Denomination: Silver halfgroat

Period: Stuart

Date: 1604-1605

Origin: London mint, Lis initial mark

Condition: AVF

Obverse: First crowned bust, right, legend around, denomination behind head

Reverse: Shield of arms with lis above

Size and Weight: 17mm, 1.04g

References: Spink 2649

Features and Provenance: James VI of Scotland became James I of England and Ireland in 1603, after the death of Elizabeth I who died without an heir.

He later styled himself as ‘King of Great Britain’ and came to the joint throne as an experienced king. He had a very sad young life.  James was only eight months when his father, Lord Darnley, was murdered by smothering or strangulation having first survived and explosion.

His mother, Mary Queen of Scots, was forced to abdicate and was imprisoned in England, never to see her son again. James was one when Mary was executed in 1567. As king of Great Britain he was constantly at odds with Parliament and they disagreed with his extravagant lifestyle. There was a plot to blow up Parliament with him inside, but the ‘Gunpowder Plot’ of 1605 was thwarted with the discovery of Guy Fawkes. His coinage contains gold, silver, and for the first time, copper coins in the form of token farthings. He died in 1625.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible

Ebay is a fantastic platform via which to communicate with potential new customers. Trust is always an issue when dealing online and we are fortuitous in that we have our own premises, the Pantiles Arcade in Tunbridge Wells (open Monday to Friday  by appointment only  01892 322 777 ). You are most welcome to visit.

Code  2607305