English Coinage of the Stuarts Post-Commonwealth

[Deeman]

Gold Milled Coinage 1662-85

The 20/- piece, officially termed a pound, derived its popular designation of guinea from the fact that the gold of which many of them were made was brought from the Guinea coast by the Royal African Company, which, as an incentive for such importation, was allowed to have its mark, an elephant, changed in 1674 to an elephant with a castle on its back, stamped on the obverse of the coins made of the metal imported by it.

The by-product of smelting the gold for coinage would have been silver alloy, which perhaps then allowed for the coinage of crowns, halfcrowns and shillings to be similarly marked. These survive in much smaller numbers than the companion gold coins. The elephant and elephant & castle marks are found respectively on the crowns, half-crowns, and shillings of 1666 and 1681.


Five guineas

The five-guinea coin was 0.916 fine (22ct), 37mm diameter, current for £5, but all gold coins were treated as bullion and the intrinsic value changed according to the price of gold. Struck 1668-78 first bust and 1678-84 second bust.

The obverse depicts a laureate bust of the king right with a circumscription, divided by the head, of 'Charles II, by the Grace of God'. The reverse depicts the crowned cruciform arrangement of the Arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland around four interlocked 'Cs' at the centre, emblem-adorned sceptres (orb, thistle, lis, harp) in angles to right of their respective shields, date flanking crown above English shield, with a circumscription, divided by crowns and continuing the king's titles, translating to 'Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'.




1668 dated gold five guineas, first bust (pointed truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, lovelock on shoulder, elephant below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI VIVCESIMO (20th regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).




1672 dated gold five guineas, first bust (pointed truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, lovelock on shoulder.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI VIVCESIMO QVARTO (24th regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).




1675 dated gold five guineas, first bust variety with restyled hair and shorter ties.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, lovelock on shoulder.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI VIVCESIMO SEPTIMO (27th regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).




1676 dated gold five guineas, first bust (pointed truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, lovelock on shoulder, elephant and castle below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI VIVCESIMO OCTAVO (28th regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).




1678/7 dated gold five guineas, second bust (rounded truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI TRICESIMO (30th regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).




1684 dated gold five guineas, second bust (rounded truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, elephant and castle below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI TRICESIMO SIXTO (36th regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).

[Deeman]

Two guineas

The two-guinea coin was 0.916 fine (22ct), 31-32mm diameter, current for £2. Struck 1664-73 (not continuous) first bust and 1675-84 second bust.

The obverse depicts a laureate bust of the king right with a circumscription, divided by the head, of 'Charles II, by the Grace of God'. The reverse depicts the crowned cruciform arrangement of the Arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland around four interlocked 'Cs' at the centre, emblem-adorned sceptres (orb, thistle, lis, harp) in angles to right of their respective shields, date flanking crown above English shield, with a circumscription, divided by crowns and continuing the king's titles, translating to 'Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'.




1664 dated gold two guineas, first bust (pointed truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops lovelock on shoulder.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.




1664 dated gold two guineas, first bust (pointed truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, lovelock on shoulder, elephant below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.




1677 dated gold two guineas, second bust (rounded truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.




1678 dated gold two guineas, second bust (rounded truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, elephant and castle below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.

There is also an extremely rare 1678 two guineas with elephant only below bust.

[Deeman]

Broad

The broad was 0.916 fine (22ct), 28.5mm diameter, current for £1, struck 1662. The broad was introduced in 1656 when Cromwell ordered milled patterns to be made for new gold and silver coins. Thomas Simon, the engraver of the Cromwell broad, also produced this broad, which had an issue of approx. 3,400 pieces. It is a continuation of the hammered issues (left facing bust) into machine-made milled coinage and carries the engraver's initial. Once thought to have been a pattern but since proven they were issued for currency.

The obverse depicts a laureate draped bust facing left within a circumscription, divided by the head, translating to 'Charles II, by the Grace of God, Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'. The reverse depicts a crowned square-topped shield of the Royal Arms, date above, with a circumscription translating to 'Through concord, kingdoms flourish'.



