Unicorn (coin)

The unicorn was a gold coin that formed part of Scottish coinage between 1484 and 1525.

It was initially issued in the reign of James III with a value of 18 shillings Scots,[1] but rising gold prices during the reign of James V caused its value to increase first to 20 shillings, and then 22.

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.

A half-unicorn (lower left in photo) was introduced with a value of 9 shillings during the reign of James IV.

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