The numismatic chronicle and journal of the Royal ... - IndianCoins.org

216 NUMISMATIC CHRONICLE.been carried out; and as no diligent search had so far beenmade amongst the public records and those at the mint,Kenyon 1 says, " this first coinage (i.e. of James I) consistedof sovereigns, half-sovereigns, crowns and halfcrowns,all of which have for mint-mark the Scottishthistle.They were made of 'crown ' gold and are all rare."Having supplied the details of the orders andindentures under which these angel gold coins were tobe struck, we will now see if we have any further evidenceof their actual issue, for it is only the smallest of thethree denominations which is at present known to us.for theOmitting all reference to the silver moneyin as few wordssake of brevity, itmay help if I giveas possible the chief events relating to the gold currencysubsequent to the indentures of May 21, 1603, appointingSir Kichard Martin and his son master and workerat the Mint, down to June, 1605.June 7, 1603. Trial of the pyx in the Star Chamberof Elizabethan gold coins with m.m. 2, comprisingangels, halves, and quarters in fine standard, and twentyshillings, ten shillings, five shillings and half-crowns inthe crown standard (22 carats).March 13, 1604. The King and Queen shortly aftertheir coronation visited the Mint and struck coins fordistribution.May 22, 1604. Trial of the pyx, comprising goldcoins in the crown standard only of the fourdenominations, with the mint-mark thistle, weighing33J sovereigns to the pound.October 20, 1604. James assumes the title of King ofGreat Britain, &c.1Gold Coins of England, p. 135.