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Scotland
James VI (I) gold "Hat Piece" of 80 Shillings (4 Pounds) 1593 AU55 NGC, Edinburgh mint, Cinquefoil mm, S-5457, Fr-43, Burns-pg. 394, 4 (Fig. 952), SCBI XXXV-1157-8. 4.47gm. • IACOBVS • 6 • D • G • R • SCOTORVM •, mantled bust right, wearing tall hat; thistle to left / • 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 type, 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 coinage. When encountered, many of the surviving examples exhibit weakness of strike if not post-mint 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 which further accentuates the central devices. The concept of Divine Right and the supremacy of the Lord through His chosen sovereign on earth is greatly featured on the reverse, with the name of Jehovah in the clouds juxtaposed with the zoomorphised image of the king imperium's as a crowned lion and the surrounding legend "Thee alone do I fear!" serving as a visualization of James' power very directly issuing from the heavens.
A large sum for the time, this 4 pounds came into being through the melting of numerous previous gold issues which were struck at varying denominations. The '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, with most of its mintage likely being lost through the melting pot. 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 soon be encountered.
Ex. Douglas Collection (Spink Auction 119, March 1997, Lot 300) [cover lot]
https://coins.ha.com/itm/scotland/scotland-james-vi-i-gold-hat-piece-of-80-shillings-4-pounds-1593-au55-ngc-/a/3089-31305.s?type=CoinArchives3089
HID02906262019
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Estimate: 20000-30000 USD