Great Britain
James I (1603-25), Silver Piedfort Sixpence, struck on a heavy flan, 1623, third coinage (1619-25). Sixth crowned bust right, value behind, legend with inner and outer beaded border surrounding, initial mark thistle (1621-23) both sides, IACOBVS D: G: MAG: BRI: FRA .ET HIB REX, rev. date above quartered shield of arms, legend with inner and outer beaded border surrounding, QVÆ DEVS CONIVNXIT NEMO SEPARET, weight 6.06g (cf.KM.77; N.2124; S.2668). Slightly double struck, toned, almost extremely fine, one of only three heavy flan pieces dated 1623 known and the best preserved, extremely rare. Value $5,000 - UP
Only four examples of heavy flan Sixpences are known of James I in total, the fourth coin is an example dated 1622. Though the Sixpence is the second largest bust portrait coin of this reign after the Shilling, it was the wonderful state of preservation and the extreme rarity of such a heavy flan portrait piece, that made this an attractive addition to the Neil and Gina Smith Collection. Such pieces were thought to have been made bespoke for special presentation.
The abbreviated Latin legends translate as on the obverse, "James, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland," and on the reverse "What God hath joined together let no man put asunder."
Ex Roger A. Shuttlewood Collection of Sixpences of James I, Spink Numismatic Circular, February 2001, HS0169, also illustrated in color inside front cover.