By Chris Chatigny, Cataloger
The upcoming Stack’s Bowers and
Ponterio auction this November at the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Baltimore
Expo is shaping up to be a remarkable event. This week’s showcase coin is an extraordinary
gold piece from the advent of milled coinage from Great Britain. This coin was
struck towards the end of Charles II’s reign, a triumphant if turbulent return
to the monarchy. His father, King Charles I, was deposed and beheaded during
the English Civil War, forcing the young would-be successor to the British
throne into exile. After the British Interregnum ended and the Commonwealth of
England was dissolved (after the death of the virtual dictator Oliver Cromwell),
Charles II was invited to return to England and assume the monarchy. All legal
documents were dated as if he had succeeded his father immediately after his
death in 1649, overlooking more than a decade of a British Republic. After
Charles’ restoration to the monarchy, hand-minting of coinage was eventually
superseded by Blondeau’s minting machines. These “milled” coins marked a huge
milestone in English numismatics, and this 5 Guineas piece is a beautiful
example of the beginnings of this era.
The obverse features the bust of
King Charles II right, wearing a laurel wreath crown. This bust is known as the
second bust type, and is identified by the truncation or lower portion of the
bust, which is rounded at the bottom. The Latin legend begins at 8 o’clock and
reads clockwise: “CAROLVS. II. – DEI. GRATIA.” This inscription states the King’s
name, followed by: “By the Grace of God” implying the King’s divine right to
rule. This coinage type represented their value in terms of Shillings; 5
Guineas were equal to 100 Shillings, and so on. The coins were eventually
called “Guineas” as the gold used to mint these coins was imported from Guinea
in West Africa by the Africa Company.
The reverse of this coin showcases
the arms of the regions under the dominion (and in the case of France, claims) of
the British crown. Four crowned cruciform shields bearing the arms of England
(three lions passant guardant to left), Scotland (Lion Rampant to left within
double border), France (three Fleurs-de-lis), and Ireland (a Harp). These designs
are separated by scepters which radiate from a center design at an angle. The
outer legend displays: “MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB. REX.” followed by the date of
1682. The Latin legend translates as: “Great Britain, France, and Ireland,
King” which indicates the King’s domain and his claim to the throne of France. Some contact marks on cheek and scattered throughout,
otherwise a wholesome coin. This piece is the second highest graded by PCGS at
AU-50, and shows light to moderate wear for the grade.
Look for this and other world
numismatic rarities in our upcoming November Baltimore Sale. Preview this
impressive coin along with the rest of our auction this October at the Stack’s
Bowers and Ponterio office located in Irvine, California. For details please
refer to the Auction Schedule/Details link under Current Auctions at
www.StacksBowers.com. To schedule an appointment, please call 800.566.2580.
While our Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio November Baltimore sale is closed for further
consignments, we are currently taking consignments of world and ancient coins
for our January New York International, and April 2014 Hong Kong sales. If you
are interested in consigning your coins and paper currency (whether a whole
collection or a single rarity) be sure to contact one of our consignment
directors.
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