Scotland, Charles I Sixty-Shilling, Briot issue

Scotland, Charles I (1625-1649), silver Sixty Shillings, third coinage, Nicholas Briot's issue, initial mark thistle-head with signed b both sides, King on horseback riding left with upright sword and groundline, beaded inner and toothed outer borders, legend surrounds CAROLVS. D:G MAGN. BRITANN. FRANC. ET. HIBERN. REX, rev. crowned quartered coat of arms, reads QVÆ. DEVS. CONIVNXIT. NEMO. SEPARET., weight 29.84g (Murray, BNJ 1970, p.133; SCBI 35 [Scottish], 1424-6; SCBI 70 [National Museum], 198-99; Burns 5, fig. 1005; S.5552). A little weak in areas, toned with hues of magenta within a rich Silver-blue patina, reflective fields, some obverse annealing fissures though less than usual and well struck for this issue, about very fine.

Nicholas Briot was appointed Master of the Scottish Mint on the 7^th August 1635, chosen for office by his Kings Majestie. The Lords of Secret Council had sanctioned the use of Briot's mill and screw press for the minting of coinage from the 12^th January 1637, at first for silver coins only, like this Sixty Shilling piece offered herewith.

The Latin legends translate as on the obverse "Charles, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland" and on the reverse "What God hath joined, let no man put asunder."

Provenance:

Ex Dix Noonan and Webb, Auction 132, 15^th September 2015, lot 244.