extremely rare die number
date in exergue (Peck 911
though a bold very fine for issue
variety with the mint master initials inverted
hEnRICxxVIII'x DI'xGRA'x REXxAGL Z
Scotland, Mary Queen of Scots, 1557, Testoon, before marriage, type IIIa extremely rare die numberScotland, Mary Queen of Scots (1542 67), silver Testoon, 1557, first period before marriage (1542 58), Type IIIa, mintmark cross potent on obverse, crown on reverse, small high arched crown over Scottish shield, M R either side with annulets below, legend reads MARIA DEI G SCOTOR REGINA 1557, rev. large cross potent with crosses in each angle, reads IN VIRTVTE TVA LIBERA ME 1557, weight 6. 14g (SCBI 35 [Scottish], 1010 13; SCBI 58 [Edinburgh], 332ff;