Primary sourceArtifact1604

Unite Gold Coin of James I

Royal Mint · 1604

A gold coin minted in 1604 bearing James VI and I's image and a Latin motto expressing his hope to unite England and Scotland.

This coin was commissioned under James VI and I to promote his vision of a united England and Scotland.

Ask James I about this source View the original

Photo of a gold coin on a pale grey background. The coin shows a crowned figure facing right in armour with a sword and sceptre, with the inscription IACOBVS D G MAG BRI FRA ET HIB REX around the rim. — Unite coin of James I, 1604. British Museum; Fitzwilliam Museum.

About this source

What it is

This gold coin, called a Unite, was struck by the Royal Mint in 1604 under James VI and I. Examples are held at the British Museum and the Fitzwilliam Museum. It shows the crowned king in armour holding a sword and sceptre, surrounded by his royal titles in Latin.

Why it matters

The coin's inscription, meaning 'I will make them one nation,' advertised James's ambition to unite the crowns of England and Scotland into a single kingdom. Coins like this were a way for monarchs to spread a political message to everyone who used money, making the coin a tool of propaganda as much as currency.

Look closer

Why would a king choose to put a political message on money rather than just his portrait?
What does the imagery of armour, sword and sceptre suggest about how James wanted to be seen?
Did James's plan to unite England and Scotland fully succeed in his lifetime? What does that tell you about the limits of royal propaganda?

This artifact is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of James I on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.