Unicorn (coin)
The unicorn was a
royal coat of arms of Scotland
.
Use as a gift for foreigners
According to the British Museum, it became the coin favoured by Scottish kings when making gifts to foreigners, as in 1503 when James IV gave 100 unicorns to Lord Dacre, the English ambassador.
Half-unicorn
A half-unicorn (lower left in photo) was introduced with a value of 9 shillings during the reign of James IV. It also rose in value due to gold prices under James V, first to 10, and then 11 shillings.
Replacement
The unicorn was replaced during the reign of James V with the gold crown, or Abbey crown, which had a value of 20 shillings.
References
- ^ Gold unicorn of James III, king of Scotland britishmuseum.org (5 December 2010)
- ^ Coinage of Great Britain. Celtic to Decimalisation., Part 12, Scottish Coins Ken Elks (5 July 2003)
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