James I Half-Laurel Third coinage Tower Mint, inverted As for Vs on reverse

James I (1603-25), gold Half-Laurel of Ten Shillings, third coinage (1619-25), first laureate and draped bust left, value X behind, Latin legend and beaded borders surrounding on both sides, initial mark spur rowel (1619-20), IACOBVS D: G: MAG: BRI: FRA: ET HIB: REX., rev. long cross fourchee over crowned quartered shield of arms, no punctuation with engraving error of inverted As for Vs, HENRIC VS ROSAS REGNA IACOBVS, weight 4.44g (Schneider 89; N.2116; S.2640). Lightly toned, with some scuffs on drapery, other light weaknesses and surface marks, good very fine with very clear engraving error on the reverse inscription utilising inverted As for Vs, unusual.

The abbreviated Latin legends translate as on the obverse "James by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland" and on the reverse as "Henry united the Roses, James the Kingdoms," a legend that is exclusive to this reign.

The original pyx trial records show that £109,653 of 22 carat crown gold was struck for this mint mark from 20^th August 1619 until 31^st March 1620, which is the smallest gold mintage when compared across the mint marks of the third coinage. Interestingly the spur rowel mint mark is also exclusively used for gold coins and did not feature in the silver at all.

Provenance:

Ex Dr Rolf Baumahauer, British gold Collection, part 3, Sincona Auction 79, 24^th October 2022, lot 1101.