Unite coin of James I (r. 1603–25)
Unknown Artist
1613
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
Diameter: 1 1/2 in. (38 mm.)
Classification
Coins
Culture
British
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Joseph H. Durkee, 1898
Accession Number
99.35.7222
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite gold Unite coin, minted in 1613 during the reign of King James I (r. 1603–1625), captures a pivotal moment in British history. James I, the first Stuart monarch of England and sixth of Scotland, symbolized the Union of the Crowns through his coinage. The Unite, valued at 20 shillings, was a-denomination gold piece introduced early in his rule to stabilize and modernize the currency, reflecting England's growing economic ambitions amid Renaissance influences. Crafted by an unknown artist—likely a skilled mint engraver—the coin's 1 1/2-inch (38 mm) diameter showcases a finely det...