Portrait Ryal (Mary)
Issuer
Mary, Queen of Scots
(Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow, Scotland, 1542 - 1587)
Date1555
Object NameRyal
Mediumgold
ClassificationsCoins
Dimensions27 x 0.4mm, 8.1gm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1992 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS019098
About MeA considerable number of gold coins made their appearance in the early years of Mary Queen of Scots' reign. Of these the most splendid is probably the ryal or three-pound piece with its delicately engraved portrait of the young Queen. This beautiful specimen of the gold ryal, minted in 1555, and now in the City of Aberdeen collection formerly belonged to the private collection of the Marquess of Bute.On the reverse of the gold #3 ryal of Mary Queen of Scots there appears the normal obverse design. The design shows a crowned shield with lion rampant which is here relegated to the reverse by the fine portrait of the young Mary which takes pride of place on the other side.
The date, 1555, shows that the coin was struck before Mary's first marriage - to the Dauphin of France - which took place in 1558.
