Obverse description | Second laureate bust left, denomination behind, legend around NOTE: bust with two loose tie ends |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Crowned shield of arms over long cross, legend around |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1619-1620) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1013404120 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1/4 Laurel, issued 1619-1620, belongs to James I's third coinage, a period of significant monetary reform. Following the Union of Crowns, James sought to solidify his imperial image and address fluctuating gold values. The Laurel, named for its classical bust, replaced earlier denominations, reflecting gold revaluation. This issue falls within James's later reign, marked by financial pressures and royal prerogative. The denomination itself, a quarter of the full Laurel, provided a practical unit for daily commerce within the revalued gold standard.
Artistry: The 1/4 Laurel's design exemplifies early Baroque style, incorporating classical influences to project monarchical authority. The engraving, possibly influenced by Nicholas Briot, brought refined techniques to the Royal Mint. The obverse features a laureate and draped bust of King James I facing left, emulating Roman imperial iconography. This "2nd bust" type is distinctive within the series. The reverse displays a crowned shield of Royal Arms, quartered for England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, set upon a cross fleury, with the motto "FACIAM EOS IN GENTEM UNAM" (I will make them one nation), symbolizing the unified realm.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .917 fine (22 carat) gold, the 1/4 Laurel typically exhibits varying strike quality, common for hammered coinage. Key high-points for wear on the obverse include hair strands, forehead, and laurel wreath. On the reverse, wear is most evident on the crown atop the shield and central cross fleury elements. Due to soft gold and irregular flans, full details on shield quarterings and legends can be weakly struck or off-flan. Strong, crisp strikes with well-defined portrait features and full legends are highly prized, as is minimal evidence of adjustment marks or planchet flaws.