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13 December 2012 | starting at 10:00 EST
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Fr. 485, 1882 $5 "Brown Back" National Bank Note, Creede Colorado, Ch. 4716, VF35 PPQ PCGSFr. 485, 1882 $5 "Brown Back" National Bank Note, Creede Colorado, Ch. 4716, VF35 PPQ PCGS. Sold for US$101,790 inc. premium
Charles I, 1625-1649, Gold Triple Unite, 1642Charles I, 1625-1649, Gold Triple Unite, 1642. Sold for US$87,750 inc. premium

Lot gallery

159 lots available

Richard II, 1377-1399, Gold Noble S-1661, N-1307, 7.7 grams, 34mm. Calais mintmark, king standing facing in ship holding sword and shield, flag at stern, RIC ARD DEI GRA REX ANGL DNS HIB Z AQ, reverse: floriated cross with fleurs-de-lis at ends, R at center, double saltire stops, mintmark cross pattée on reverse only. This is a well-struck example of a very rare coin, produced during the early part of the reign of the ill-fated King Richard II. The style of the English gold coinage changed very little during the 13th and 14th centuries, and if anything, the Nobles of Richard II were of a slightly cruder style. This, coupled with the fact that Richards's reign was much shorter than that of his grandfather, Edward III, makes the appearance and acquisition of a specimen such as this all the more remarkable.

1000 —
Richard II, 1377-1399, Gold Noble
S-1661, N-1307, 7.7 grams, 34mm. Calais mintmark, king standing facing in ship holding sword and shield, flag at stern, RIC ARD DEI GRA REX ANGL DNS HIB Z AQ, reverse: floriated cross with fleurs-de-lis at ends, R at center, double saltire stops, mintmark cross pattée on reverse only. This is a well-struck example of a very rare coin, produced during the early part of the reign of the ill-fated King Richard II. The style of the English gold coinage changed very little during the 13th and 14th centuries, and if anything, the Nobles of Richard II were of a slightly cruder style. This, coupled with the fact that Richards's reign was much shorter than that of his grandfather, Edward III, makes the appearance and acquisition of a specimen such as this all the more remarkable.

Sold for US$4,914 inc. premium
Henry VI, First Reign 1422-1461, Gold Noble (1422-27) S-1799, 6.93 grams, 34mm. London, lis mintmark on obverse only, king standing facing in ship, holding sword and shield, annulet at sword arm, trefoil stops, reverse: floriated cross with lis at ends, "h" at center, annulet in first spandrel. Well-struck centrally with minor softness at the peripheries. Pleasing reddish-golden color with some luster remaining.
Henry VIII, 1509-1547, Gold Sovereign, (1544-47) S-2291, Schneider-611, N-1825, 11.56 grams, 40mm. Third coinage (1544-47). Small module, king with bearded portrait seated facing on throne, holding orb and scepter, throne with curved sides, rose at feet, HENRIC 8 DI GRA AGL FRANCIE Z HIBER REX, reverse: crowned shield with lion and dragon supporters, HR in cartouche below, S/S (Southwark) mintmark. This piece presents a lovely round flan, usual softness on the king's head, robe, and knees, but overall, the striking details are sharp with all legends clear. Magnification reveals scattered minor handling marks, nothing worthy of singular mention. Rich antique-gold color has gathered over the centuries. For future identification, a small die "cud" (break) is noted at 3 o'clock on the obverse rim. This represents an extremely rare issue and a superior piece for the grade, very difficult to improve upon.

1002 —
Henry VIII, 1509-1547, Gold Sovereign, (1544-47)
S-2291, Schneider-611, N-1825, 11.56 grams, 40mm. Third coinage (1544-47). Small module, king with bearded portrait seated facing on throne, holding orb and scepter, throne with curved sides, rose at feet, HENRIC 8 DI GRA AGL FRANCIE Z HIBER REX, reverse: crowned shield with lion and dragon supporters, HR in cartouche below, S/S (Southwark) mintmark. This piece presents a lovely round flan, usual softness on the king's head, robe, and knees, but overall, the striking details are sharp with all legends clear. Magnification reveals scattered minor handling marks, nothing worthy of singular mention. Rich antique-gold color has gathered over the centuries. For future identification, a small die "cud" (break) is noted at 3 o'clock on the obverse rim. This represents an extremely rare issue and a superior piece for the grade, very difficult to improve upon.

Sold for US$35,100 inc. premium
Henry VIII, 1509-1547, Gold Half Sovereign (1547-51) S-2391, 6 grams, 30mm. Posthumous coinage, (undated 1547-51), Tower (arrow) mintmarks on both sides, King with youthful portrait and scepter seated facing on throne, HENRIC. 8.D.G. AGL FRANC.Z.HIB.REX., reverse: crowned shield with lion and dragon supporters. Some lightness of strike at centers, pleasing, soft green-gold color overall. No marks worthy of singular note, save for a single tiny thin scratch in the lower left reverse field.
Edward VI, 1547-1553, Gold Sovereign, (1549-50) S-2433, 10.97 grams, 36mm. Second period (1549-1550), Mintmark Y, King seated facing on throne holding orb and sword, reads EDWARD. VI. DEI. GRA. AGL. FRAN. ET. HIBER. REX, REVERSE: crowned shield with supporters and ER in cartouche below, reads IHS AVTE TRANSIENS PER MIDIV LLORV IBAT, small square stops. Well centered on a full flan and nicely struck for this issue, although because of a variation in the thickness of the flan, it is weakly struck in the middle. Free from other flaws and defects. An unusually strong portrait of the boy-king. Light, attractive green-golden tone with subtle reddish accents as the coin turns under a light. One of the finer pieces on the world market in recent years. The sovereign as a denomination was introduced during the reign of Henry VII (1485-1509), and as Sutherland points out it was "deliberately so called to reflect the splendor of a great gold coin of 240 grains--twice the ryal--and worth 20 shillings." The coin was first conceived by order of a special commission of 1489, and its engraver was Alexander of Brugsal, a German appointed in 1494 to the Royal Mint. The coin was the most elaborate ever made of gold in the British Isles, and the first tentative issues, those of both Henry VII and Henry VIII, are extremely rare. Edward VI, of course, was Henry VIII's son by Jane Seymour, born in 1537 and not quite ten years of age when his father passed away leaving the kingdom to him. As a child he did not rule in fact, but was influenced to make decisions by his Council and in particular by a succession of relatives--first his uncle Edward Seymour (Duke of Somerset), next by the Duke of Northumberland. Each sought to jockey his family into positions of power at court. The young king's diary tells us how he despised both of them and how he watched compromised advisors executed with cool detachment. When he died of tuberculosis at age 15, another succession of executions of royal hopefuls (including that of Northumberland's daughter-in-law, Lady Jane Gray, the king's cousin) ended in England's relapse into religious war under Mary Tudor, Henry VIII's eldest daughter, born of a Catholic mother. She rebuffed Protestant suitors and married her cousin, Philip, prince of Spain, at Winchester in 1554. He brought the idea of Inquisition to England. Nightmarish "witch hunts" of Protestants left a terrible scar on the land, but only for a short time, because Mary died of stomach cancer in 1558. Her husband had used her solely to declare war on France, which ended in disaster, the loss of Calais after two centuries of possessing it as "English territory." Upon Mary's death, Philip quickly returned to Spain, to become enemy of the new queen, Mary's younger sister Elizabeth, daughter of Anne Boleyn. Thirty years later, he would send the Armada to defeat her, but the upset battle instead ended centuries of Spain's might on the high seas, and ushered in a long era of naval glory for England. Mary Tudor's coins are all rare, her portrait on them appropriately stark, her gold sovereign a continuation of the superb line begun by her grandfather, and given true elegance during her short reign, when it was first called a "fine sovereign," reflecting an increase of its value from 20 to 30 shillings. Ironically, in later years, the English sovereign was frequently coined from gold seized in warfare from Spain.

1004 —
Edward VI, 1547-1553, Gold Sovereign, (1549-50)
S-2433, 10.97 grams, 36mm. Second period (1549-1550), Mintmark Y, King seated facing on throne holding orb and sword, reads EDWARD. VI. DEI. GRA. AGL. FRAN. ET. HIBER. REX, REVERSE: crowned shield with supporters and ER in cartouche below, reads IHS AVTE TRANSIENS PER MIDIV LLORV IBAT, small square stops. Well centered on a full flan and nicely struck for this issue, although because of a variation in the thickness of the flan, it is weakly struck in the middle. Free from other flaws and defects. An unusually strong portrait of the boy-king. Light, attractive green-golden tone with subtle reddish accents as the coin turns under a light. One of the finer pieces on the world market in recent years.

