Extremely Rare 1665 Countersmarked Issue

CNG 103, Lot: 1238. Estimate $500. Sold for $1100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SCOTLAND. Charles II. 1649-1685. AR Half Merk (24mm, 3.21 g, 6h). First coinage, Type II. Edinburgh mint. Dated 1664. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right; thistle below bust; c/m: 1665 in incuse numerals / Cruciform coats-of-arms around VI/8 (denomination); crowned monogram in quarters. Burns 2 (fig. 1053 corr.); Murray, Scottish, 23a; SCBI 35 (Ashmolean & Hunterian) –; SCBC 5614. VF, toned, adjustment marks, hairline die break on reverse. Extremely rare with the countermark.

From the Arthur M. Fitts III Collection.