CVC & Collectables presents this historically significant (1578) Scotland Thistle Revaluation Counterstamp applied to a James VI Ryal, certified NGC VG Details. This large hammered silver coin—struck originally between 1567–1571—was officially revalued in 1578, receiving the crowned thistle countermark that raised its legal tender value from 30 shillings to 36 shillings 9 pence. These countermarked Ryals are an important relic of Scotland’s early monetary adjustments and remain one of the most distinctive issues of the James VI era.
Coin Highlights:
- Maker / Mint: Edinburgh Mint
- King: James VI of Scotland (1567–1625)
- Date: 1570
- Revaluation Counterstamp: Applied 1578
- Denomination: 1 Ryal (revalued to 36 shillings 9 pence)
- Catalog: Sp#5472
- Metal: Silver (.916 fine)
- Weight: 30.54 g
- Diameter: ~44 mm (irregular hammered flan)
- Shape / Technique: Hammered; official crowned thistle countermark
- Orientation: Variable (hammered issue)
- Grade: NGC VG Details
- Obverse: Crowned Scottish arms with crowned I and R flanking; legend IACOBVS 6 DEI GRATIA REX SCOTORVM.
- Reverse: Crowned sword with value and date; motto PRO ME SI MEREOR IN ME; crowned thistle revaluation mark.
- Type: Hammered Ryal with official 1578 Revaluation mark
- Demonetized: Yes
James VI of Scotland:
- Reign: King of Scots 1567–1625; King of England and Ireland 1603–1625.
- Accession: Crowned as an infant following the abdication of Mary, Queen of Scots.
- Key Events: Union of the Crowns (1603), religious reforms, expansion of royal authority.
- Coinage Context: Transition from late medieval hammered issues to early milled influences; numerous revaluations and counterstamps.
- Legacy: His long dual reign shaped early modern Britain; his coinage is avidly collected for historical importance and rarity.
Collectibility:
Countermarked Ryals are highly sought after due to their large size, hammered character, and direct connection to Scotland’s 16th-century monetary reforms. Genuine 1578 thistle marks are especially desirable, and examples certified by NGC remain liquid in both hammered-coin and British Crown-issue markets. The combination of historical depth, large silver format, and official countermarking makes this piece a cornerstone for advanced collectors. Find more alike here!
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