1 Ryal - Mary and Henry Darnley 4th Period, Names Reversed
1566 year| Silver (.916) | 30.54 g | 44 mm |
| Issuer | Scotland (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| Queen | Mary I (1542-1567) |
| King | Henry Stuart (1565-1567) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1566 |
| Value | 1 Ryal (3⁄2) |
| Currency | Pound Scots (1136-1707) |
| Composition | Silver (.916) |
| Weight | 30.54 g |
| Diameter | 44 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#389750 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Crowned palm tree with a tortoise ascending it.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
· EXVRGAT · DEVS · & · DISSIPENTᴿ · INIMICI EI' ·
DAT GLORIA VIRES
1566
Translation:
Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered
Glory gives strength
Comment
The type I ryal of Mary and Henry Darnley was issued in 1565. It caused outrage as it placed Henry’s name before Mary’s in the legend, thereby indicating that he was superior to her. In response, the type I ryal was quickly removed from circulation. It was replaced in the same year with the type II ryal. This coin reversed the position of the monarchs’ names in the legend.
This coin is enigmatic as it is struck with the design of the type II ryal, yet it places Henry’s name in front of Mary’s. The circumstances surrounding its production is a mystery. It has been posited that they were struck by those loyal to Henry, possibly serving as propaganda pieces. It has also been suggested that they are an irregular issue or a fantasy coin struck for commercial purposes.
Only five examples are known, all of which are from the same pair of dies. Both dies used to strike the coins are genuine. However, the obverse die has been modified to place Henry’s name before Mary’s.
This coin is not listed in the Spink catalogue.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features Mary, Queen of Scots, and her husband Henry Darnley, with their names reversed, which is a unique feature of this particular coin.