The sovereign as a denomination was introduced during the reign of Henry VII (1485-1509), and as Sutherland points out it was "deliberately so called to reflect the splendor of a great gold coin of 240 grains--twice the ryal--and worth 20 shillings." The coin was first conceived by order of a special commission of 1489, and its engraver was Alexander of Brugsal, a German appointed in 1494 to the Royal Mint. The coin was the most elaborate ever made of gold in the British Isles, and the first tentative issues, those of both Henry VII and Henry VIII, are extremely rare. Edward VI, of course, was Henry VIII's son by Jane Seymour, born in 1537 and not quite ten years of age when his father passed away leaving the kingdom to him. As a child he did not rule in fact, but was influenced to make decisions by his Council and in particular by a succession of relatives--first his uncle Edward Seymour (Duke of Somerset), next by the Duke of Northumberland. Each sought to jockey his family into positions of power at court. The young king's diary tells us how he despised both of them and how he watched compromised advisors executed with cool detachment. When he died of tuberculosis at age 15, another succession of executions of royal hopefuls (including that of Northumberland's daughter-in-law, Lady Jane Gray, the king's cousin) ended in England's relapse into religious war under Mary Tudor, Henry VIII's eldest daughter, born of a Catholic mother. She rebuffed Protestant suitors and married her cousin, Philip, prince of Spain, at Winchester in 1554. He brought the idea of Inquisition to England. Nightmarish "witch hunts" of Protestants left a terrible scar on the land, but only for a short time, because Mary died of stomach cancer in 1558. Her husband had used her solely to declare war on France, which ended in disaster, the loss of Calais after two centuries of possessing it as "English territory." Upon Mary's death, Philip quickly returned to Spain, to become enemy of the new queen, Mary's younger sister Elizabeth, daughter of Anne Boleyn. Thirty years later, he would send the Armada to defeat her, but the upset battle instead ended centuries of Spain's might on the high seas, and ushered in a long era of naval glory for England. Mary Tudor's coins are all rare, her portrait on them appropriately stark, her gold sovereign a continuation of the superb line begun by her grandfather, and given true elegance during her short reign, when it was first called a "fine sovereign," reflecting an increase of its value from 20 to 30 shillings. Ironically, in later years, the English sovereign was frequently coined from gold seized in warfare from Spain.

Sold for US$18,720 inc. premium
Edward VI, 1547-1553, Gold Half Sovereign, (1550-53) S-2451, 5.61 grams, 32mm. Third period (1550-53). Mintmark tun, half-length figure of king in armor right, crowned and cuirassed, holding sword and globus cruciger, EDWARD VII D G AGL FRA Z HIBER REX, reverse: crowned shield supported by ithyphallic lion and dragon standing on scrollwork, ER at the sides, IHS AVTEM TRANSIE PER MEDI ILLO IBAT. A generally good striking with minor weakness at the lower portion of the obverse, on a full flan, some small marks are seen under magnification. Pleasing old-gold color and a fully original appearance. Provenance: Spink, June 1942 Marshall Sale, Spink, March 31, 2004, lot 13
Edward VI, 1550-1553, Silver Crown, 1551 S-2478, 30.65 grams, 43mm. Third period, fine silver issue. Mintmark Y (Southwark). King on horseback with date 1551 below horse, EDWARD:VI:D:G:AGL:FRANCI:Z:HIBER:REX, reverse: shield on cross, :POSVI:DEVM:ADIVTOR:E:MEV:. The first dated English coin! Fine-silver issue of 1551-53. Most examples seen of this type are dated 1553, and even they are now rare above Fine condition. But a 1551 in this condition is a coin almost never encountered. The great Slaney Collection had one, sharper than this, but it sold in 2003 for 42,000 Pounds (about $76,000 at the time). The present specimen is particularly well struck showing sharpness in the important features of the design, modest wear, none of the double-striking usually associated with this crown type, and it's also on a lovely, large, round flan. A couple of miniscule rim cracks are visible from striking. King Edward was only 14 when this coin was minted, son of Henry VIII by Jane Seymour, in fact Henry's only son. Henry's obsessive desire for a male heir of course caused the great schism between the Catholic Church and himself, leading to the establishment of the Church of England. Edward's health had been fragile since birth, and the unfortunate lad died of tuberculosis in July 1553. He had no time to make a mark on his world, except perhaps numismatically, for his coins are classic works of Renaissance art, and this, his silver crown, became the very first in a long line of beautifully engraved, emblematic, large silver issues of England and later of Great Britain. We are giving a wide but very modest estimate considering the whopping price achieved nine years ago for the Slaney specimen. This coin is not in the same league with the Slaney piece but it is nonetheless one of the best pieces to be offered in some years.

1006 —
Edward VI, 1550-1553, Silver Crown, 1551
S-2478, 30.65 grams, 43mm. Third period, fine silver issue. Mintmark Y (Southwark). King on horseback with date 1551 below horse, EDWARD:VI:D:G:AGL:FRANCI:Z:HIBER:REX, reverse: shield on cross, :POSVI:DEVM:ADIVTOR:E:MEV:. The first dated English coin! Fine-silver issue of 1551-53. Most examples seen of this type are dated 1553, and even they are now rare above Fine condition. But a 1551 in this condition is a coin almost never encountered. The great Slaney Collection had one, sharper than this, but it sold in 2003 for 42,000 Pounds (about $76,000 at the time). The present specimen is particularly well struck showing sharpness in the important features of the design, modest wear, none of the double-striking usually associated with this crown type, and it's also on a lovely, large, round flan. A couple of miniscule rim cracks are visible from striking.

King Edward was only 14 when this coin was minted, son of Henry VIII by Jane Seymour, in fact Henry's only son. Henry's obsessive desire for a male heir of course caused the great schism between the Catholic Church and himself, leading to the establishment of the Church of England. Edward's health had been fragile since birth, and the unfortunate lad died of tuberculosis in July 1553. He had no time to make a mark on his world, except perhaps numismatically, for his coins are classic works of Renaissance art, and this, his silver crown, became the very first in a long line of beautifully engraved, emblematic, large silver issues of England and later of Great Britain. We are giving a wide but very modest estimate considering the whopping price achieved nine years ago for the Slaney specimen. This coin is not in the same league with the Slaney piece but it is nonetheless one of the best pieces to be offered in some years.

Sold for US$4,095 inc. premium
Mary I, 1553-1554, Gold Fine Sovereign, 1553 Fr-192, S-2488, 15.15 grams, 44mm. 'Fine' Sovereign aka: 30 Shillings. Pomegranate mintmark after MARIA. Queen enthroned holding orb and scepter, portcullis at feet, date MDLIII at end of legend, reverse: square topped shield in center of Tudor rose, within double tressure, double annulet stops, A DNO FACTV EST ISTV Z EST MIRA IN OCVL NRIS. Mary, the daughter of King Henry VIII reigned for a brief five years before her premature death in 1558. All of Mary's gold coins are rare. This sovereign, the largest of the gold coins of the period, is unusually nice for issue. Good portrait and detail. Although the Sovereigns are often creased or mishandled, this is well centered, and struck on a remarkably straight flan. Lovely, light straw-gold toning enhances this especially nice piece. A true rarity in English numismatics, and very rare so fine. Now valued at 30 shillings, and of larger and finer style than preceding types, the impressive "fine gold" sovereign of Queen Mary I shows the Tudor queen enthroned and holding the implements of state, a large portcullis "stop" at her feet. Dated in Roman numerals. Biblical inscription in Latin as reverse legend translates as "This is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes." An excellent example of this important rarity, made possible as a large and evenly struck gold piece of high purity by improvements at the mint which included, for the first time, crude mechanical methods for rolling metal, cutting the blanks from sheets of gold, and striking them using techniques introduced by Italian artisans. This improvement in technology may be seen here in the sharpness of the small details in the portrait, the overall clarity of impression of the dies, and the centering. Not all gold coins of this period claim these fine qualities, and it is evident that improvements were not consistent at the mint in the early 1550s. Provenance: The Pellegrino Collection

1007 —
Mary I, 1553-1554, Gold Fine Sovereign, 1553
Fr-192, S-2488, 15.15 grams, 44mm. 'Fine' Sovereign aka: 30 Shillings. Pomegranate mintmark after MARIA. Queen enthroned holding orb and scepter, portcullis at feet, date MDLIII at end of legend, reverse: square topped shield in center of Tudor rose, within double tressure, double annulet stops, A DNO FACTV EST ISTV Z EST MIRA IN OCVL NRIS. Mary, the daughter of King Henry VIII reigned for a brief five years before her premature death in 1558. All of Mary's gold coins are rare. This sovereign, the largest of the gold coins of the period, is unusually nice for issue. Good portrait and detail. Although the Sovereigns are often creased or mishandled, this is well centered, and struck on a remarkably straight flan. Lovely, light straw-gold toning enhances this especially nice piece. A true rarity in English numismatics, and very rare so fine.

