SCOTLAND. Silver Guinea Pattern, 1716 (1828). James VIII (1688-1766). NGC AU-58.S-5725. Dies by J. Roettiers, struck by Matthew Young in 1828. A<strong> RARE</strong> pattern issue, the dies apparently having been created around 1716, but were never used until over a century later, thus technically making the "restrike" characterization a misnomer, as it is the only striking ever produced. That said, this example is just about as nice as they come, with characteristic die rust here and there and deep gray and purple tone in the moderately gleaming fields. Despite the About Uncirculated grade, this piece obviously never circulated, although the absence of deep tone on James VIIIs highest hair curls may impart the appearance of friction. In this charming quality, a highly desirable issue, with appearances being at auction being few and far between.<p><em>"The Old Pretender" James VIII was the son of James VII. Louis XIV of France, his kinsman, declared him King in 1701. He first saw Scotland in 1715, following his expulsion from France after the Treaty of Utrecht. Defeated in battle and unsupported in his claims, he spent most of his remaining years in Rome. Later, his son Bonny Prince Charlie became the focus of the Jacobite hopes, dashed finally in 1746.</em>Ex: Heritage, 7/2002, lot 12504.