1662 dated gold broad, signed with tiny sideways 'S' below bust.
Obverse inscription is CAR II D G M BR / FR ET HI REX, starting 7 o'clock, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is FLORENT CONCORDIA REGNA, pellet stops.

[Deeman]

Guinea

The first guinea was produced on 6 Feb 1663/4; a proclamation of 27 Mar 1663 made the coins legal currency. The coin was originally worth 20/- but an increase in the price of gold during the reign of Charles II led to the market trading it at a premium. The price of gold continued to increase, especially in times of trouble, and by the 1680s, the coin was worth 22/-. The coin was produced every year between 1663 and 1684, with an elephant appearing on some coins to 1668 and 1677-78, with the elephant and howdah (castle) on other coins minted from 1674 onwards.

The guinea was 0.916 fine (22ct), 25mm diameter, current for 20/-. Struck 1663 first bust, 1663-64 second bust, 1664-73 third bust and 1672-84 fourth bust.

The obverse depicts a laureate bust of the king right with a circumscription, divided by the head, of 'Charles II, by the Grace of God'. The reverse depicts the crowned cruciform arrangement of the Arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland around four interlocked 'Cs' at the centre, emblem-adorned sceptres (orb, thistle, lis, harp) in angles to right of their respective shields, date flanking crown above English shield, with a circumscription, divided by crowns and continuing the king's titles, translating to 'Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'.




1663 dated gold guinea, first bust (pointed truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, lovelock on shoulder, elephant below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.

First bust also struck without elephant.




1664 dated gold guinea, second bust (pointed truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops lovelock on shoulder.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.




1664 dated gold guinea, second bust (pointed truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, lovelock on shoulder, elephant below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.




1671 dated gold guinea, third bust (pointed truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops lovelock on shoulder.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.

Third bust also struck with elephant in 1664, 65 and 68.




1674 dated gold guinea, fourth bust (rounded truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.




1675 dated gold guinea, fourth bust (rounded truncation).
Obverse inscription is CRAOLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops. CRAOLVS error
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.




1676 dated gold guinea, fourth bust (rounded truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, elephant and castle below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.

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Half-guinea

The guinea was 0.916 fine (22ct), 20mm diameter, current for 10/-. Struck 1669-72 first bust and 1672-84 second bust.

The obverse depicts a laureate bust of the king right with a circumscription, divided by the head, of 'Charles II, by the Grace of God'. The reverse depicts the crowned cruciform arrangement of the Arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland around four interlocked 'Cs' at the centre, emblem-adorned sceptres (orb, thistle, lis, harp) in angles to right of their respective shields, date flanking crown above English shield, with a circumscription, divided by crowns and continuing the king's titles, translating to 'Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'.




1670 dated gold half-guinea, first bust (pointed truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops lovelock on shoulder.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.




1675 dated gold half-guinea, second bust (rounded truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.




1677 dated gold half-guinea, second bust (rounded truncation).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, elephant and castle below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.

[Deeman]

Silver Milled Coinage 1662-85

Crown

The new issue of machine-made 'milled' coins was introduced to the public in the latter part of 1662/3 with the production of crown coins. The smaller denominations of the halfcrown and shilling followed in 1663, with the sixpence arriving in 1674, the twopence in 1668 and the other small silver denominations in 1670. The reason for the issue of the crown appears to be because Charles II had sold Dunkirk back to the French for 5 million French livres, the town having been captured by Parliamentarian forces in 1658. This brought a lot of silver to the Mint and, being the largest denomination in silver, the crown was the most efficient way to work through the supply.

The crown was 39mm diameter, current for 5/-. Struck 1662-63 first bust, 1664-71 second bust, 1671-80 third bust and 1679-84 fourth bust.