Now valued at 30 shillings, and of larger and finer style than preceding types, the impressive "fine gold" sovereign of Queen Mary I shows the Tudor queen enthroned and holding the implements of state, a large portcullis "stop" at her feet. Dated in Roman numerals. Biblical inscription in Latin as reverse legend translates as "This is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes." An excellent example of this important rarity, made possible as a large and evenly struck gold piece of high purity by improvements at the mint which included, for the first time, crude mechanical methods for rolling metal, cutting the blanks from sheets of gold, and striking them using techniques
introduced by Italian artisans. This improvement in technology may be seen here in the sharpness of the small details in the portrait, the overall clarity of impression of the dies, and the centering. Not all gold coins of this period claim these fine qualities, and it is evident that improvements were not consistent at the mint in the early 1550s.

Provenance: The Pellegrino Collection

Sold for US$84,240 inc. premium
Elizabeth I, 1558-1603, Gold Pound (1591-95) S-2534, N-2008, 11.08 grams, 39mm. Sixth issue, tun / tun mintmarks, old bust of queen left with elaborate dress and profusion of hair, ELIZABETH D G ANG FRA ET HIB REGINA, reverse: crowned square shield with E R at sides, SCVTVM:FIDEI:PROTEGET:EAM. This specimen is as nice as can be located, with a beautiful portrait intricately detailed and struck up showing the queen crowned in her elaborate dress with jewels and fancy ruff, each letter of the obverse legend crystal clear. The fields are immaculate and mostly lustrous, the reverse is equally impressive with a beautiful crowned shield, and remarkably, each letter of this side's legend is bold, as is the "E- R" at the sides of the shield. As well, the rims and edge are excellent, one tiny diagonal mark is noted (for pedigree purposes) on the queen's cheek. In short, this is one of the finest coins of this portrait type that might be found -- anywhere. It is very close to Mint State. Sir Richard Martin who became Master of the Mint and Lord Mayor of London was born in 1534. He adopted the business of "goldsmith" and in 1594 is mentioned as one of the goldsmiths to Queen Elizabeth. In 1559-60, he was appointed Warden of the Mint, and held this office until 1594-5, and perhaps later. in 1580-81, he was appointed Master of the Mint and appears to have held this office until his death in 1617. In September 1597, he petitioned the Queen for 16 pence on every pound weight of silver coined on account of his losses in connection with the mint. He declared he had done good service in apprehending counterfeiters of the coin, and that the money made was richer by £30,000 at the least than the like quantity made by the former Mint Master.

1008 —
Elizabeth I, 1558-1603, Gold Pound (1591-95)
S-2534, N-2008, 11.08 grams, 39mm. Sixth issue, tun / tun mintmarks, old bust of queen left with elaborate dress and profusion of hair, ELIZABETH D G ANG FRA ET HIB REGINA, reverse: crowned square shield with E R at sides, SCVTVM:FIDEI:PROTEGET:EAM. This specimen is as nice as can be located, with a beautiful portrait intricately detailed and struck up showing the queen crowned in her elaborate dress with jewels and fancy ruff, each letter of the obverse legend crystal clear. The fields are immaculate and mostly lustrous, the reverse is equally impressive with a beautiful crowned shield, and remarkably, each letter of this side's legend is bold, as is the "E- R" at the sides of the shield. As well, the rims and edge are excellent, one tiny diagonal mark is noted (for pedigree purposes) on the queen's cheek. In short, this is one of the finest coins of this portrait type that might be found -- anywhere. It is very close to Mint State.

Sir Richard Martin who became Master of the Mint and Lord Mayor of London was born in 1534. He adopted the business of "goldsmith" and in 1594 is mentioned as one of the goldsmiths to Queen Elizabeth. In 1559-60, he was appointed Warden of the Mint, and held this office until 1594-5, and perhaps later. in 1580-81, he was appointed Master of the Mint and appears to have held this office until his death in 1617. In September 1597, he petitioned the Queen for 16 pence on every pound weight of silver coined on account of his losses in connection with the mint. He declared he had done good service in apprehending counterfeiters of the coin, and that the money made was richer by £30,000 at the least than the like quantity made by the former Mint Master.

Sold for US$25,740 inc. premium
Elizabeth I, 1558-1603, Silver Crown, 1601 S-2582, 30.03 grams, 42mm. Mintmark 1. Sixth issue, crowned bust left wearing elaborate dress and holding scepter and orb, three fingers of hand visible, scepter points to G in REGINA. ELIZABETH:D:G:ANG:FRA:ET:HIBER:REGINA, reverse: long cross fourchée over square garnished shield, POSVI:DEVM:ADIVTOREM:MEVM. Minor (typical) weakness shows at the center of the obverse, a few tiny contact marks, reverse better and very pleasing. Light, natural patina overall.
James I, 1603-1625, Gold Sovereign (First Coinage 1603-4) KM-20, S-2608, 10.94 grams, 39mm. Thistle mintmark. First coinage, bust right with plain armor, holding scepter in right hand, orb in left, IACOBVS.D.G.ANG.SCO.FRAN.ET.HIB.REX., reverse: crowned square garnished shield with I R at sides, thistle mintmark, EXVRGAT.DEVS.DISSIPFNTVR.INIMICI (Let God Arise and Let His Enemies be Scattered). An exceptional piece, very rare in any condition, but as a Mint State example, extremely rare! Smooth, lustrous surfaces with satin luster and a virtual absence of marks and distractions. Well centered on a soft, green-gold flan with minor striking weakness at selected peripheral areas. Any "First Design" James I gold coinage is very rare and seldom offered at public sale. Specialists will pay close attention as this lot crosses the block. Provenance: Ex: Nunn, O'Hagen, Sir John Evans, and Lockett

1010 —
James I, 1603-1625, Gold Sovereign (First Coinage 1603-4)
KM-20, S-2608, 10.94 grams, 39mm. Thistle mintmark. First coinage, bust right with plain armor, holding scepter in right hand, orb in left, IACOBVS.D.G.ANG.SCO.FRAN.ET.HIB.REX., reverse: crowned square garnished shield with I R at sides, thistle mintmark, EXVRGAT.DEVS.DISSIPFNTVR.INIMICI (Let God Arise and Let His Enemies be Scattered). An exceptional piece, very rare in any condition, but as a Mint State example, extremely rare! Smooth, lustrous surfaces with satin luster and a virtual absence of marks and distractions. Well centered on a soft, green-gold flan with minor striking weakness at selected peripheral areas. Any "First Design" James I gold coinage is very rare and seldom offered at public sale. Specialists will pay close attention as this lot crosses the block.

