1 Shilling - James I 2nd issue, 4th bust

James I's coinage was administratively contentious from the start — the king's insistence on projecting a unified British monarchy on his coins created immediate friction with the merchant community, who resisted anything that blurred the legal distinction between English and Scottish currency. The 2nd coinage series, running from 1604, introduced progressive bust modifications as the mint worked through successive die preparations, with the 4th bust distinguished by its sharper, more elongated facial modeling.

Shillings of this type circulated heavily through the period of the Midland Revolt of 1607 and the early Virginia Company ventures — ordinary commercial coin at a moment of considerable political stress.