Coins of The Pound Sterling - Mottos

Mottos

In addition to the title, a Latin or French motto might be included, generally on the reverse side of the coin. These varied between denominations and issues; some were personal to the monarch, others were more general. Some of the mottos were:

• "I have made God my helper". Coins of Henry VII, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I. Possibly refers to Psalms 52:7, Ecce homo qui non posuit Deum adjutorem suum "Behold the man who did not make God his helper".

• "A dazzling rose without a thorn". Coins of Henry VIII and Edward VI. Initially on the unsuccessful and very rare Crown of the Rose of Henry VIII and continued on subsequent small gold coinage into the reign of Edward VI.

• "We have made God our helper". Coins of Philip and Mary. The same as above, but with a plural subject.

• "I shall make them into one nation". Coins of James I, signifying his desire to unite the English and Scottish nations. Refers to Ezekiel 37:2 in the Vulgate Bible.

• "I reign with Christ as my protector". Coins of Charles I.

• "May God rise up, may enemies be scattered". Coins of Charles I, during the Civil War. Refers to Psalms 67:1 in the Vulgate Bible.

• "Peace is sought by war". Coins of the Protectorate; personal motto of Oliver Cromwell.

• "Britain". Reign of Charles II to George III. Found on pennies and smaller denominations.

• . "Shamed be he who thinks ill of it." Sovereigns of George III. Motto of the Order of the Garter.
• . "A decoration and protection." Some pound coins of Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and some crown coins including some of Victoria and George V. Refers to the inscribed edge as a protection against the clipping of precious metal, as well as being a complimentary reference to the monarch and the monarchy.