Provenance: Ex: Nunn, O'Hagen, Sir John Evans, and Lockett

Sold for US$40,950 inc. premium
James I, 1603-1625, Silver Crown, (1603-4) KM-17, S-2643, N-2070, 29.8 grams, 43mm. First coinage (1603-04), mintmark thistle, King crowned and in armor with sword over his right shoulder, on horseback right, ground line below, crowned rose on housing, IACOBVS.D.G.ANG.SCO.FRAN.ET.HIB. REX, reverse: square garnished shield, EXVRGAT.DEVS.DISSIPENTVR.INIMICI. Close examination reveals numerous crisscrossing scratches on the obverse and lower left reverse, numerous planchet indentations are also seen on the obverse. Pleasing steel-gray color with darker peripheral accents. Well-defined.
James I, 1603-1625, Silver Crown, (1604-19) KM-17, S-2652, 29.55 grams, 43mm. Second coinage (1604-19), lis mintmark, King crowned and in armor with sword over right shoulder, on horseback right, ground line below, crowned rose on housing, reverse: square garnished shield, QVAE.DEVS.CONIVNXIT.NEMO.SEPARET. Attractively toned with primarily purple hues on the obverse, the reverse is somewhat lighter with peripheral tones. No singularly mentionable marks or other distractions.
James I, 1603-1625, Silver Halfcrown (1606-7) KM-29, S-2653, 14.44 grams, 35mm. Escallop mintmark, second coinage, crowned king on horseback right in armor with sword on shoulder, ground line below, crowned rose of housing, IACOBVS.D.G.MAG.BRIT.FRAN.ET.HIB.REX, reverse: square garnished shield in circle, QVAE.DEVS.CONIVNXIT.NEMO.SEPARET. Silver halfcrowns (second coinage) are rare, especially so with this mintmark. Attractive gray patina with deeper iridescence at the peripheries. Good detail remains, even at the borders. A few small marks and scratches are seen, one lateral mark near the center of the obverse. Believed by the consignor to be one of only two known examples of this type.
Charles I, 1625-1649, Gold Double Crown KM-143, S-2711, 4.48 grams, 26mm. Castle mintmark, second bust, crowned bust left wearing ruff, armor, and mantle, X behind, CAROLVS D G MAG.BR.FRET.HIB.REX, reverse: square topped shield, CVLTORES SVIDEVS PROTEGIT. Medium gold color with deeper accents at selected border areas. A thin "X" is scratched into the right obverse field, this being hardly noticeable without magnification.
Charles I, 1625-1649, Gold Double Crown by Briot S-2720. 4.47 grams, 26mm. Briot's first issue of 1631-32. B and flower mintmarks on obverse, portrait of crowned king facing left, X denomination in field behind, CAROLVS.D.G.MAG.BRITAN.FRAN.ET.HIB.REX, reverse: B mintmark at top, CVLTORES.SVI.DEVS.PROTEGIT., square shield with crown at center, C R to the sides. Struck on the machinery imported from France on contract with the Royal Mint by Briot. Excellent broad and evenly round flan, a hallmark of the Briot issues; normal mint-made adjustment marks on both sides. Rare and highly desirable.
Charles I, 1625-1649, Gold Triple Unite, 1642 KM-233. S-2724, 27.15 grams, 42mm. Provincial and Civil War issue, Oxford plume mintmark on obverse only, on large flan, crowned tall, narrow, half-length bust of king left in armor holding raised sword and olive branch, plume behind, CAROLVS:D:G:MAG:BRIT:FR:ET:HIB:REX, reverse: RELIG:PROT LEG:ANG LIBER:PAR in three wavy lines, value (III) and three plumes above, date 1642 below, EXVRGAT:DEVS:DISSIPENTVR:INIMICI.:. surrounds. An especially well-centered example on a smooth, green-golden flan. Well-defined overall, save for minor localized peripheral weakness. Provenance: Ex: Spink, R.D. Beresford-Jones Sale, June 2, 1983, lot 111
Charles I, 1625-1649, Gold Triple Unite, 1643 KM-256.2, S-2727, 26.64 grams, 46mm. Oxford mintmark, (plume - on obverse only). Provincial and Civil War issue, artistic crowned half-length bust of king left in armor, without scarf, holding sword, and with longer branch, plume behind, CAROLVS.D:G.MAGN:BRIT:FRAN:ET HIB:REX:, reverse: declaration RELIG:PROT:LEG:ANG LIBER:PAR in three lines on scroll, value (III) and three plumes above, date 1643 below, DEVS:DISSIPETVR:INIMICI:EXVRGAT:. Crisply defined in most portions of both sides, with an excellent portrait of the king. This is a desirable mid-grade example of a coin which had a value of 60 shillings. Variety without scarf flowing from the monarch's neck, but with a longer olive branch draped over his shoulder. The largest gold coin ever struck in England, made inside the old castle at Oxford. These are products, really, of and for the king's use during the Civil War, and half a dozen varieties exist of the pieces minted from 1642-44 (although the mint, itself, continued to function until 1646). Generally speaking, the king's portrait on these coins is perhaps more life-like, and elegant, than on any of his other currency coins. The coin is rife with symbolism, from the sword held out in defiance by the king, to the wavy banner of the reverse side, on which is scrolled the famous Latin abbreviation of "declaration," which admitted the powers of "the religion of the Protestants, the laws of England, and the liberty of Parliament" (as it translates) but nonetheless insisted, by its very existence, on the sovereignty of the king. This was an era of great impending change, when people all over Europe spoke through their landlords in objection to kings' divine right to rule. But Charles I seemed oblivious of this coming wave, going so far as to place a statement of his divine right on the reverses of many of his coins in the Latin legend "CHRISTO AUSPICE REGNO" -- literally, "I rule with Christ's approval." When he pinched his subjects with one tax too many, trouble began. His declaration, engraved on the reverse of this massive gold piece, was the essence of his objection to Parliament's interference in his divine right, "declared" to the Privy Council on September 19, 1642, at Wellington. It prodded Oliver Cromwell to chase Charles and his army from city to city, and made Charles literally a king with an army, but without a kingdom, until he fortified himself inside the walls of medieval Oxford. Eventually starved into surrendering, he met his fate in 1649, as everyone knows. When the Commonwealth played out its short part in history, and the king's son returned from exile in 1660, as Charles II, the sovereigns of England would never again enjoy the powers they traditionally held. None would ever really "go to war" again as kings had done for centuries; instead they became titular heads of state, rubber-stamping the laws created by Parliament. This coin is a marvelous example--gleaming with antique reddish-golden color gained over centuries of careful storage, and possessing an excellent portrait of King Charles I, and particularly pleasing surfaces--of this famous transition of power, and a true work of Renaissance art as well. Has been pierced and plugged, and the mint-mark expertly re-tooled, otherwise generally better than fine, very rare.

1017 —
Charles I, 1625-1649, Gold Triple Unite, 1643
KM-256.2, S-2727, 26.64 grams, 46mm. Oxford mintmark, (plume - on obverse only). Provincial and Civil War issue, artistic crowned half-length bust of king left in armor, without scarf, holding sword, and with longer branch, plume behind, CAROLVS.D:G.MAGN:BRIT:FRAN:ET HIB:REX:, reverse: declaration RELIG:PROT:LEG:ANG LIBER:PAR in three lines on scroll, value (III) and three plumes above, date 1643 below, DEVS:DISSIPETVR:INIMICI:EXVRGAT:.

Crisply defined in most portions of both sides, with an excellent portrait of the king. This is a desirable mid-grade example of a coin which had a value of 60 shillings. Variety without scarf flowing from the monarch's neck, but with a longer olive branch draped over his shoulder. The largest gold coin ever struck in England, made inside the old castle at Oxford. These are products, really, of and for the king's use during the Civil War, and half a dozen varieties exist of the pieces minted from 1642-44 (although the mint, itself, continued to function until 1646). Generally speaking, the king's portrait on these coins is perhaps more life-like, and elegant, than on any of his other currency coins.

The coin is rife with symbolism, from the sword held out in defiance by the king, to the wavy banner of the reverse side, on which is scrolled the famous Latin abbreviation of "declaration," which admitted the powers of "the religion of the Protestants, the laws of England, and the liberty of Parliament" (as it translates) but nonetheless insisted, by its very existence, on the sovereignty of the king. This was an era of great impending change, when people all over Europe spoke through their landlords in objection to kings' divine right to rule. But Charles I seemed oblivious of this coming wave, going so far as to place a statement of his divine right on the reverses of many of his coins in the Latin legend "CHRISTO AUSPICE REGNO" -- literally, "I rule with Christ's approval." When he pinched his subjects with one tax too many, trouble began. His declaration, engraved on the reverse of this massive gold piece, was the essence of his objection to Parliament's interference in his divine right, "declared" to the Privy Council on September 19, 1642, at Wellington. It prodded Oliver Cromwell to chase Charles and his army from city to city, and made Charles literally a king with an army, but without a kingdom, until he fortified himself inside the walls of medieval Oxford. Eventually starved into surrendering, he met his fate in 1649, as everyone knows. When the Commonwealth played out its short part in history, and the king's son returned from exile in 1660, as Charles II, the sovereigns of England would never again enjoy the powers they traditionally held. None would ever really "go to war" again as kings had done for centuries; instead they became titular heads of state, rubber-stamping the laws created by Parliament. This coin is a marvelous example--gleaming with antique reddish-golden color gained over centuries of careful storage, and possessing an excellent portrait of King Charles I, and particularly pleasing surfaces--of this famous transition of power, and a true work of Renaissance art as well. Has been pierced and plugged, and the mint-mark expertly re-tooled, otherwise generally better than fine, very rare.

Sold for US$44,460 inc. premium
Charles I, 1625-1649, Silver Crown, (1625-42) KM-128, S-2756, 29.83 grams, 42mm. Tower mint, under the King (1625-42), type 2b1, second mounted horseman left, smaller horse plume on head, cross on housing, CAROLVS.D.G.MAG.BRIT.FRA.ET.HIB. REX., reverse: plume between CR above shield, no cross fourchée , mm rose over feathers, CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO. Graced by ages-old, well-set dark-gray toning. For a large coin of its era, it is also remarkably free from post-striking marks. It is noted that some planchet roughness is seen left of the horse and minor rim damage and cracking is also present. A perfect circulated example of this desirable coinage.
Charles I, 1625-1649, Silver Halfcrown, 1645 KM-329.5, S-2915, 14.87 grams, 35mm. Uncertain mint (Hereford?), third horseman, King wearing cloak flying from shoulder left, CAROLVS. D.G.MAG.BRIT.FRA.ET.REX., reverse: CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, oval garnished shield with lion and unicorn supporters, date 1645 below. Struck on an irregular planchet, noticeable detail is missing at selected peripheral areas. Pleasing light gray color with some purple accents on the reverse. After thoroughly searching recent auction records (1960 - present), we fail to find any listing of this extremely rare piece. In fact, this is the plate coin in the Spink catalog, Coins of England & The United Kingdom, 47th Edition. Could this specimen be unique? Certainly a fleeting opportunity for the advanced collector.