The obverse depicts a laureate and draped bust facing right within a circumscription, divided by the head, translating to 'Charles II, by the Grace of God'. The 1662 reverse depicts the cruciform arrangement of crowned Arms with the Royal Arms (England and France quartered) at positions 1 & 3, Arms of Scotland at position 2 with Arms of Ireland at position 4, surrounding the star of the Garter, interlocked 'Cs' in the angles, date flanking crown in position 1. The cruciform shield arrangement on subsequent reverses has the country Arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland around the star of the Garter. The reverse circumscription, divided by crowns and continuing the king's titles, translates to 'Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'.

In 1662 the regnal year was not included in the edge inscription. From 1663-66 the regnal year was included in Roman numerals, with subsequent years being given in words.




1662 dated silver crown, first bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, rose below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard).

The rose is thought to allude to the West Country as it was used as an initial mark on Truro and Exeter provincial issues by Royalists during the Civil War.




1662 dated silver crown, first bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, rose below bust, striped cloak to drapery.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard).




1662 dated silver crown, first bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, inscription re-arranged, no rose.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard).




1663 dated silver crown, first bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, no stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI XV (15th regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).




1666 dated silver crown, second bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI XVIII (18th regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).




1666 dated silver crown, second bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, elephant below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI XVIII (18th regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).




1671 dated silver crown, third bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI VIVCESIMO TERTIO (23rd regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).




1681 dated silver crown, fourth bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, elephant and castle below bust. Extremely rare.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI TRICESIMO TERTIO (33rd regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).




1682 dated silver crown, fourth bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI TRICESIMO QVARTO (34th regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).

[Deeman]

Halfcrown

The halfcrown was 33mm diameter, current for 2/6. Struck 1663 first bust, 1664 second bust, 1666-72 third bust and 1672-84 fourth bust.

The obverse depicts a laureate and draped bust facing right within a circumscription, divided by the head, translating to 'Charles II, by the Grace of God'. The reverse depicts the crowned cruciform arrangement of the Arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland around the star of the Garter, interlocked 'Cs' in the angles, date flanking crown above English shield, with a circumscription, divided by crowns and continuing the king's titles, translating to 'Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'.

From 1663-66 the regnal year was included in Roman numerals in the edge inscription, with subsequent years being given in words.




1663 dated silver halfcrown, first bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI XV (15th regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).




1664 dated silver halfcrown, second bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI XVI (16th regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).




1666 dated silver halfcrown, third bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, elephant below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI XVIII (18th regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).




1671 dated silver halfcrown, third bust variety with restyled hair.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI VIVCESIMO TERTIO (23rd regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).




1672 dated silver halfcrown, fourth bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI VIVCESIMO QVARTO (24th regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).




1673 dated silver halfcrown, fourth bust, Welsh silver.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, plume below bust. Extremely rare.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI VIVCESIMO QVINTO (25th regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).

There is also an extremely rare 1673 halfcrown that has, in addition to a plume below the bust, a central plume on the reverse replacing the start of the Garter.




1681 dated silver halfcrown, fourth bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, elephant and castle below bust. Extremely rare.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) followed by ANNO REGNI TRICESIMO TERTIO (33rd regnal year, calculated from the death of his father in Jan 1648/9).

[Deeman]

Shilling

The shilling was 25mm diameter. Struck 1663-69 first bust (not continuous), 1666-83 second bust, 1674-75 third bust and 1683-84 fourth bust. Also struck in 1666 with guinea head and elephant below bust.

The obverse depicts a laureate and draped bust facing right within a circumscription, divided by the head, translating to 'Charles II, by the Grace of God'. The reverse depicts the crowned cruciform arrangement of the Arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland around the star of the Garter, interlocked 'Cs' in the angles, date flanking crown above English shield, with a circumscription, divided by crowns and continuing the king's titles, translating to 'Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'.




1663 dated silver shilling, first bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.




1663 dated silver shilling, first bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, transposed Scottish and Irish shields.




1663 dated silver shilling, first bust variety (larger).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.




