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The Largest Gold Denomination of the Reign of King James I
James I (1603-1625), fine gold Rose Ryal of Thirty-Three Shillings. Second coinage (1604-1619), King in
robes seated facing on throne within tressure, holding orb and scepter, portcullis below, initial mark tower
(1612-13), struck over mullet on obverse, Latin legend and beaded border surrounding, IACOBVS. D; G;
MAG; BRIT FRAN; ET. HIBER; REX., Rev. quartered shield upon large rose, within beaded circle.A.
DNO. FACTVM. EST. ISTVD. ET. EST. MIRAB; IN. OCV. NRIS., weight 13.59g (SCH 10; Stewartby
C/j; N 2079; S 2613; Fr 230; KM 42). Well struck on obverse, just a hint of weakness to high points of
central design, reverse double struck at center, in PCGS holder graded AU 58, Pop 1; tied with another
AU 58 at NGC as the only 2 examples graded at both services,
rare this nice.
$33,500
Ex: Munzen and Medallien, Basel Switzerland, Auction 95, 4th October 2004, lot 448.
PCGS certification 34313457. Such large gold coins were struck in 23 and a third carat “fine” gold and were current at time of issue
for 33 Shillings according to a new indenture of the 18th May 1612 with Sir Richard Martin and Richard Martin Master-Workers
when the denominations were raised 10% in value. This sparked an increase in output as the total recorded of fine gold was £3,094
which is just over £1,100 more than any other fine gold output for the other mint marks. See also, Rose Ryals of James I 1605-17, by
Lord Stewartby, British Numismatic Journal, Volume 71, 2005, six examples listed of this mint mark out of a survey of 59 pieces.