1019 —
Charles I, 1625-1649, Silver Halfcrown, 1645
KM-329.5, S-2915, 14.87 grams, 35mm. Uncertain mint (Hereford?), third horseman, King wearing cloak flying from shoulder left, CAROLVS. D.G.MAG.BRIT.FRA.ET.REX., reverse: CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, oval garnished shield with lion and unicorn supporters, date 1645 below. Struck on an irregular planchet, noticeable detail is missing at selected peripheral areas. Pleasing light gray color with some purple accents on the reverse. After thoroughly searching recent auction records (1960 - present), we fail to find any listing of this extremely rare piece. In fact, this is the plate coin in the Spink catalog, Coins of England & The United Kingdom, 47th Edition. Could this specimen be unique? Certainly a fleeting opportunity for the advanced collector.

Sold for US$40,950 inc. premium
Charles I, 1625-1649, Silver One Pound, 1642 KM-239.2, S-2939, 119.5 grams, 52mm. A provincial Civil War issue from the Oxford Mint. King on horseback left trampling on arms, plume behind, reverse: EXVRGAT:DEVS:DISSIPENTVR:INIMICI.:.:., declaration in two lines across field between two straight lines, RELIG.PROT.LEG ANG.LIBER.PAR, XX with three Oxford plumes above. Triple striking is obvious on the obverse, particularly the upraised sword and the beaded circle under the legend. Deep argent-gray with charcoal accents in the recesses. Several pin pricks and marks are noted in the obverse fields. A perfect example of this coinage.
Charles I, 1625-1649, Silver Crown (1642-43) KM-333, S-3045, 29.97 grams, 45mm. Provincial and Civil War issue, Truro mintmark (rose), armored king on horseback left, holding raised sword, head in profile, sash flies out in two ends, CAROLVS:D:G:MAG:BRIT:FRA:ET:REX, reverse: oval garnished shield, CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO. Struck on a slightly uneven planchet (as normal), localized striking weakness is noted on each side. Attractively toned a deep steel-gray color. Sir Richard Vyvyan was commissioned on November 14, 1642 to coin money, and subsequently, a mint was established at Truro. There was no mention in the commission that any specific engraver was to be employed, but Vyvyan was asked to send three messengers to produce "pyoners and tooles, up to seven or eight dozen." Pyoner was the local word for a working miner, and there is no evidence of any skilled engraver having been employed. There is moreover, no evidence of machinery at the mint, and the list of tools at the mint seized from Vyvyan's house by the local Parliamentary committee (1646) does not include any mention of it. Of course, this was four years after the mint commenced work, and since only a relatively small number of the Truro/Exeter could have been struck by machine, it is quite probable that by then, the machine had either been destroyed, or was no longer in operation. The absence of evidence of the existence of machinery therefore does not (we think) preclude the possibility of its use. The type of machine we have in mind could have easily been made by local Cornish miners. A parallel case would be the Irish Ormonde money coins which are definitely considered to have been struck by machinery, although no evidence of that exists either. Miss Coate's paper makes it clear that the mint tools were provided locally and not by Bristol or Oxford, and the general evidence is the bullion was also supplied by local plate and not from elsewhere. The designer of the crowns must obviously have been a skilled workman, it is possible that Sir Richard Vyvyan obtained a goldsmith from Exeter which was known as a goldsmith's town, instead of Truro. It may well be that is engraver did not accompany the mint when it moved to Exeter, and the general standard of workmanship of the Exeter crown coins falls considerably below that of the 1642 pieces.

1021 —
Charles I, 1625-1649, Silver Crown (1642-43)
KM-333, S-3045, 29.97 grams, 45mm. Provincial and Civil War issue, Truro mintmark (rose), armored king on horseback left, holding raised sword, head in profile, sash flies out in two ends, CAROLVS:D:G:MAG:BRIT:FRA:ET:REX, reverse: oval garnished shield, CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO. Struck on a slightly uneven planchet (as normal), localized striking weakness is noted on each side. Attractively toned a deep steel-gray color.

Sir Richard Vyvyan was commissioned on November 14, 1642 to coin money, and subsequently, a mint was established at Truro. There was no mention in the commission that any specific engraver was to be employed, but Vyvyan was asked to send three messengers to produce "pyoners and tooles, up to seven or eight dozen." Pyoner was the local word for a working miner, and there is no evidence of any skilled engraver having been employed. There is moreover, no evidence of machinery at the mint, and the list of tools at the mint seized from Vyvyan's house by the local Parliamentary committee (1646) does not include any mention of it. Of course, this was four years after the mint commenced work, and since only a relatively small number of the Truro/Exeter could have been struck by machine, it is quite probable that by then, the machine had either been destroyed, or was no longer in operation. The absence of evidence of the existence of machinery therefore does not (we think) preclude the possibility of its use. The type of machine we have in mind could have easily been made by local Cornish miners. A parallel case would be the Irish Ormonde money coins which are definitely considered to have been struck by machinery, although no evidence of that exists either.

Miss Coate's paper makes it clear that the mint tools were provided locally and not by Bristol or Oxford, and the general evidence is the bullion was also supplied by local plate and not from elsewhere. The designer of the crowns must obviously have been a skilled workman, it is possible that Sir Richard Vyvyan obtained a goldsmith from Exeter which was known as a goldsmith's town, instead of Truro. It may well be that is engraver did not accompany the mint when it moved to Exeter, and the general standard of workmanship of the Exeter crown coins falls considerably below that of the 1642 pieces.

Sold for US$2,223 inc. premium
Charles I, 1625-1649, Worcester Silver Shilling (1643-44) S-3113, N-2619, 5.57 grams, 30mm. Provincial and Civil war issue (1638-49), Weymouth Mint (1643-44), a somewhat crude copy of the final variety, crowned bust left, adequately rendered, XII in field behind, CAROLVS D G. MA. BR. FR. ET. HI REX:, reverse: CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, oval garnished shield. Struck on an irregular planchet, some peripheral detail is missing due to striking and clipping, more so on the reverse. Deep argent-gray with charcoal accents in the recesses of the design, several ancient marks and scratches are noted on each side. Extremely rare!
Charles I, 1625-1649, Silver Halfcrown, 1644 KM-241.23, S-3135, Booker-1112, 14.77 grams, 38mm. Chester mintmark, crude effigy of king riding left on horseback, raised sword in right hand, cloak flying from shoulder and trailing behind, "Declaration of Bristol" reverse, RELIG.PRO.LEG.ANG.LIBER.PAR on two lines at center, 1644 below, three plumes above, EXVERGAT.DEVS. DISSIPENTVR:INIMICI. Struck on a cracked, irregular flan, notable peripheral detail is missing. Pleasant medium gray color with a dark colored indentation right of center of the reverse. Numerous small marks and ancient scratches are noted. Rare type within denomination.
Scotland, Charles I, 1625-1649, Gold Unite by Briot (1637-42) KM-57, SC1UT.010, 9.85 grams, 37mm. Possibly holed and plugged. Mintmark thistle and B after legend at top, fine style half figure of Charles faces right, holding scepter and orb, CAROLVSD.G MAG.BRITAN.FRAN.ET.HIB.REX, reverse: crowned flat top shield dividing C R on either side, six strings to Irish harp, HIS.PRAESVM.VT.PROSIM. It cannot be determined the exact date this coin was struck due to the placement of the B mintmark (Briot's Mint) with thistle as can be done with English Unites struck at this mint. Some tooling is detected on close examination on the O of CARO on the obverse and the corresponding portion of the reverse indicating this one may be holed and subsequently plugged. Struck on a soft green-golden planchet, a well-centered example. One tiny area of possible tooling is noted near the reverse rim between P and AE of PRAESVM. Extremely rare, we have found only one other auction offering since 2002.

1024 —
Scotland, Charles I, 1625-1649, Gold Unite by Briot (1637-42)
KM-57, SC1UT.010, 9.85 grams, 37mm. Possibly holed and plugged. Mintmark thistle and B after legend at top, fine style half figure of Charles faces right, holding scepter and orb, CAROLVSD.G MAG.BRITAN.FRAN.ET.HIB.REX, reverse: crowned flat top shield dividing C R on either side, six strings to Irish harp, HIS.PRAESVM.VT.PROSIM. It cannot be determined the exact date this coin was struck due to the placement of the B mintmark (Briot's Mint) with thistle as can be done with English Unites struck at this mint. Some tooling is detected on close examination on the O of CARO on the obverse and the corresponding portion of the reverse indicating this one may be holed and subsequently plugged. Struck on a soft green-golden planchet, a well-centered example. One tiny area of possible tooling is noted near the reverse rim between P and AE of PRAESVM. Extremely rare, we have found only one other auction offering since 2002.

