Popis

James VI (I of England) gold Rider (5 Pound Piece) 1593 AU55 NGC, Edinburgh mint, Fr-44 S-5458, Burns-1. 5.03gm. Seventh coinage, First variety. (quatrefoil) • IACOBVS • 6 • D • G • R • SCOTORVM •, armored knight, holding sword and reins, on horse rearing right, date flanked by pellets in exergue // (quatrefoil) • SPERO • MELIORA •, crowned coat-of-arms. The very scarce first year of this Rider type with several hallmarks of the early design, such as a crude rendering of the horse's hind legs, the plain treatment of the king's cuirass and cuisses, and the lion on the housing being kept within a single tressure. The expected wear at this level of preservation is displayed, but the piece as a whole remains well-struck and problem-free. One of four examples certified, this piece is the obvious leader, with the only other straight-graded specimen coming in at a VF status. Considering we have not handled this type since 2018 and never one of these early emissions, we are very excited to open this opportunity to advanced connoisseurs of Scottish gold.

Ex. Sincona Auction 79 (October 2022, Lot 1443); Spink Auction 3017 (November 2003, Lot 141); Spink Numismatic Circular (November 1997, Lot 5535)