Watch List notes:

SCOTLAND. Abbey Crown (Ecu or 20 Shillings), ND (1542-1558). Edinburgh; mm: star/crown. Mary. NGC AU-55.
S-5390; Fr-28; Burns-3 (fig. 808 var.). Weight: 3.37 gms. First Period, Before Marriage. Visually stunning with copious luster and intricate detail to all elements. The warm yellow-gold tone boasts colorful iridescence of crimson and violet. Nicely centered with nearly intact legends and a rounded planchet irregularity at 2 o'clock. A fantastic showcase of condition and RARITY.

Burns points out that the Abbey crowns, or ecus, were undoubtedly the earliest gold coins struck by Mary, representing a virtual continuation of the crowns issued by her father, James V. He also notes similarities to the rare bonnet pieces issued for 1539 and 1540. While first issued at 20 shillings in 1542, they were quickly raised to 22 shillings 10 pence in 1543. Survivors of this coinage remain very rare, with only about a half-dozen specimens sold at auction in the past 15 years. Plated in Spink, it is an irresistible offering for advanced collectors.

From the Loch Ness Collection.

Ex: Lucien LaRiviere Collection (Spink - 4/2006) Lot # 96.

Ex: Sotheby's (5/1994) Lot # 117.

Ex: Lockett Collection (Glendining - 6/1957) Lot # 304.

The Spink plate coin (4th ed., 2020).

Estimate: $10000 - $15000