Sold for US$14,040 inc. premium
Commonwealth, 1649-1660, Cromwell Dutch Copy Silver (Gilt) Crown, 1658 KM-D-207, S-3226A, 30.27 grams, 40mm. Laureate and draped bust left, OLIVAR.D.G.R.P. ANG.SCO.ET.HIB&c PRO, reverse: crowned shield of the arms of the Protectorate, PAX QVAERITVR.BELLO, 1658 at top divided by crown. Much of the silver plating has worn away, in the fields and on the highpoints of the devices. Nearly mark-free and well-defined throughout. Very rare and worthy of a strong bid.
Commonwealth, 1649-1660, Cromwell Silver Halfcrown, 1658 KM-B-207, S-3227A, 14.98 grams, 34mm. Laureate head and draped bust left, OLIVAR.D.D.RP.ANG.SCO.ET.HIB&cPRO, reverse: crowned shield of arms of the Protectorate, PAX.QVAERITVR.RELIO, date 1658 at top, edge inscribe in raised letters. A classic in a well-preserved condition. Partially reflective surfaces beneath medium bluish-gray toning, with hues of gold iridescence as the coin is turned under a light. Some small marks and faint hairlines in the color, but these are essentially invisible to the naked eye. Legends and design are especially well struck. Closely examine this piece, and you will discover the artistry that made Thomas Simon, who engraved the dies for this coin, world famous. The very first milled English crown, and a joy to behold in every way, but particularly for its tone and surfaces.

1026 —
Commonwealth, 1649-1660, Cromwell Silver Halfcrown, 1658
KM-B-207, S-3227A, 14.98 grams, 34mm. Laureate head and draped bust left, OLIVAR.D.D.RP.ANG.SCO.ET.HIB&cPRO, reverse: crowned shield of arms of the Protectorate, PAX.QVAERITVR.RELIO, date 1658 at top, edge inscribe in raised letters. A classic in a well-preserved condition. Partially reflective surfaces beneath medium bluish-gray toning, with hues of gold iridescence as the coin is turned under a light. Some small marks and faint hairlines in the color, but these are essentially invisible to the naked eye. Legends and design are especially well struck. Closely examine this piece, and you will discover the artistry that made Thomas Simon, who engraved the dies for this coin, world famous. The very first milled English crown, and a joy to behold in every way, but particularly for its tone and surfaces.

Sold for US$5,265 inc. premium
Commonwealth, 1649-1660, Cromwell Dutch Cast Copy Sixpence, 1658 KM-E-207, S- 3229, 3.91 grams, 24mm. Laureate head left with liberty cap and pole below, OLIVAR.DGR.P.ANG.SCOHIB.PRO, reverse: crowned shield of the protectorate, date 1658 above, PAX.QVAERITVR.BELLO. Prepared from a rather crude set of Dutch dies in 1738. Slightly porous (as expected of a casting), the surfaces present a medium steel-gray appearance with darker color at the borders. Abundant incrustation is also present at the peripheries. Oliver Cromwell, "the Great Emancipator" was born on April 25, 1599 in Huntington. He married Elizabeth Bourchier in August 1620 and had nine children, seven of whom survived infancy. The Protectorate was established on December 16, 1653, with work on the production of portrait coins authorized in 1655. Although often referred to as patterns, there is, in fact, nothing to suggest that the portrait coins of Oliver Cromwell were not intended for circulation. Authorized in 1656, the first full production came in 1657 and was followed by a second, more plentiful one before Cromwell's death on September 3, 1658. All coins were machine made, struck from dies made by Thomas Simon (1618-1665), in the presses of the Frenchman Pierre Blondeau. Later, some of Simon's dies were sold in the Low Countries and an imitation crown piece was made there. Other Dutch dies were prepared and found their way back to the Mint, where in 1738, it was decided to strike a set of Cromwell's coins. Shillings and sixpences were struck from the Dutch dies, and crowns from the new dies prepared by John tanner. Dutch and Tanner "halfbroads" were also made. Oliver was succeeded as Lord Protector by his son Richard for whom no coins were struck.

1027 —
Commonwealth, 1649-1660, Cromwell Dutch Cast Copy Sixpence, 1658
KM-E-207, S- 3229, 3.91 grams, 24mm. Laureate head left with liberty cap and pole below, OLIVAR.DGR.P.ANG.SCOHIB.PRO, reverse: crowned shield of the protectorate, date 1658 above, PAX.QVAERITVR.BELLO. Prepared from a rather crude set of Dutch dies in 1738. Slightly porous (as expected of a casting), the surfaces present a medium steel-gray appearance with darker color at the borders. Abundant incrustation is also present at the peripheries.

Oliver Cromwell, "the Great Emancipator" was born on April 25, 1599 in Huntington. He married Elizabeth Bourchier in August 1620 and had nine children, seven of whom survived infancy. The Protectorate was established on December 16, 1653, with work on the production of portrait coins authorized in 1655. Although often referred to as patterns, there is, in fact, nothing to suggest that the portrait coins of Oliver Cromwell were not intended for circulation. Authorized in 1656, the first full production came in 1657 and was followed by a second, more plentiful one before Cromwell's death on September 3, 1658. All coins were machine made, struck from dies made by Thomas Simon (1618-1665), in the presses of the Frenchman Pierre Blondeau. Later, some of Simon's dies were sold in the Low Countries and an imitation crown piece was made there. Other Dutch dies were prepared and found their way back to the Mint, where in 1738, it was decided to strike a set of Cromwell's coins. Shillings and sixpences were struck from the Dutch dies, and crowns from the new dies prepared by John tanner. Dutch and Tanner "halfbroads" were also made. Oliver was succeeded as Lord Protector by his son Richard for whom no coins were struck.

US$5,000 - US$7,000
Charles II, 1660-1685, Gold Unite KM-415, S-3301, 8.47 grams, 34mm. Hammered coinage (1660-1662), 1st Issue, Crown mintmark, laureate and draped bust left, no mark of value behind, CAROLVS.II DG.MAG.BRIT.FRAN.ET.HIB REX, reverse: crowned oval garnished shield with C R at sides, stop before FLORENT. Gold Unites with a value of 20 shillings were produced during Charles II's hammered coinage (in the first two years after the 1660 Restoration of the monarchy). This was one of the last of the hammered gold coins. The Unite was replaced by the milled gold Guinea in 1663, this with a value of 20 shillings, subsequently rising to 21 shillings. Here we have a very collectible example of the final hammered gold issue, with a marvelous portrait of the king and a fairly well-defined royal shield on the reverse. Lightly cleaned at one time, numerous squiggly hairlines are visible on each side under close examination. Still, this is a fine example of this rare gold coin. Henry Slingsby was Master of the Mint in London under Charles II from the 22nd to the 30th year of his reign. Rudding II, 7, mentions under date April 18, 1662 that "agreements were made by Sir Ralph Freeman, knt. master and worker of the mint and Henry Slingsby, esq. his deputy, with Peter Blondeau, (q.v.) about coining His Majesty's monies by the mill and press."

1028 —
Charles II, 1660-1685, Gold Unite
KM-415, S-3301, 8.47 grams, 34mm. Hammered coinage (1660-1662), 1st Issue, Crown mintmark, laureate and draped bust left, no mark of value behind, CAROLVS.II DG.MAG.BRIT.FRAN.ET.HIB REX, reverse: crowned oval garnished shield with C R at sides, stop before FLORENT. Gold Unites with a value of 20 shillings were produced during Charles II's hammered coinage (in the first two years after the 1660 Restoration of the monarchy). This was one of the last of the hammered gold coins. The Unite was replaced by the milled gold Guinea in 1663, this with a value of 20 shillings, subsequently rising to 21 shillings. Here we have a very collectible example of the final hammered gold issue, with a marvelous portrait of the king and a fairly well-defined royal shield on the reverse. Lightly cleaned at one time, numerous squiggly hairlines are visible on each side under close examination. Still, this is a fine example of this rare gold coin.

Henry Slingsby was Master of the Mint in London under Charles II from the 22nd to the 30th year of his reign. Rudding II, 7, mentions under date April 18, 1662 that "agreements were made by Sir Ralph Freeman, knt. master and worker of the mint and Henry Slingsby, esq. his deputy, with Peter Blondeau, (q.v.) about coining His Majesty's monies by the mill and press."