1666 dated silver shilling, first bust variety.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, elephant below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.

There is also an extremely rare shilling dated 1681 with an elephant and castle below the bust.




1666 dated silver shilling, first bust variety. Extremely rare.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, lacking elephant below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.




1666 dated silver shilling, guinea head. Extremely rare.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, elephant below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.




1671 dated silver shilling, second bust (single top leaf on wreath), Welsh silver.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, plume below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, central plume (replaces start of the Garter).




1674 dated silver shilling, second bust (single top leaf on wreath), Welsh silver.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, central plume. Extremely rare.




1675/3 dated silver shilling, third bust (larger).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.




1679 dated silver shilling, second bust (single top leaf on wreath), Welsh silver.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops, plume below bust. Extremely rare.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.




1684 dated silver shilling, fourth bust (larger with older features).
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.

[Deeman]

Sixpence

The sixpence was 21mm diameter. Struck 1674-84. The obverse depicts a laureate and draped bust facing right within a circumscription, divided by the head, translating to 'Charles II, by the Grace of God'. The reverse depicts the crowned cruciform arrangement of the Arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland around the star of the Garter, interlocked 'Cs' in the angles, date flanking crown above English shield, with a circumscription, divided by crowns and continuing the king's titles, translating to 'Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'.



1677 dated silver sixpence.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.

[Deeman]

Small silver issues

The denominations of fourpence, threepence, twopence and penny were struck for currency as well as for Maundy money. Fourpence 19-20mm dia; threepence 17mm dia; twopence 14mm dia; penny 12mm dia. Struck undated c1664 and dated 1670-84 covering all four denominations. Twopence also struck in 1668.


The undated obverse design is a crowned bust of the king left in armour with lace collar within a circumscription translating to Charles II, by the Grace of God, Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'. The reverse depicts the Royal Arms within a square-topped shield over cross fourchée within a circumscription translating to 'I reign under the auspices of Christ'.



c1664 undated Maundy and currency set, crown initial mark. Last pieces upon which initial marks appear.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II D G M B F & H REX, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, pellet stops.


The dated obverse depicts a laureate and draped bust facing right within a circumscription, divided by the head, translating to 'Charles II, by the Grace of God'. The coins have their value indicated by the number of 'Cs' on the reverse. The reverse of the fourpence has four interlocked 'Cs' with national emblems in angles (English rose, Scottish thistle, French lis, Irish harp), crown above. The threepence has three interlocked 'Cs' with crown above, the twopence has two interlocked 'Cs' with crown above and the penny has a crowned 'C'. The circumscription for each continues the king's titles and translates to 'Great Britain, France and Ireland, King', date divided by the crown.



1673 dated Maundy and currency set.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II / DEI GRATIA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG BR FRA ET HIB REX, pellet stops.

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Copper Coinage 1672-79

Charles' profile faces left on his copper coinage, contrary to the milled gold and silver profile.


Halfpenny

The copper halfpenny was 29mm diameter and struck in 1672, 73 and 75.

The obverse depicts a short-haired laureate and cuirassed bust facing left with a circumscription, divided by the head, translating to 'Charles, son of Charles'. The reverse depicts Britannia facing left seated on a globe with ornamented shield behind, clothed in clinging drapery, right hand extended out holding an olive branch, left hand holding spear, left leg extended, circumscribed by BRITANNIA divided by the design, date in the exergue.



1673 dated copper halfpenny.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS A / CAROLO, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is BRITAN / NIA, pellet stop.

[Deeman]

Farthing

The copper farthing was 22-23mm diameter and struck in 1672-75 and 79. The obverse depicts a short-haired laureate and cuirassed bust facing left with a circumscription, divided by the head, translating to 'Charles, son of Charles' (Charles after Charles). The reverse depicts Britannia facing left seated on a globe with ornamented shield behind, clothed in clinging drapery, right hand extended out holding an olive branch, left hand holding spear, right leg extended, circumscribed by BRITANNIA divided by the design, date in the exergue.



