A Bucket List Coin
Here is a completely unexpected end to my year. This is a bucket list coin of mine.
A local co-club member of mine was a big-time fan of coins from Scotland, which is how there originally came on my radar. Paul had an impressive collection and he was very passionate about it. In my time with the club, Paul spoke several times on different segments of Scottish numismatics and always made time to sit down and talk about the subject.
I first saw one of these in person at the 2016 ANA in Anaheim. Heritage sold one. The closest I came was being able to look at it in lot viewing. I attended the live session and never even got a chance to raise my hand because the price quickly exceeded my limited budget.
Since that time I have bid on at least a half dozen more. Even with more aggressive bidding on my part, they all have slipped through my fingers.
Recently I was browsing "The Coin Shop" on CNG. This is something I don't do often because typically they don't have anything in the "Shop" that interests me. And there it was. I know I paid high retail but you know how it goes. You have to pull the trigger when the opportunity arises. I actually purchased it for less than they have been selling for at auction so I am happy with the price.
These are scarce but also highly desirable to a wide-ranging group of collectors.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to share my addition with Paul. Earlier this year he had an accident in his backyard that ended his life. I know he would have loved it. This was a denomination that he didn't have in his collection.
Does anybody have an idea what the H countermark could mean?
Description:
SCOTLAND. Mary. 1542-1567. AR Ryal (42mm, 30.31 g, 1h). Fourth period, Mary and Henry Darnley. Second issue. Edinburgh mint. Dated 1565. Countermarked for revaluation of 1578. Crowned coat-of-arms of Scotland
Obverse: thistles flanking; c/m: small H
Reverse: Crowned palm tree, upon which tortoise climbs; scroll across field; c/m: crowned thistle.
Rampling dies A9/54; Burns 1 (fig. 904); SCBI 58 (Edinburgh), 1169/1170 (same obv./rev. dies); SCBC 5425. For c/m: SCBC p. 76.
Attractively toned, small “H” countermark on obverse.
Comments
Taler 63
Level 4
Hello fellow collector; I too have a bucket list of coins and yes, they will require some AGGRESSIVE bidding if I am ever going to get them. And for me, aggressive bidding has always proven to be the only way to get what I want. My " make them bleed " mentality, requires that if another bidder wants it more than me, they will have to cut off an arm AND a leg to get it away from me. No one is rich, but we are talking about our bucket list of coins right! Dealers want to flip the treasures they may buy at auction so they have to watch their profit margin. Studying the sales of my coin ( Numisbids ) gives me the knowledge of what price the market will require. Add 20% hammer, plus insurance, shipping and handling, all add up to the + 40 - 50% more that I am willing to pay for my choice piece. At that rate, I can only afford a coin every 2-3 years, but, that is how often the coins on my short list come around anyway. I still need; ( so far if I don't add any more Talers to the short list ) A 1588 Jagerndorf A 1612 Rostock A 1588 Zurich ( eagle version ) to compliment my other one A 1650 Royal Potosi 8 Reale And of course, we all need just one more right! Enjoy collecting coins, before digital currency takes over. By the way, Lovely piece. Keith
Mal_ANA_YN
Level 5
Sorry about your friend. A good coin and a good memory.
"SUN"
Level 6
It is always nice to get aa "bucket list" coin
Longstrider
Level 6
Sorry for your friends passing. He seems to have state you on a nice set of coins. I looked on Numista and can't find anything on the "H". Maybe it is some kind of counterstamp. Good luck.
Kepi
Level 6
Nice blog and really beautiful coin! Sorry about your friend. Thanks for sharing this interesting piece!
TheNumisMaster
Level 5
That is a true beauty! I love it. I hope to start adding medival coinage to my collection. Thanks for sharing! Cheers, NM
CentSearcher
Level 5
Nice pickup, it's a beautiful coin! I am very sorry to hear about Paul's accident. Stay safe and have a great remainder of Christmas break
Well worn Copper
Level 5
Old hammered coinage is always interesting. And you really get your dollar's worth when you submit it to a third party grader because i wouldn't know where to begin when it comes to grading.
It's Mokie
Level 6
I have a good friend here in the Pittsburgh area that is also into Scottish coins, I will send him the picture and ask if he knows.
World_Coin_Nut
Level 5
I appreciate that.
Golfer
Level 5
Wonderful coin. I know we collect what we like, but this to me, is a level of collecting way above Lincoln cents. Your world coins always amaze me and always teach me that there are amazing coins I have never dreamed existed. Thanks for sharing. Prayers for Paul and his family.
Mike
Level 7
A real beauty. I like the ones on Davidsons.. They had a Henry V III I was checking out and James the First. There all old just like the one you have you always get the nice ones. Thanks the history is great and the coin even better. Great history especially behind these. Thanks for sharing it. I might pick one up .!!!
Stumpy
Level 5
My knowledge is less than nill. Could the "H" be part of the revaluation process of 1578? Sorry I have no clue, it is always bad to lose friends, but I know that this coin will continue to bring good memories of your time spent with him. It is a very interesting and nice piece. Thanks for sharing. Later!
I. R. Bama
Level 5
I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend, but this exceptional coin will keep him close to your heart and memory. I am sure you will treasure it always