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TYRANT COLLECTION
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93
GOLD SOVEREIGN (1603-1604)
James I, Stuart King, 1603-1625
London. First coinage of 1603-1604. First bust. Thistle mintmark. Crowned, half-length profile portrait
facing right, in armor, holding orb and scepter; reverse, square shield crowned and garnished, “IR” at
sides. Rare. Sharply outlined portrait with much detail, including the king’s face, the reverse also sharply
detailed, struck on a broad flan having a wide rim and full lettering in the legend with almost complete
outer beading, toned a delightful golden yellow.
S-2608. N-2065. PCGS-graded AU50.
94
GOLD ROSE-RYAL (1621-1623)
James I, Stuart King, 1603-1625
London. Third coinage of 1619-1625. Thistle mintmark. Rare. This denomination carried a value of
30 silver shillings and replaced the earlier Fine Sovereign, of 30 shillings. The new denomination also
presented a new design: crowned and bearded, the king is seated facing but slightly sideways on a wide
throne, having an elaborate or “diapered” tall back and broad arms, holding an orb and a scepter, his feet
resting on a portcullis. Reverse displays the royal shield over a floriated long cross with value on top
(“XXX” for 30 shillings), surrounded by emblems of majesty. An exquisite example of this wonderful
rarity, boldly struck showing tiny details, including a full face of the king, on a broad flan displaying
full legends and a nearly complete outer beading, glowing with luster and enhanced by delightful gold
toning.
S-2632. N-2108. PCGS-graded MS63+.