Spur-Ryal (15 Shillings), ND (1619-24). Third Coinage James I (1603-25). NGC MS-64.
James I (James VI of Scotland) came to power at the age of 13 months, and went on to become one of the most momentous rulers in all of British history. One could arguably say James I put the “Great” in Great Britain, having unified the kingdom throughout the British Isles as well as overseeing the emergence of Britain as a global empire.
The settlements at Jamestown, Plymouth Colony, and Newfoundland were but a few of the many accomplishments achieved under his rule.
The coin offered here can be seen as a by-product of his success as a leader, having not only steered Britain clear of the disastrous Thirty Years War, but also greatly expanding international commerce which in turn drew copious amounts of the new world’s gold into British coffers.
A coin which combines the greatest rarity, numismatic and historical significance, and which is phenomenally well preserved. Having been struck in nearly pure gold, the piece is without surprise free of tone or other color anomalies.
Well struck from what appear to be fresh dies, the degree of detail is breathtaking, with bold legends surrounding exquisitely rendered devices within. A stellar piece in every respect, the winning bidder will be acquiring a coin of unmatched desirability that is certain to become the centerpiece of the collection it enters.
VERY RARE – GREAT BRITAIN. Spur-Ryal (15 Shillings), ND (1619-24). Third Coinage James I (1603-25). NGC MS-64.
Obverse – Facing sejant erect lion holding scepter with broad quartered square atop shield in the fore, flanked by ‘X’ and ‘V’
Reverse – Spur rowel, small rose at center, encircled by a ring of alternating crowned lis and lions, all enclosed in beaded treasure of eight arches.
Estimate: $50,000.00 – $70,000.00
This coins is being sold in the Stacks Bowers 2016 NYINC sale in New York as Lot 41054
Pedigree: Ex: Heritage Galleries Sale of 6 January 2014, Lot# 24086.
Ex: Goldberg Millenia Auction May 2008, Lot# 300.
Ex: Dr. Jacob Y. Turner Collection (By private treaty to the Millenia Collection).
