Mary Queen of Scots - Silver?

[andycheeseman 0]

Hi All,

I've come across this coin, which was attached to an old set of keys (along with an 1831 USA 10c coin), inside an old Singer sewing machine box.





Can anyone identify the coin? So far, I've found a relevant link to the British Museum, but that makes me think that it might be a reproduction of the piece in question.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/resear...974&partId=1


Thanks,
Andy.

[azda 982]

Definately a repro

[andycheeseman 0]

Hi,

What is it a repro of?

Thanks,

Andy.

[Rob 3,221]

Given the comical nature of the bust, I wouldn't like to hazard a guess. Having said that, the only thing with the obverse legend is a three pound piece, but the reverse is wrong.

[Peckris 579]

None of the illustrated types (http://www.britnumsoc.org/publications/Digital%20BNJ/pdfs/1968_BNJ_37_15.pdf) have REGINA in the legend, and the obverse bust faces right, and is not that rather ridiculous cartoon-style effigy. I think it's either a modern piece, or a jetton or gaming piece.

[Rob 3,221]

The only illustration with the same legend on the obverse is the first period piece S5397. It also says thirty shillings or half ryal, similar. Although this suggests two types rather than one, it is irrelevant as the real coins are dated 1555,7 & 8 and have a good portrait.

[Gary1000 41]

Hi,

What is it a repro of?

Thanks,

Andy.

Deleted

Edited January 13, 2015 by Gary1000

[andycheeseman 0]

The only illustration with the same legend on the obverse is the first period piece S5397. It also says thirty shillings or half ryal, similar. Although this suggests two types rather than one, it is irrelevant as the real coins are dated 1555,7 & 8 and have a good portrait.

It does look like the coin is made from two disks of metal (thin ridge around one part of the edge that has worn down). I did assume most coins would be made by pressing one piece though.

The portrait isn't fantastic as it's quite worn down, but without the camera flash, it doesn't look a million miles away from this portrait that is facing left on another coin I found online.

And for reference, here is another coin I found with a similar left facing portrait / head dress.

[Rob 3,221]

The gold piece is the one I mentioned. The bust is of the same general shape, but not comical unlike yours. The reverse is completely different as you can see, with no MR divided by the shield. The legend is also different to the dated gold piece. The portrait on the 1st widowhood testoon is superb and superior to the efforts of the English engravers of the time.

Copies or replica coins are often made by casting, with the raised line being the point where the two faces came together. You will probably find the remains of the casting sprue if you look carefully.

[Peckris 579]

Warminster?

[Rob 3,221]

Warminster?

Warminster? Wrong thread old bean. Anyway, it is in Wiltshire.