Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3061 7-8 Jan 2018
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Scotland
James VI (I of England) gold "Hat Piece" of 80 Shillings or 4 Pounds 1593 AU55 NGC, Edinburgh mint, im: cinquefoil, S-5457, Fr-43, Burns-4 (fig. 952), SCBI 35, 1157-8. Obv. • IACOBVS • 6 • D • G • R • SCOTORVM •, mantled bust right, wearing tall hat; thistle to left. Rev. • TE • SOLVM • VEREOR • 1593 •, crowned lion seated left on stool, holding lis-tipped scepter; above, יהוה (Jehovah in Hebrew) within the clouds. An exceptionally rare piece, and only the second example of this popular 'hat piece' which we have offered, the other being the Newman specimen, dated 1592. Owing to its interesting obverse design, featuring James wearing a fine fur hat, this brief three-year run has always been at the top of the list for every collector of early Scottish. When encountered, many of the surviving examples exhibit weakness of strike or some other damage. The present specimen, however, displays a fairly strong strike on each side along with great metal for the type and a wondrous, problem-free flan. The toning is an exotic golden-orange mélange, and further accentuates the central devices. The concept of Divine Right and the supremity of the Lord through His chosen sovereign on earth is greatly featured on the reverse, with the name of Jehovah clearly spelled out in Hebrew within the heavens; below, the crowned lion represents the imperium of the king; around, the legend in Latin translates to "Thee alone do I fear!"
A large sum for the time, the 4 pounds piece came into being through the melting of numerous previous gold issues which were struck at varying denominations. This 'hat piece' was meant to establish some sort of consistency, though it too did not last long enough to make its mark in terms of regular use and also likely saw many of its specimens lost to time through later melting. Given the odds against its survival, the fact that the present specimen is so attractive is even more stunning. A capstone coin, and worthy of the highest degree of consideration and enthusiastic bidding, as a comparable example isn't likely to be soon encountered.
Ex. Douglas Collection (Spink 119 3/1997 - Lot 300)
From the Penn Collection
HID02901242017
Estimate: 20000-30000 USD
James VI (I of England) gold "Hat Piece" of 80 Shillings or 4 Pounds 1593 AU55 NGC, Edinburgh mint, im: cinquefoil, S-5457, Fr-43, Burns-4 (fig. 952), SCBI 35, 1157-8. Obv. • IACOBVS • 6 • D • G • R • SCOTORVM •, mantled bust right, wearing tall hat; thistle to left. Rev. • TE • SOLVM • VEREOR • 1593 •, crowned lion seated left on stool, holding lis-tipped scepter; above, יהוה (Jehovah in Hebrew) within the clouds. An exceptionally rare piece, and only the second example of this popular 'hat piece' which we have offered, the other being the Newman specimen, dated 1592. Owing to its interesting obverse design, featuring James wearing a fine fur hat, this brief three-year run has always been at the top of the list for every collector of early Scottish. When encountered, many of the surviving examples exhibit weakness of strike or some other damage. The present specimen, however, displays a fairly strong strike on each side along with great metal for the type and a wondrous, problem-free flan. The toning is an exotic golden-orange mélange, and further accentuates the central devices. The concept of Divine Right and the supremity of the Lord through His chosen sovereign on earth is greatly featured on the reverse, with the name of Jehovah clearly spelled out in Hebrew within the heavens; below, the crowned lion represents the imperium of the king; around, the legend in Latin translates to "Thee alone do I fear!"
A large sum for the time, the 4 pounds piece came into being through the melting of numerous previous gold issues which were struck at varying denominations. This 'hat piece' was meant to establish some sort of consistency, though it too did not last long enough to make its mark in terms of regular use and also likely saw many of its specimens lost to time through later melting. Given the odds against its survival, the fact that the present specimen is so attractive is even more stunning. A capstone coin, and worthy of the highest degree of consideration and enthusiastic bidding, as a comparable example isn't likely to be soon encountered.
Ex. Douglas Collection (Spink 119 3/1997 - Lot 300)
From the Penn Collection
HID02901242017
Estimate: 20000-30000 USD