Scotland James VIII Silver Restrike Pattern Crown 1716
Obverse
Right facing bust of James VIII
Script: Latin
Lettering: IACOBVS · VIII · · DEI · GRATIA ·
Translation: James the Seventh, by the Grace of God
Engraver: Norbert Roettiers Read more on Wikipedia
Reverse
Crowned royal arms.
Script: Latin
Lettering: · SCOT · ANGL · FRAN · ET · HIB · REX · 17 16
Translation: King of Scotland, England, France and Ireland
Mintage of just 90
S5731
EF
Matthew Young restrike. Known as “The Old Pretender” James made two efforts to invade Scotland and regain the crown. Dies were prepared by Norbert Roettiers featuring the laureate bust of James and the arms of Scotland on the reverse. When the invasion failed in 1716 and James returned to France, plans to mint any coins were ended.
A number of restrikes were made in 1828 by Matthew Young, and the dies were thereafter defaced. This is a very high grade and charming example of classic ‘Roettier’ style engraving, its lettering sharp and slightly textured, James’s hair a mass of curls and waves.