Laurel

The Laurel takes its name from the laurel-wreathed portrait of James I that appears on its obverse, a deliberate evocation of Roman imperial coinage meant to project regal authority and classical learning. It replaced the Unite in 1619 as the main twenty-shilling gold coin of the reign.

Collectors are drawn to the Laurel for its striking classical-style portraiture, a notable departure from the crowned busts typical of earlier English gold coins, and for its position as one of the last major gold denominations issued before the political upheavals of the mid-17th century.

James I introduced the Laurel in 1619 as a redesign of the twenty-shilling gold coin, replacing the Unite. The change reflected both a reduction in the coin's weight, following adjustments to the official gold-to-silver ratio, and a stylistic shift toward a more overtly classical, imperial image of kingship.

Production of Laurels continued briefly into the reign of Charles I following James's death in 1625, before further currency reforms and, eventually, the outbreak of civil war changed the shape of English gold coinage. The Laurel therefore bridges the end of James I's reign and the opening years of his son's rule.

The obverse depicts a left-facing, laureate bust of the king, wearing a wreath in the Roman imperial manner rather than a crown, with a Latin legend giving his royal titles. The reverse shows a crowned quartered shield of the royal arms, with a legend often referencing divine favor or royal authority.

The laureate bust is the single most distinctive identifying feature, sharply differentiating the Laurel from the crowned-bust Unite that preceded it. Mint marks in the legend, along with subtle differences in the bust and shield details, allow specialists to attribute specific issues within the Laurel's run.

Laurels are scarce, desirable gold coins whose value is driven by their historic classical portraiture, gold content, and generally limited surviving population in top condition. Well-struck examples with a clear, sharp laureate bust are especially prized by collectors of Stuart gold.

Prices for authenticated Laurels typically start in the low thousands of dollars and rise substantially for pieces in superior condition or with notable die varieties, reflecting their status as a relatively short-lived but historically important type.