SCOTLAND. Half Demy, ND (1406-37). Edinburgh Mint; mm: crown/cross

SCOTLAND. Half Demy, ND (1406-37). Edinburgh Mint; mm: crown/cross. James I. NGC EF-45.
S-5194; Fr-9; Burns-2 (fig. 445). Weight: 1.77 gms. Type II. A beautiful example of this historic rarity, the surfaces are pleasantly glossed with warm lemon-yellow tone. Somewhat weak at the centers but sharp at the borders with virtually full legends. As enigmatic as their larger counterpart, the James I half demies represent a fraction of an unknown basis. Their issue seems to correspond with the first issue of fleur-de-lis groats, as noted by Burns. Survivors are VERY RARE in all grades. The present piece is among the finest extant and ranks superior to the Dundee-LaRiviere specimen (Nearly Very Fine), which appears to be the only example of this type sold in the past 15 years. A truly significant offering.

From the Loch Ness Collection.

Estimate: $7000 - $10000