SCOTLAND. James VI. 1567-1625. AR balance half merk. 4.53 gm. 30 mm. Sixth Coinge. 1591. A shield, crowned, between two thistles; IACOBUS •6• D* G* R* SCOTORVM • 1591 / A balance with a sword behind; • HIS • DIFFERT • REGE • TYRANNVS • ("In these, a tyrant differs from a king."). S. 5491. Burns II:373-2. Good Very Fine; cabinet tone; the obverse has strike weakness typical of the issue; the reverse with the balance is exceptional.

Ex Davisson Auction 30 (2011).

Burns notes two varieties, the second with a "loosely formed N." He does not illustrate this but a comparison of the N's on this piece with the LaRiviere (also Murdoch) piece used as a plate coin in the latest Spink Standard Catalog illustrates the difference.