James II (1437-1460), First coinage, Groat, Third Fleur-de-lis issue, Edinburgh, mm. cross pattée, tressure of eight arcs, reads iacobvs and gracia, legend ends scotor, no additional marks, rev. three pellets in first and fourth quarters, lis in second and third quarters, nothing in centre of cross, crescent stops both sides, 2.16g/12h (SCBI 35, –; SCBI 72 –; B 1, figs. 495-6, same obv. die; S 5225). Good fine or better for this weakly struck issue, the variety very rare £400-£500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Scottish Coins, the Property of a Gentleman.

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Collection

J. & R. Edmiston Auction (Glasgow), May 1976; R.A. Macpherson Collection, DNW Auction 83, 30 September 2009, lot 4031

What appears to be a die feature or flaw on the King’s face on the first four dies of this issue may be an attempt to portray the large birthmark which disfigured the left side of the monarch’s face, as seen on contemporary portraits.