Heritage Auctions

Auction 61255  –  31 January 2022

Heritage Auctions, Auction 61255

The Long Island Collection of European Coins

Mo, 31.01.2022, from 3:00 AM CET
The auction is closed.

Description

James II gold "Touch Piece" ND (1685) AU Details (Holed) NGC, MI-611/19, 19mm. SOLI DEO GLORIA, Archangel Michael spearing dragon / IACO II D G M B FR ET HI REX, Royal ship sailing left. The "touching" was a common practice in Britain during medieval times, characterized as a test of royal legitimacy, where the King would hang symbolically holed coins (now talismans) about the neck of the infirmed, in order to cure illnesses such as the Scrofula disease. The Angel was the coin of choice due to it's representation of the defeat of the dragon, a symbol of Evil, associated with disease. With sole ceremonial purpose, the Touch Piece was designed to replace the gold Angels, preserving the Archangel design, but adding the Royal Ship on the reverse, in allusion to the monarch. The practice lasted for centuries, Queen Anne being the last monarch to "Touch" in England. Boldly struck, bearing sharp devices and lovely rose-gold toning.

HID09801242017

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Price realized 5'500 USD
Starting price 1 USD
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