Information about effigy: Cruciform Shields England / Scotland / France / Ireland

This design features a cruciform of four crowned shields (forming a cross). The shields bear the arms of England (top): three lions "passant guardant", Scotland (right): a rampant lion, France (below): three fleurs-de-lis, and Ireland (left): a harp.

In the angles are four sceptres dividing the shields, surmounted respectively by an orb with cross (for England), thistle (for Scotland), fleur-de-lis (for France), and harp (for Ireland).

Around above, divided by the crown on the top English shield, the date of issue 1663.

Used by the monarchs of England on their coinage, the inclusion of the French shield in the design reflects their claim to the throne of France - which none of them actually ruled.