Sold for US$3,276 inc. premium
Charles II, 1660-1685, Gold 5 Guineas, 1673 KM-430.1, S-3328, 41.51 grams, 37mm. First laureate bust right, pointed truncation, long hair extending down, CAROLVS.II. DEI.GRATIA, toothed border both sides, reverse: crowned cruciform shields, eight strings to Irish harp, scepters in angles, interlinked Cs at center, date 1673 divided by crown and at top, MAG.BR.FRA.ET.HIB.REX. Deep antique-gold flan with brick-red toning in the recesses of the designs on each side. A number of tiny marks and abrasions have collected overall. Well-detailed and highly collectible.
Charles II, 1660-1685, Gold 2 Guineas, 1682 KM-443.1, S-3335, 17.4 grams, 31mm. Second laureate bust right (rounded truncation), CAROLVS.II.DEI.GRATIA, toothed (partial) border both sides, reverse: crowned cruciform shields, five strings to Irish harp, scepters in angles, interlinked Cs at center, date 1682 at top, .MAG.BR.FRA.ET.HIB REX., no stop after HIB. Myriad, microscopic surface marks, some weakness at lower right reverse, but showing pleasing old-gold color overall.
Charles II, 1660-1685, Gold Pattern Broad, 1662 KM-Pn-32, North-2780, 9.06 grams, 29mm. Tower mint, laureate cuirassed and draped bust of Charles II facing left, around, CAR .II.D.G.M.BR.FR.ET.HI.REX; small S tilted below bust, reverse: crowned square shield with the arms of England and France in 1st and 4th, Scotland and Ireland in 2nd and 3rd quarters, FLORENT CONCORDIA REGNA 1662, date divided by crown, plain edge. The small "S" below the bust is for Thomas Simon, the celebrated engraver of the famous Petition Crown. Rare. Modestly circulated with a lovely portrait and traces of reddish-gold luster remaining. Struck from a concave reverse die, producing somewhat "diminished" luster on reverse, as well as some central weakness; a small indentation is noted at the right of the shield. An exceptional grade for this type. Not listed by Wilson & Rasmussen, but actually one of the few suggested designs for England's first golden guinea.

1031 —
Charles II, 1660-1685, Gold Pattern Broad, 1662
KM-Pn-32, North-2780, 9.06 grams, 29mm. Tower mint, laureate cuirassed and draped bust of Charles II facing left, around, CAR .II.D.G.M.BR.FR.ET.HI.REX; small S tilted below bust, reverse: crowned square shield with the arms of England and France in 1st and 4th, Scotland and Ireland in 2nd and 3rd quarters, FLORENT CONCORDIA REGNA 1662, date divided by crown, plain edge. The small "S" below the bust is for Thomas Simon, the celebrated engraver of the famous Petition Crown. Rare. Modestly circulated with a lovely portrait and traces of reddish-gold luster remaining. Struck from a concave reverse die, producing somewhat "diminished" luster on reverse, as well as some central weakness; a small indentation is noted at the right of the shield. An exceptional grade for this type. Not listed by Wilson & Rasmussen, but actually one of the few suggested designs for England's first golden guinea.

Sold for US$5,850 inc. premium
James II, 1685-1688, Gold 5 Guineas, 1687 KM-460.1, S-3397A, 41.24 grams, 37mm. Second laureate bust left, IACOBVS.II.DEI.GRATIA, toothed border on both sides, reverse: crowned cruciform shields, seven strings to Irish harp, scepters in angles, date 1687 at top, .MAG.BR.FRA ET.HIB REX. All James II 5 Guineas are rare in high grades. They were the largest gold coins of the era and produced in relatively small quantities - nevertheless they circulated widely during James's short three year reign and beyond. Most available specimens are worn, damaged or mounted. This higher grade specimen is indeed special. Pleasing surfaces with a few tiny scattered abrasions. Deep olive-gold color overall. Francis Rice was Master of the Mint, London, under James II, in conjunction with John Trinder, Thomas Goddard, William Talbot, William Brumfield, and Edward Fox who were officiating in Great Britain and Ireland at various mints.

1032 —
James II, 1685-1688, Gold 5 Guineas, 1687
KM-460.1, S-3397A, 41.24 grams, 37mm. Second laureate bust left, IACOBVS.II.DEI.GRATIA, toothed border on both sides, reverse: crowned cruciform shields, seven strings to Irish harp, scepters in angles, date 1687 at top, .MAG.BR.FRA ET.HIB REX. All James II 5 Guineas are rare in high grades. They were the largest gold coins of the era and produced in relatively small quantities - nevertheless they circulated widely during James's short three year reign and beyond. Most available specimens are worn, damaged or mounted. This higher grade specimen is indeed special. Pleasing surfaces with a few tiny scattered abrasions. Deep olive-gold color overall.

Francis Rice was Master of the Mint, London, under James II, in conjunction with John Trinder, Thomas Goddard, William Talbot, William Brumfield, and Edward Fox who were officiating in Great Britain and Ireland at various mints.

Sold for US$17,550 inc. premium
James II, 1685-1688, Gold 2 Guineas, 1687 KM-464, S-3399, 16.73 grams, 31mm. Laureate bust left, IACOBVS.II.DEI.GRATIA, reverse: crowned cruciform shields, Scottish crown frosted, Irish crown semi-frosted (as struck), eight strings to Irish harp, scepters in angles, date 1687 at top, milled edge. Soft green-gold color is slightly deeper on the reverse. Well-defined throughout with excellent centering. A small mark in mentioned in the left obverse field under the S of IACOBVS, a tiny gouge is between GR of GRATIA. An interesting, highly collectible piece.
William and Mary, 1689-1694, Gold 5 Guineas, 1692 KM-479-1, S-3422, 41.6 grams, 37mm. Conjoined laureate busts right, GVLIELMVS.ET.MARIA.DEI.GRATIA, toothed border on both sides, reverse: crowned quartered shield with escutcheon of the Lion of Nassau with 11 lozenges, seven strings to Irish harp, date 1692 at top, .MAG.BR.FR.ET.HIB.REX.ET.REGINA. Mary Stuart was the daughter of James II and married William III as part of Charles II's foreign policy. William and Mary reigned jointly from 1688 until her death from smallpox at the young age of 32 in 1694. The Five Guinea piece was the largest of their gold coins and featured the conjoined busts of the two monarchs, as this was the only time in British history that joint monarchs' portraits appeared on currency. All William and Mary coins are rare in high grade and this near-Mint piece is no exception, with a pleasant red tone. A simply lovely example retaining its original mint brilliance.

1034 —
William and Mary, 1689-1694, Gold 5 Guineas, 1692
KM-479-1, S-3422, 41.6 grams, 37mm. Conjoined laureate busts right, GVLIELMVS.ET.MARIA.DEI.GRATIA, toothed border on both sides, reverse: crowned quartered shield with escutcheon of the Lion of Nassau with 11 lozenges, seven strings to Irish harp, date 1692 at top, .MAG.BR.FR.ET.HIB.REX.ET.REGINA. Mary Stuart was the daughter of James II and married William III as part of Charles II's foreign policy. William and Mary reigned jointly from 1688 until her death from smallpox at the young age of 32 in 1694. The Five Guinea piece was the largest of their gold coins and featured the conjoined busts of the two monarchs, as this was the only time in British history that joint monarchs' portraits appeared on currency. All William and Mary coins are rare in high grade and this near-Mint piece is no exception, with a pleasant red tone. A simply lovely example retaining its original mint brilliance.

Sold for US$29,250 inc. premium
William and Mary, 1689-1694, Gold 2 Guineas, 1694/3 KM-482.2, S-3425, 16.67 grams, 31mm. Conjoined laureate busts right, elephant and castle below bust, GVLIELMVS.ET.MARIA.DEI.GRATIA, toothed border both sides, reverse: crowned, quartered arms with escutcheon of the Lion of Nassau with nine lozenges, seven strings to Irish harp, date 1694/3 at top with clearly remaining underdigit, MAG.BR.FR.ET.HIB.REX.ET.REGINA. Lustrous with lovely light reddish-golden toning, particularly at the borders. The fields impart a smooth, semi-reflective finish. A minor planchet buckle is noted near the center of the reverse. Extremely rare and one of the finest known examples.
William III, 1689-1702, Gold 5 Guineas, 1701 KM-508, S-3456, 41.68 grams, 38mm. "Fine work" type, second laureate bust right with flowing hair, GVLIELMVS.III.DEI.GRA., toothed border nearly complete on obverse, complete on reverse, reverse: crowned cruciform shields, eight strings to Irish harp, scepters in angles, Lion of Nassau at center with seven lozenges, date 1701 at top, .MAG BR.FRA ET.HIB REX., DECIMO TERTIO on edge. Pleasant, subtle green-gold color overall with only the lightest rubbing on the highpoints. A few tiny contact marks are noted in the obverse fields; a thin, diagonal scratch after the S of GVLIELMVS is mentioned for future identification.
William III, 1689-1702, Gold 2 Guineas, 1701 KM-507, S-3457, 16.66 grams, 32mm. "Fine Work" type, laureate bust right with flowing hair, GVLIELMVS.III.DEI GRA, toothed border both sides, reverse: crowned cruciform shields, six strings to Irish harp, scepters in angles, Lion of Nassau at center with six lozenges, date 1701 at top, MAG.BR.FRA.ET.HIB.REX. Most "twos" will probably never catalogue at the same level as the "fives," but as all advanced gold collectors know only too well, the two guinea coins are rarer as a class than the fives. In the case of these "Fine Work" issues, the fact is that the two largest denominations are probably of about equal rarity, and it's the guinea that's the real challenge in the highest grade. Nonetheless, we are talking true rarity here, as well as extra-nice condition. This specimen is graced by a delightful, soft green-gold tone, indicative that it's not been touched or fiddled with. Certainly worthy of a fine collection of British gold coins.

