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Spur ryal facts for kids

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The Spur Ryal was a very rare gold coin from England. It was made when King James I was in charge. This coin was an improved version of an older coin called the Rose Noble, or Ryal.

When Kings Edward IV and Henry VII made the Rose Noble, it was worth ten shillings. Later, Queens Mary and Elizabeth I made it worth fifteen shillings.

What Was the Spur Ryal?

The Spur Ryal got its name because the sun and rose design on its back looked like a riding spur. King James I first introduced this coin during his second period of making coins (from 1604 to 1619).

How Much Was It Worth?

At first, the Spur Ryal was worth fifteen shillings (15/-). But in 1612, the value of all gold coins went up by 10%. So, the Spur Ryal became worth sixteen shillings and sixpence (16/6).

What Did the First Spur Ryal Look Like?

The first version of the Spur Ryal had a special design:

  • On the front, it showed King James I in a ship. He was holding a sword and a shield.
  • Around him were the words: IACOBUS DG MAG BRIT FRAN ET HIB REX. This means "James by the grace of God King of Great Britain France and Ireland."
  • On the back, there was a rose over a bright star. There was also a lion and a crown in each corner.
  • The words around the back design were: A. DNO FACTUM EST ISTUD ET EST MIRABILE. This Latin phrase means "This is the Lord's doing and it is marvellous (in our eyes)."

Later Versions of the Spur Ryal

King James I made a new type of Spur Ryal during his third period of making coins (from 1619 to 1625). This new coin was lighter.

What Was the New Value?

The value and weight of this new Spur Ryal were reduced. It was now worth fifteen shillings (15/-) again.

How Did the New Coin Look?

The design of this later Spur Ryal was a bit different:

  • On the front, it showed a lion holding a scepter. The lion was over the royal shield.
  • The number "XV" was on the coin, showing its value of fifteen shillings.
  • The words around the front were: IACOBUS DG MAG BRIT FRA ET HI REX. This also means "James by the grace of God King of Great Britain France and Ireland."
  • The back of the coin was the same as before. It had a rose over a bright star, with a lion and crown in each corner.
  • The words on the back were also the same: A. DNO FACTUM EST ISTUD ET EST MIRABILE.
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