SCOTLAND. Mary. 1542-1567. AV Three Pounds – Ryal (26.5mm, 7.51 g, 8h). First period. Portrait type. Edinburgh mint. Dated 1555. VF.

Triton XXVI
Lot: 1291. Estimated: $ 15 000

British, Coin-in-Hand Video, Gold

Sold For $ 32 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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SCOTLAND. Mary. 1542-1567. AV Three Pounds – Ryal (26.5mm, 7.51 g, 8h). First period. Portrait type. Edinburgh mint. Dated 1555. · MARIA · DEI · G · SCOTOR · REGINA $, bust left / · IVSTVS · FIDE VIVIT · 1555 ·, crowned coat-of-arms with rounded shield. Murray, 1555-8 13 (obv. die E); Burns 1-7 var. (legend stops); SCBI 35 (Ashmolean & Hunterian) 993 (same dies); SCBC 5397. Lightly polished, a few scratches, edge made round. VF. A very rare gold portrait coin of this renowned historical figure.

Ex Dr. Lawrence A. Adams (Classical Numismatic Group 100, 7 October 2015), lot 1091; Rev. Arnold Mallinson Collection (Spink 39, 6 December 1984), lot 126.

The Three Pound piece or Ryal of Mary represents the only sole portrait type of this ill-fated queen in gold. At the time these handsome coins were produced Mary was in France at the court of Henry II, betrothed to the Dauphin Francis. Their issue would therefore have served as a rare opportunity for Scots to see a likeness of their teenage queen. The die cutter was probably working from a drawing by Francis Clouet. We believe there to be less than forty gold coins with a portrait of Mary in private hands.

The final winners of all Triton XXVI lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 10-11 January 2023.

Triton XXVI – Session Four – Lots 991-1315 will be held Wednesday afternoon, 11 January 2023 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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