1037 —
William III, 1689-1702, Gold 2 Guineas, 1701
KM-507, S-3457, 16.66 grams, 32mm. "Fine Work" type, laureate bust right with flowing hair, GVLIELMVS.III.DEI GRA, toothed border both sides, reverse: crowned cruciform shields, six strings to Irish harp, scepters in angles, Lion of Nassau at center with six lozenges, date 1701 at top, MAG.BR.FRA.ET.HIB.REX. Most "twos" will probably never catalogue at the same level as the "fives," but as all advanced gold collectors know only too well, the two guinea coins are rarer as a class than the fives. In the case of these "Fine Work" issues, the fact is that the two largest denominations are probably of about equal rarity, and it's the guinea that's the real challenge in the highest grade. Nonetheless, we are talking true rarity here, as well as extra-nice condition. This specimen is graced by a delightful, soft green-gold tone, indicative that it's not been touched or fiddled with. Certainly worthy of a fine collection of British gold coins.

Sold for US$14,040 inc. premium
Anne, 1702-1714, Gold 5 Guineas, 1706 KM-521, S-3566, 41.81 grams, 37mm. First draped bust left, two locks of hair above, taller and thinner, ANNA.DEI.GRATIA., toothed border on both sides, reverse: Post-Union crowned cruciform shields, ten strings to Irish harp, scepters in angles, square Garter star in center, date 1706 at top, .MAG.BRI.FR.ET.HIB.REG. The smooth surfaces still possess a somewhat reflective nature with lightly frosted devices. Pronounced reddish-gold patina decorates selected border areas on each side. Some crisscrossing mint-made adjustment marks are at the center and lower portion of the reverse. For pedigree purposes, a couple of tiny marks are noted behind in the field behind the portrait's lower hair curls, and two microscopic edge chips are at the top of the obverse.

1038 —
Anne, 1702-1714, Gold 5 Guineas, 1706
KM-521, S-3566, 41.81 grams, 37mm. First draped bust left, two locks of hair above, taller and thinner, ANNA.DEI.GRATIA., toothed border on both sides, reverse: Post-Union crowned cruciform shields, ten strings to Irish harp, scepters in angles, square Garter star in center, date 1706 at top, .MAG.BRI.FR.ET.HIB.REG. The smooth surfaces still possess a somewhat reflective nature with lightly frosted devices. Pronounced reddish-gold patina decorates selected border areas on each side. Some crisscrossing mint-made adjustment marks are at the center and lower portion of the reverse. For pedigree purposes, a couple of tiny marks are noted behind in the field behind the portrait's lower hair curls, and two microscopic edge chips are at the top of the obverse.

Sold for US$18,720 inc. premium
Anne, 1702-1714, Gold Half Guinea, 1710 KM-527, S-3575, 4.14 grams, 21mm. First draped bust left, larger lettering both sides, ANNA.DEI.GRATIA, toothed border nearly complete both sides, reverse: Post-Union small crowned cruciform narrower shields, five strings to Irish harp, scepters in angles, round Garter star in center, date 1710 at top, .MAG.BRI.FR ET. HIB REG. Well-centered for a coin of this size with a few microscopic tics and soft green-golden color. For pedigree purposes, a tiny mint-made, copper-colored alloy spot is near the center of the top shield.
George II, 1727-1760, Gold 5 Guineas, 1741 KM-571.1, S-3663A, 41.86 grams, 37mm. Young laureate head left, GEORGIVS.II.DEI.GRATIA, partial-toothed border both sides, less so on reverse, reverse: crowned quartered shield of arms, revised garnishing, crown band more ornate, seven hearts to Hanoverian Arms, 11 strings to Irish harp, Scottish arms with inner frame of lis, date 1741 at top .M.B.F.E.T.H.REX.F.D.B.ET.L.D.S.R.I.A.T.ET.E. Regnal year D.QVARTO (1741) on edge in words. Despite light wear, traces of reflectiveness remain in the protected portions of the legends on both the obverse and reverse. A few light surface marks are seen, as is a small dark spot resembling ink under the D of DEI at the upper obverse.
George II, 1727-1760, Gold 5 Guineas, 1746 KM-586.1, S-3665, 41.85 grams, 38mm. LIMA below bust, old laureate head left, GEORGIVS.II.DEI.GRATIA, toothed border both sides, reverse: crowned quartered shield of arms, revised garnishing, crown band more ornate, 11 hearts to Hanoverian Arms, nine strings to Irish harp, Scottish arms with inner frame of lis more crudely engraved, date 1746 at top, M.B.F.ET.H.REX.F.D.B.ET.L.D.S.R.I.A.T.ET.E. Rich antique-gold color overall with deeper red-gold accents surrounding obverse border. Sharply defined including the central obverse details.
William IV, 1830-1837, Silver Crown Proof, 1831 KM-715, S-3833, 27.92 grams, 38mm. Portrait of William facing right, WW on truncation of bust, GULIELMGUS IIII D: G: BRITANNIAR: REX F:D:, reverse: elegant crowned and draped royal shield designed by J.B. Merlen, ANNO 1831 below. Only 100 pieces were originally minted, few remain today, especially as nice as this example. Delicate reddish-golden and gray toning amply blankets each side of this untampered-with survivor. Nicely reflective fields and frosted devices. A few parallel handling marks are mentioned on the King's neck, however, these are all but obscured by the toning.
Victoria, 1837-1901, Gothic Silver Crown, 1847 KM-744, S-3883, 28.29 grams, 39mm. Crowned portrait of Victoria faces left, VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITANNIAT.REG:F:D., reverse: crowned cruciform shields, emblems in angles, inscribed 1847 UNDECIMO lettered edge. Glittering mirrored surfaces with lightly frosted obverse and reverse devices. A superb, razor-sharp proof striking with a high, sharp wire rim. Multi-colored, rich iridescent toning is simply magnificent in terms of eye appeal - the obverse an exquisite blend of gold, sunset-red, and turquoise-blue, the reverse shows an even display of reddish-golden shades that mesmerize the eye of the beholder. This coin is a masterpiece, lovingly kept, and preserved by the current consignor for many, many years. It is worth a premium bid as it simply cannot be replaced.

1043 —
Victoria, 1837-1901, Gothic Silver Crown, 1847
KM-744, S-3883, 28.29 grams, 39mm. Crowned portrait of Victoria faces left, VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITANNIAT.REG:F:D., reverse: crowned cruciform shields, emblems in angles, inscribed 1847 UNDECIMO lettered edge. Glittering mirrored surfaces with lightly frosted obverse and reverse devices. A superb, razor-sharp proof striking with a high, sharp wire rim. Multi-colored, rich iridescent toning is simply magnificent in terms of eye appeal - the obverse an exquisite blend of gold, sunset-red, and turquoise-blue, the reverse shows an even display of reddish-golden shades that mesmerize the eye of the beholder. This coin is a masterpiece, lovingly kept, and preserved by the current consignor for many, many years. It is worth a premium bid as it simply cannot be replaced.

Sold for US$7,605 inc. premium
Kings of Macedon, Philip II, 359-336 BC, Gold Stater Minted Posthumously c.323-315 BC, XF NGC 8.53 grams. Struck under Antipater, Polyperchon, or Kassander (for Philip III & Alexander IV), circa 323-315 BC. Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo right. Reverse: ΦΙΛΙΤΤΟΥ, charioteer driving biga right, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left; thunderbolt below. Struck in rich, bright yellow gold with smooth surfaces and no mentionable distractions.
Kings of Macedon, Alexander III, (the Great), c.336-323 BC, Gold Stater 8.50 grams. Uncertain mint in Macedon, Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian style helmet, the bowl of which is ornamented with a coiled serpent; reverse: Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis.
Ptolemaic Kings of Egypt, Arsinoe II, Wife of Ptolemy II Philadelphos; 270-268 BC, Octadrachm, Alexandria, Struck under Ptolemy II, Ch XF* NGC 27.64 grams. Obverse: Diademed & veiled head of Arsinoe right, lotus scepter behind (under) head. Reverse: APΣINOHΣ - ΦIΛΑΔΕΛΦΟΥ. Double cornucopia bound with fillet, plain border. This is one of the early elegant portraits of Arsinoe. A very pleasant example of this fine style with a lovely portrait. Virtually as struck. Arsinoe II was the daughter of Ptolemy I and his second wife Berenice I. As wife of the King of Lysimachus, Arsinoe II was queen of Thrace, Asia Minor, and Macedonia. After the King's death in 281 B.C. Arsinoe II married her half-brother Ptolemy II.
Murabatid (Almoravid) Ali Bin Yusuf (AH 500-537/AD 1106-1142), Gold Dinar, AH 535 4.15 grams. Struck on a slightly wavy planchet, good detail remains. Bright yellow-gold and quite elusive.
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