Special Collections
Create new listGalston was known primarily for weaving and textile manufacture. In the early 19th century, working conditions were poor and employment was precarious. As a result, several benefit societies were set up, including a Dollar Society in January 1812. Those with income would donate a Dollar (presumably Spanish) towards the provision of necessities for the very poor.
Merchant Issues - silver, Scotland, AYRSHIRE, Galston, Galston Society, a Charles II Crown, 1673, obv. countermarked galston socy 5s No 12, 29.51g/12h (Manville 33; Hodge 033S.001a, this coin; KM. CC36). Obverse of host coin fine, reverse and countermark a little better, the only known example of this mark on a Charles II crown and with exceptional pedigree £4,000-£6,000
This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Scottish Merchant Dollars from the Collection of Michael Gietzelt.
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Collection
J.G. Murdoch Collection, Part VIII, Sotheby Auction, 14-16 December 1904, lot 149; T.W. Barron Collection, Sotheby Auction, 27 February 1906, lot 137; T. Bliss Collection, Part II, Sotheby Auction, 15-19 May 1916, lot 788; F.S. Cokayne Collection, Glendining Auction, 17-18 July 1946, lot 123; H.M. Lingford Collection, Part I, Glendining Auction, 24-26 October 1950, lot 712; S.A.H. Whetmore Collection, Glendining Auction, 14 July 1961, lot 232; SNC September 1961 (9796); W. Allen Collection, Spink Auction 34, 14-15 March 1984, lot 17; The Property of a Gentleman (A. Cowen), Spink Auction 136, 6-7 October 1999, lot 1570. Additionally possibly from Sotheby Auction 3 May 1899, lot 113 (part) and probably in the V.M. Brand Collection for some years after 1916.
These countermarked coins probably provided a circulating medium in the 1820s [Manville p.70]. This specimen, being the earliest known host coin in the entire series has been widely published and illustrated in articles by Brunk, Davis, Manville and Whetmore among others,
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