My Most-Expensive Coin Yet: A King James I Gold Laurel Adventure

I just made a trade that left me absolutely thrilled—landing my new most-expensive coin ever: a breathtaking 1623-24 British gold Laurel from King James I’s reign. This isn’t just gold; it’s history you can hold, minted under the same monarch who gave us the King James Bible. And the best part? I didn’t spend a dime, trading coins I felt lukewarm about for this hand-struck treasure. Let me share why this piece has me grinning like a kid on Christmas morning.

The Trade That Made It Happen

Here’s how the swap worked: I traded a 2003 US gold Eagle (PCGS MS70, solid but impersonal) and an 1895 Puerto Rico peso (PCGS MS61, pretty but not my passion). Together they valued around $4,350. My dealer, Atlas Numismatics, had the Laurel priced at $4,695—so walking away without opening my wallet felt like a victory lap. Before this, my biggest spend was $3,800 on a 1799 Bust dollar, making this Laurel my new record (though I’ll admit my MS66 Saint-Gaudens double eagle technically beats it on paper).

• Trading taught me this: You can seriously upgrade your collection without cash if you offer dealers liquid assets like bullion or hot-ticket coins.
• Stick with PCGS or NGC slabs for trades—that MS70 grade on my Eagle made valuation instant trust.

Getting to Know the King James I Laurel

This coin’s a powerhouse—both in heft and presence. As a hand-hammered piece from the 1600s, it’s gloriously chunky with a portrait that’s stunningly crisp for its age. Holding it connects you to James I’s legacy beyond just the Bible translation. On the front you’ll find his crowned bust with “IACOBVS D’ G’ MAG’ BRIT’ FRA’ ET HIB’ REX” circling him, while the back shows a coat of arms with “EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI” (May God arise and may His enemies be scattered). Minted in London, it spans about 30mm and weighs 6.17g—substantial in every sense.

Finding portraits this sharp in decent shape is tough—that scarcity drives serious collector interest. Mine’s graded, but even raw Laurels can shine if you spot clear legends and minimal wear around the king’s profile.

What’s the Market Telling Us?

Let’s talk numbers. I effectively paid $4,350 in trade, but recent auctions show Laurels holding strong. A full Laurel like mine hammered for $4,000 at Stack’s Bowers this year, while a half version fetched $1,850. Here’s my thought: if budget’s tight, consider smaller denominations—they’re lighter on the wallet but heavy on history.

• Before buying or trading, check auction archives like Stack’s Bowers or Baldwin’s—they’re goldmines for price benchmarks.
• With hammered coins, eye appeal often beats minor flaws. Mine isn’t flawless, but it’s got that “wow” factor that matters more than a perfect grade.

Tips for Building Your Own Collection

If James I coins tempt you, start small. Fellow collectors swear by his shillings or quarter-staters (I chased these for Celtic coins)—they’re more accessible but still pack historical punch. There’s magic in hammered gold: imperfect, human-made, and oozing character. Just be honest about costs—gold content alone sets a minimum price, so save strategically or trade smart.

• Target EF or AU grades for smaller issues—you can often find them under $2,000 without sacrificing quality.
• Expand your horizon to era-adjacent coins like the ‘Sword & Scepter’ pieces collecting buddies rave about—they’re climbing my wishlist too!

Why This Coin Stole My Heart

Confession: hammered gold gets me every time. It’s raw, historical, and whispers stories no modern mint can match. This Laurel isn’t just my priciest coin—it’s become the soul of my collection. Holding it, the details leap out in ways photos never capture, reminding me why I hunted it down. To fellow collectors I say: chase what sets your pulse racing, even if it means parting with “safe” pieces. Numismatics thrives on passion, not just profit—and this James I marvel has mine burning brighter than ever.