This elegant bronze medal of James I belongs to Jean Dassier’s celebrated Kings of England series, one of the most important medallic projects of the eighteenth century. Although the medal was made in 1731, it honours James I, the first Stuart king of England, and captures his place in British history with the dignity collectors expect from Dassier’s work.

The obverse shows a bust of James I with the Latin legend IACOBUS. I. D.G. M. BR. FR. ET. HIB. REX., identifying him as King of Great Britain, France and Ireland. The portrait is formal and assured, giving the medal a strong royal presence. For collectors, this is one of the most appealing features of the series, as Dassier’s portraits combine historical interest with a clear and distinctive style.

The reverse presents a tomb with two Genii, one adding the Scottish lion to the arms and the other pointing to a book. This elegant design alludes to two of the most important parts of James’s reign: the union of the crowns of England and Scotland, and his reputation as a learned king and author. The date line below records his birth, coronation and death, making the medal both a portrait and a concise historical summary.

Struck in bronze and measuring 41 mm, the medal has a pleasing size and a strong visual presence. It is part of a series known for its fine precision and thoughtful design, produced under the influence of Queen Caroline and admired for its historical sweep from William I to George II. For collectors, that gives it a special place not only as a James I piece, but as part of one of the great eighteenth-century medal series.

This medal will appeal to collectors of Stuart history, royal portrait medals and the work of Jean Dassier. It offers a direct connection to both the reign of James I and the refined medal-making tradition of eighteenth-century Geneva.