Reproduction Mary I (Queen of Scots) Gold Ryal

Obverse: Bust of Mary left, hair tied up and two rows of pearls in hair, two rows of pearls around neck. Text around MARIA D G SCOTOR REGINA.

Reverse: Crowned Scottish shield with rampant lion within. Text around IVSTVS FIDE VIVIT 1557.

History: Mary I reigned from 1542-1567 and she was only a week old when she became queen. Henry VIII forced Mary into exile in France in 1548 following a number of English attacks on Scotland. Although still in exile, coins were still struck with Mary’s name on. This Ryal or three pound piece was struck a year before Mary’s first marriage to the heir of the French throne Dauphin François.

Date: 1557

Diameter: 2.7cm