Charles I Halfcrown, Tower Mint Under the King, 1634-1640

Description

Heading: Charles I Halfcrown – Tower Mint Under the King – 1634-1640

Denomination: Silver halfcrown

Period: Stuarts

Date: c1634-1640

Origin: Tower (London) mint under Charles I

Condition: Almost very fine. good portrait. a little clipping of edges but good flan size for type. pierced for adornment

Obverse: The king on horseback. scarf at waist. group III type 3a1. legend around

Reverse: Oval garnished shield. legend around

Size and Weight: 35mm. 14.32g

References: Spink 2773

Features and Provenance: The coinage of Charles I is extensive and interesting. It was during this period that Nicholas Briot developed his milling machine for producing coins. but although the finish was superior. the system was slower than the previous hammer and anvil ‘striking’ method. and weights often had to be adjusted too by flan filing.

Arguably Charles 1 is the inspiration for Satan in Paradise Lost. Milton being a principal propagandist for the Parliamentarians. He also lays claim to possibly the finest last words of any monarch. “I go from a corruptable to an incorruptable crown where no disturbance can be no disturbance in the world”. This is quite impressive for a man about to be beheaded who suffered with a stammer. This may have been a ruse to delay his demise.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible