Struck during the reign of James I between 1604 and 1619, this small but historic halfpenny was issued as part of the king’s Second Coinage at the London Mint. It belongs to the earliest years of the united crowns of England and Scotland, when James styled himself king of both realms and sought to bring stability to the nation’s currency. Despite its modest face value, the coin carries powerful symbols of that new royal union.

On one side, a finely detailed Tudor rose fills the flan, its petals neatly contained within a beaded border. This traditional English emblem is crisp and well-formed, making the design immediately recognisable even at such a small size. The opposite side features a thistle, the emblem of Scotland, once again within a clear beaded circle. Together, rose and thistle reflect James I’s ambition to unite the kingdoms under a single monarch, expressed here in simple but elegant form.

This example is offered in good very fine condition, with strong central detail to both rose and thistle. The surfaces show an attractive, even tone that highlights the artistry of the original engraving, while the flan remains well-shaped for the type, with minimal weakness at the edges. For such a diminutive denomination, the quality of survival is especially appealing.

For the collector of early Stuart coinage, this James I halfpenny with rose mint mark offers a direct connection to the everyday money of the early seventeenth century. It captures a pivotal moment in British history, when ideas of union were first expressed in the nation’s coinage. Carefully authenticated, it is a characterful piece that brings together symbolism, history and craftsmanship on a remarkably small scale.