| Description |
James VI gold Sword & Sceptre 1601, S-5460, XF40 NGC. 8th Coinage. The last gold issue of this long reign and a popular piece. The flan on this example is slightly wavy and crinkled, but wide enough to contain all of the letters of the legends, which are nice and clear. This example is fairly even in strike throughout, and the central design devices are certainly clear, if somewhat soft, in certain areas. There are no real blemishes, and attractive well-set gold toning enhances the eye-appeal. An appealing example of this Scottish classic. The reverse legend in Latin translates to mean "The safety of the people is the supreme law." In 1603 James's VI of Scotland became James I of unified England and Scotland . Queen Elizabeth was childless and James was the only son of her cousin Mary. The English monarch did not announce her choice of successor until nearly her last breath, but when she did the safety of the people was indeed ensured-the sceptre was passed and the sword was spared.
Realized $2,350.00. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions. |
