Here is a completely unexpected end to my year. This is a bucket list coin of mine. A local co-club member of mine was a big-time fan of coins from Scotland, which is how there originally came on my radar. Paul had an impressive collection and he was very passionate about it. In my time with the club, Paul spoke several times on different segments of Scottish numismatics and always made time to sit down and talk about the subject. I first saw one of these in person at the 2016 ANA in Anaheim. Heritage sold one. The closest I came was being able to look at it in lot viewing. I attended the live session and never even got a chance to raise my hand because the price quickly exceeded my limited budget. Since that time I have bid on at least a half dozen more. Even with more aggressive bidding on my part, they all have slipped through my fingers. Recently I was browsing "The Coin Shop" on CNG. This is something I don't do often because typically they don't have anything in the "Shop" that interests me. And there it was. I know I paid high retail but you know how it goes. You have to pull the trigger when the opportunity arises. I actually purchased it for less than they have been selling for at auction so I am happy with the price. This coin won't arrive until after the new year so I am counting it as a 2021 purchase. It would have easily been number 1 on my 2020 list. These are scarce but also highly desirable to a wide-ranging group of collectors. Unfortunately, I will not be able to share my addition with Paul. Earlier this year he had an accident in his backyard that ended his life. I know he would have loved it. Does anybody have an idea what the H countermark could mean? Please share your Scottish coins. Paul would appreciate that. SCOTLAND. Mary. 1542-1567. AR Ryal (42mm, 30.31 g, 1h). Fourth period, Mary and Henry Darnley. Second issue. Edinburgh mint. Dated 1565. Countermarked for revaluation of 1578. Crowned coat-of-arms of Scotland Obverse: thistles flanking; c/m: small H Reverse: Crowned palm tree, upon which tortoise climbs; scroll across field; c/m: crowned thistle. Rampling dies A9/54; Burns 1 (fig. 904); SCBI 58 (Edinburgh), 1169/1170 (same obv./rev. dies); SCBC 5425. For c/m: SCBC p. 76. Attractively toned, small “H” countermark on obverse.
Congratulations on your new treasure! Have you considered doing a short write-up on the coin to introduce us to its historical significance?
@Chris B what a great addition to your collection and a touching tribute to Paul. Congrats on a huge start to 2021. I have always admired the series but could never rationalize the purchase of one over something in my core area. If you get a moment, check out the awesome set by DennisH in the pcgs registry. https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/eu...culation-strikes-1565-1571/publishedset/68805
Great pickup! Yes, sometimes you get a really good deal from CNG coinshop. Best thing about CNG/ their grades are very strict. Their VF= TPG AU-50 EF= MS-60/63 Ch-EF= MS-64/65 I just bought this AR Denarius/ Rome Mint/ Empress Julia maesa/ circa 218-20AD CH-EF for $275 It looks way better then NGC CH-MS 5/5 5/5
In the original post, I mentioned a collector that was the inspiration behind that purchase. Well, I walked into our LCS and asked what they had new in better world coins. The owner said "here is Paul's collection." So now I know where Paul's collection ended up. I had to make a purchase so that I could have something that resided in his collection. Obverse: Sword wielding King Charles I on horseback. 'B' and flower at the end of the legend (indicating that the die was brought from London by Briot). Obverse Legend: CAROLVS · D : G · MAGN · BRITAN · FRAN · ET · HIB · REX · Translation: Charles, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland Engraver: Nicholas Briot Reverse: Crowned royal arms. 'B' and thistle at the start of the legend (indicating that the die was produced in Scotland). Reverse Legend: QVÆ · DEVS : CONIVNXIT · NEMO SEPARET Translation: What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder Engraver: Nicholas Briot King: Charles I (1625-1649) Years: 1637-1642 Composition: Silver Diameter: 36 mm References: Sp# 5553 I'm pretty sure I have the attribution correct.
Not sure how I missed this other than Scotland not being in the title of the post. Scots coins of course are a focus of mine! This is a very rare billon penny of Queen Mary, struck ca. 1546 when she would have been about 4 years of age. It is actually quite a bit scarcer than her gold coins.
When I purchased the piece above last week this one kept looking at me. I had to go back today. Another one from Paul's collection. Obverse: Left facing conjoined busts of William and Mary, mark of value below Obverse Legend: GVLIELMVS · ET · MARIA · DEI · GRATIA · Translation: William and Mary, by the Grace of God Reverse: Crowned royal Scottish coat of arms. Reverse Legend: MAG · BR · FR · ET · HIB · REX · ET · REGINA · 1692 · Translation: King and Queen of Great Britain, France and Ireland Edge Lettering: PROTEGIT ET ORNAT ANNO REGNI PRIMO (regnal year differs depending on date) Translation: It protects and adorns, first regnal year QUINTO; Sp#5653 Diameter: 34 mm Composition: Silver
There are a lot of "Bucket List" coins in upcoming Heritage March Auction/ Paramount Collection. Would really help, if I could get a hold of a large bucket of $1000 bills
An example of the ryal of Scotland has been on my list of crowns to acquire for a few years now. Congratulations on finding one that fit your budget!
A new addition that Paul (see original post) would have been happy with. This came from last night's Heritage Signature World Coin auction. James VI 30 Shillings 1582 VF30 NGC, S-5487. 22.29gm. Fourth Coinage. Highly engaging, with sleek gloss from circulation layered in a steel patina. Light doubling in the strike is noted to James's bust and sword, while a single flan crack extends from approximately 9 o'clock toward the center. Auction house pictures and description. On a related note, I was able to purchase some of my friend Paul's Scottish coins recently.
