Watch List notes:

SCOTLAND. Ducat (4 Pound Piece), 1580. Edinburgh Mint. James VI. NGC VF-25.
S-5452; Fr-38; Burns-1 var. (fig. 948). Third Coinage, Before Accession to the English Throne. Pale yellow-gold tone with hints of olive at the borders. The strike is well centered across both sides and the legends are complete. The overall detail is very sharp and bold traces of doubling are visible to the central elements. Magnification reveals old pin scratches in the fields, but the eye appeal remains very attractive in-hand and is clearly superior for the type. A VERY RARE specimen and the first example we have offered in recent decades.

These Scottish ducats were finally authorized by the Act of Privy Council of April 28th, 1580 after being foreshadowed in legislation the year prior. As with most issues of James VI, the gold ducat is a considerable rarity and only five distinct examples have been sold at auction in the past 15 years. Most of these display significant surface impairments and extensive wear. This piece, now the sixth coin, ranks near the middle of this census but offers perhaps the most favorable balance of eye appeal and sharpness. An important opportunity for advanced collectors.

From the Loch Ness Collection.

Estimate: $15000 - $25000