Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
August 2021 ANA Auction 16-21 Aug 2021
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SCOTLAND. Unicorn, ND (1488-1513). Edinburgh Mint; mm: lis. James IV. NGC VF-30.
S-5315; Fr-18; Burns-5 (under James III). Weight: 3.72 gms. Type I, Three Lis in Crown. Pale olive-gold with darker patina in the protected areas. A small split in the planchet and natural irregularity is noted at the lower obverse. While the centers are weak from worn dies, evidence of true friction remains minimal. An attractive example of this SCARCE type.
S-5315; Fr-18; Burns-5 (under James III). Weight: 3.72 gms. Type I, Three Lis in Crown. Pale olive-gold with darker patina in the protected areas. A small split in the planchet and natural irregularity is noted at the lower obverse. While the centers are weak from worn dies, evidence of true friction remains minimal. An attractive example of this SCARCE type.
Burns original placed this variety under James III due to an association with groats of a similar style, though modern scholarship suggests an attribution to James IV. Either way, it is certain that these were among the earlier issues of this denomination, as they were soon replaced by the Type II design with five lis in the crown. This piece is among the most important survivors from this issue, with a pedigree to the Murray and Davison collections.
From the Loch Ness Collection.
Ex: Dr. James Davidson Collection (Dix Noonan Webb - 10/2003) Lot # 984.
Ex: Mrs. Joan E.L. Murray Collection (5/2001) Lot # 1966.
Estimate: $3500 - $5500