Heritage World Coin Auctions
January Signature Sale 3089 21-22 Jan 2021
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Scotland
James VI (I) gold Ducat (4 Pounds) 1580 AU55 NGC, Edinburgh mint, Crown mm, Third coinage, S-5452, Fr-38, Burns-pg. 387, 1 (Fig. 948), SCBI XXXV-1142. 6.13gm. • IACOBVS • 6 • D • EI GRA • REX • SCOTORVM •, bareheaded, armored, and draped bust left, wearing ruffled collar / EXVRGAT DE (crook-shaped abbreviation) • ET • DISSIP • INIMICI • EIVS, crowned coat-of-arms; 15 - 80 across fields. An early gold issue of the boy-king James VI, this incredibly rare piece is almost never encountered, let alone so fine without any major issues or signs of post-mint alteration. While some minor doubling throughout is noted for the sake of accuracy, as well as a few natural flan flaws in the fields on the obverse, the coin on the whole lacks a distinct degree of any real wear, at the same time offering a well-centered strike garnished by a hint of a reddish tone. Standing as a one-year type, the cataloger has been able to locate only four other specimens coming to auction over the past decade-plus:
1) the Adams, Mallinson specimen, graded as 'fine' with numerous bumps and marks, and also being ex jewelry
2) the 'possible Murdoch' piece, classified as 'good fine,' displaying numerous marks, and also with a history of use in jewelry
3) the Dundee representative, listed as 'About VF/XF' with graffiti in the fields
4) the LaRiviere, Hird, Marquis of Blute example, 'almost extremely fine' and an overall fairly attractive type, very close to the charm of our present specimen
Accordingly, the latter type most recently realized a hammer of £13,000 (well over $22,000) in early 2006. With the present piece ranking quite near Mint State, and as reportedly the only certified example, we would not be surprised to see this level equaled or even bested.
Ex. Douglas Collection (Spink Auction 119, March 1997, Lot 293)
https://coins.ha.com/itm/scotland/scotland-james-vi-i-gold-ducat-4-pounds-1580-au55-ngc-/a/3089-31304.s?type=CoinArchives3089
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 15000-25000 USD
James VI (I) gold Ducat (4 Pounds) 1580 AU55 NGC, Edinburgh mint, Crown mm, Third coinage, S-5452, Fr-38, Burns-pg. 387, 1 (Fig. 948), SCBI XXXV-1142. 6.13gm. • IACOBVS • 6 • D • EI GRA • REX • SCOTORVM •, bareheaded, armored, and draped bust left, wearing ruffled collar / EXVRGAT DE (crook-shaped abbreviation) • ET • DISSIP • INIMICI • EIVS, crowned coat-of-arms; 15 - 80 across fields. An early gold issue of the boy-king James VI, this incredibly rare piece is almost never encountered, let alone so fine without any major issues or signs of post-mint alteration. While some minor doubling throughout is noted for the sake of accuracy, as well as a few natural flan flaws in the fields on the obverse, the coin on the whole lacks a distinct degree of any real wear, at the same time offering a well-centered strike garnished by a hint of a reddish tone. Standing as a one-year type, the cataloger has been able to locate only four other specimens coming to auction over the past decade-plus:
1) the Adams, Mallinson specimen, graded as 'fine' with numerous bumps and marks, and also being ex jewelry
2) the 'possible Murdoch' piece, classified as 'good fine,' displaying numerous marks, and also with a history of use in jewelry
3) the Dundee representative, listed as 'About VF/XF' with graffiti in the fields
4) the LaRiviere, Hird, Marquis of Blute example, 'almost extremely fine' and an overall fairly attractive type, very close to the charm of our present specimen
Accordingly, the latter type most recently realized a hammer of £13,000 (well over $22,000) in early 2006. With the present piece ranking quite near Mint State, and as reportedly the only certified example, we would not be surprised to see this level equaled or even bested.
Ex. Douglas Collection (Spink Auction 119, March 1997, Lot 293)
https://coins.ha.com/itm/scotland/scotland-james-vi-i-gold-ducat-4-pounds-1580-au55-ngc-/a/3089-31304.s?type=CoinArchives3089
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 15000-25000 USD