English and Scottish Shillings - One Lion or Three?

The difference in the number of lions on the Scottish shilling and the English shilling is due to the distinct heraldic traditions of Scotland and England.

English Shilling – Three Lions

The English shilling features three lions passant guardant, which originate from the Royal Arms of England. These lions have been a symbol of English monarchy since the reign of Richard I (1189–1199), also known as Richard the Lionheart. The three lions represent England's strength, courage, and royal lineage. This design was used on English coinage to reinforce England’s national identity and royal authority.

Scottish Shilling – One Lion

The Scottish shilling, on the other hand, features a single rampant lion, taken from the Royal Arms of Scotland. This red lion rampant on a yellow background (the Lion Rampant of Scotland) has been a symbol of Scottish royalty since the time of King William I (1165–1214). Unlike the English lions, which are shown walking, the Scottish lion is depicted standing on its hind legs (rampant), symbolizing Scotland’s fierceness and independence.

Historical Context

• Prior to the Acts of Union in 1707, Scotland and England were separate kingdoms, each with its own coinage system. The distinct designs reflected their individual heraldic traditions.
• Even after the Union, Scottish coinage continued to incorporate traditional symbols to maintain a sense of Scottish identity.
• The difference in the number of lions reflects the fact that England and Scotland were separate entities with their own heraldry and royal symbols, despite being ruled by the same monarch after the Union of the Crowns in 1603 under James VI & I.

In summary, the three lions on the English shilling come from England’s royal coat of arms, while the single rampant lion on the Scottish shilling is a direct representation of Scotland’s royal heritage.

At Prenoa, we meticulously source authentic Scottish and English shillings, ensuring each piece carries a true piece of history. Every coin is carefully selected and transformed into a timeless heirloom-quality piece of jewellery. Designed to be cherished not only by the wearer but also by future generations, our coin jewellery blends history with elegance, creating a lasting connection to Britain’s rich past. Whether it’s the majestic Lion of Scotland or the iconic Three Lions of England, each pendant is a unique tribute to tradition, crafted to be treasured for years to come.