Scotland (1588) thistle noble Fr-42
This specimen was lot 41518 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Costa Mesa, CA, August 2021), where it sold for $24,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Exceptional Mint State James VI Thistle Noble, The LaRiviere Specimen, Plated in Spink, SCOTLAND. Thistle Noble, ND (1588). Edinburgh Mint. James VI. NGC MS-61. Fourth Coinage, Before Accession to the English Throne. The radiant yellow-gold tone is complemented by intense satiny luster across the surfaces. The focal elements are intricately rendered with minimal traces of doubling and only occasional weakness at the lower obverse. Overall centered but drawn slightly to 6 o'clock on the reverse. Scrutiny reveals a minor waviness to the flan and negligible indications of friction. A visually delightful example.
The thistle nobles of James VI, officially regarded as the "Scottis Roisnobillis," were authorized by Act of Privy Council on September 13th, 1588. They were intended to be a direct counterpart to the English Rose Noble in "wecht and fnness". Survivors are SCARCE overall and most examples show considerable wear or impairments. This piece is distinctly superior to most, with astounding Mint State preservation and a pedigree to the famed LaRiviere Collection. It is also plated in the Spink reference, further emphasizing the exemplary quality. From the Loch Ness Collection. Ex: Lucien LaRiviere Collection (Spink - 4/2006) Lot # 150. Ex: Sotheby's (10/1990) Lot # 388.Ex: Spink (2/1979) Lot # 1103."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: gold, this specimen 7.61 g.
Catalog reference: S-5456; Fr-42; Burns-1 (fig. 951).
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Skingley, Philip, ed., Standard Catalogue of British Coins: Coins of Scotland, Ireland and the Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Man & Lundy), Pre-Decimal Issues, 2nd edition, London: Spink & Son, 2003.
- Lobel, Richard, Mark Davidson, Allan Hailstone and Eleni Calligas, Coincraft's Standard Catalogue of the Coins of Scotland, Ireland, Channel Islands & Isle of Man, London: Coincraft, 1999.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The August 2021 ANA sale: World and Ancient Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2021.
Link to: