James was born on 19 June 1566. His father was Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley, and his mother was Mary Queen of Scots. Mary became Queen of Scotland in 1542 and in 1567 she was imprisoned. She was forced by the confederate lords to abdicate in favour of her son , who was crowned as James VI five days later. Mary escaped in 1568 and fled to England and James never saw his mother again. James spent many of his early life within the walls of Stirling castle.

When his cousin Elizabeth I died in 1603, James went to London where he became King James I of England. He ruled both England and Scotland until his death in 1625.

This reproduction James VI and I Scottish twelve shilling coin is made from lead-free pewter. It is attached to a card with an image of William Wallace on the front and historical information on the reverse.