James I Unite, 2nd coinage, 5th bust, mm plain cross, Ex Ellerby Hoard

James I (1603-25), gold Unite of Twenty Shillings, second Coinage (1604-19), fifth crowned half-length armoured figure right, holding orb and sceptre, surrounded by beaded circles and legend, initial mark plain cross both sides (1618-19), .+.IACOBVS. D;G; MA; BRI; FRA; ET. HI; REX., rev. crowned quartered shield of arms, I to left, R to right, +.FACIAM. EOS. IN. GENTEM. VNAM., weight 10.22g (Schneider -; N.2085; S.2620). Toned with a well centred strike, some hairline scratches and digs both sides, of heavier weight than the standard and mint mark not present in the Schneider collection sylloge, a bold very fine and was an integral part of the Ellerby Hoard treasure in NGC holder with Ellerby label graded as "Genuine" and one of only nine unites of James in this hoard and the only one of this penultimate mint mark for this denomination.

NGC certification 6380983-009.

The abbreviated 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 saltire cross mint mark is the final one of this coinage and seems to have been very short lived as there are scant few survivors. The mint mark was issued only from 16^th May 1618 until the 9^th June 1619. The record of accounting that survives covers the 1^st April 1618 until the 31^st March 1619. The output of crown gold for this period is £148,755.

Provenance:

Ex Ellerby Hoard, Spink Auction 22027, 7^thof October 2022, Lot 15 and illustrated inside the front cover.

The Ellerby Hoard was the numismatic find of 2022 and has been more fully written up with its amazing results in Coin News December 2022 pages 40-43 by John Andrew.