1603-1625 James I Gold Quarter Laurel

James I Gold Quarter Laurel (1603–1625)

A Rare and Regal Gold Coin from the First Stuart King of England

The Gold Quarter Laurel is a scarce and historically rich coin from the reign of James I of England (1603–1625), the first monarch of the House of Stuart and the first to rule both England and Scotland as a unified crown. Struck in 22-carat crown gold, the quarter laurel represents the smallest denomination in James I’s laurel series—a symbol of monarchical continuity, unity, and legitimacy during a period of dynastic change.

🔹 Historical Background

After the death of Elizabeth I in 1603, James VI of Scotland ascended to the English throne as James I, uniting the crowns and marking the beginning of a new royal dynasty. His reign was a time of religious tension, court intrigue, and exploration, but also of coinage reform. In 1619, James replaced the earlier sovereign and unite gold coins with a new series: the laurel, half laurel, and quarter laurel—named for the laurel-wreath portrait featured on the obverse.

The quarter laurel, valued at five shillings (¼ of a pound), was the smallest and least common of the series. Its limited issue and small size make surviving examples particularly rare and collectible today.

🔸 Design Features

Obverse

• Features a laureate bust of King James I facing left, in Roman style, emphasizing classical themes of virtue and imperial authority.

• Legend:
  “IACOBUS D G MAG BRI FRA ET HIB REX”
  (James, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland)

• This was one of the first English coins to proclaim "King of Great Britain", symbolizing the union of crowns.

Reverse

• Displays the royal shield of arms, quartered with the fleurs-de-lis of France, lions of England, Scottish lion rampant, and Irish harp.

• Surrounded by the motto:
  “HENRIC ROSAS REGNA IACOBUS”
  (Henry united the roses, James the kingdoms)

• A poetic reference to the Tudor-Stuart union and dynastic harmony.

🔹 Specifications

• Denomination: Quarter Laurel

• Value: 5 Shillings (¼ Pound)

• Monarch: James I (1603–1625)

• Metal: Crown Gold (22-carat)

• Weight: Approx. 2.2–2.3 grams

• Diameter: ~16–17 mm

• Strike: Hammered

• Mint: Tower Mint, London

🔸 Collectability 

• Rarity: The quarter laurel was struck for only a brief period (c.1619–1625), in smaller quantities than the full or half laurels. Many examples were melted or lost, and few survive in high-grade condition.

• Desirability: Collectors value the coin for its elegant design, compact gold format, and its association with the first king of both England and Scotland.

🏛️ Conclusion

The James I Gold Quarter Laurel is a true jewel of early Stuart numismatics—a coin that encapsulates royal ambition, classical influence, and the unity of crowns in one compact and beautifully struck piece of gold. It is a rare and refined addition to any collection of Tudor-Stuart or early British gold coinage.