1673 dated copper farthing.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS A / CAROLO, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is BRITAN / NIA, pellet stop.

[Deeman]

Tin Coinage 1684-85

As with the copper coinage, Charles' profile faces left, contrary to the milled gold and silver profile.

In 1679 the price of tin was very low and, in consequence, the king's revenue was reduced. It was suggested as a remedy that halfpence and farthings should be coined of this metal instead of copper which would free the mint from dependence on imported copper and assist the ailing British tin industry (as well as the king's coffers). The proposition was opposed by the Mint as a gross cheat upon the nation and it was urged that they could easily be counterfeited. However, in 1684 the proposition was approved and on 28 May orders were given to prepare the necessary proclamation for the coins, which were to be the same weight as those of copper. The warrant to produce these coins was awarded to the partnership of John Buckworth, Thomas Neale, Charles Duncombe and James Hoare on 20 Jun.

Only tin farthings were coined with a central copper plug and edge lettering as anti-counterfeiting measures. They were 23-24mm diameter and have the same design as the previous copper farthing but without the date in the exergue. Instead, the date was applied to the edge along with an inscription which translates to 'Servant of the coinage'. The lettered edge was applied before striking. This was believed to have been done using two steel bars, one being screwed to a table, the other being movable and held by strong springs at a distance from the first bar slightly less than the diameter of the coin. A blank coin was inserted into the gap, and a crank handle moved the sprung bar forcing the coin to roll against and along it. The second bar carried the inscription which was, therefore, forced into the coin.



1684 dated tin farthing.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS A / CAROLO, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is BRITAN / NIA, pellet stop.
Edge inscription is NVMMORVM FAMVLVS 1684.

There is also a 1685 version, but this was struck in error. Charles died on 6 Feb 1684/5 so the coin must have been struck at least six weeks after this event, for by the Julian calendar, 1685 did not commence until 25 March. This is a product of a Charles die being used for a James II edge. A corresponding error for James II exists for a farthing with an edge dated 1684.

This is the first British coin to bear the date on the edge.

[Deeman]

Pattern Coins - Thomas Simon

Thomas Simon (1618-65) was the chief engraver at the Mint during the Commonwealth. In 1656 Cromwell ordered milled patterns to be made for new gold and silver coins employing Simon as die engraver and Peter Blondeau, French moneyer, as engineer. When Charles II returned from exile in the Netherlands, Simon's position at the mint was now in trouble.

Charles I had appointed Thomas Rawlins chief engraver and Charles II recognised that appointment and he was reinstated to the position at the Mint with Simon being retained to continue die engraving. In Jun 1660, Charles II ordered Rawlins to prepare dies for a new coinage, wishing to remove all of the coins issued by the Commonwealth from circulation. Rawlins failed to do so on time and Simon was given the assignment on 10 Aug. The coins were to be hammer-struck so the quality of the die work required was low by his standards and he was reluctant to undertake the work until strongly ordered by Charles II himself.

In May 1661 an order was issued that all coins should be made by machinery. Simon was sent to France to bring back Blondeau. While he was away Charles II, fulfilling a promise made to their father who had helped him when in exile, invited the brothers John and Joseph Roettier to come from the Netherlands to help in the preparation of the new dies. After Simon returned from France friction developed between him and the Roettiers. In Feb 1662 the king invited Simon and the Roettiers to prepare pattern coins to allow him to choose the engravers for the new milled coinage. The Roettiers submitted a crown but it seems Simon, who had just returned from France did not have enough time to do so. As a result, Simon was not chosen to prepare the new coin dies.

However, in early 1663 Charles II requested some modifications to the Roettiers' dies and Simon took this as an opportune moment to try to re-engage his claim. He prepared new dies for the obverse and reverse of a crown which incorporated the required modifications, plus two new edge forms. The more famous edge contained a petition to the King in two lines of tiny lettering: THOMAS SIMON MOST HUMBLY PRAYS YOUR MAJESTY TO COMPARE THIS HIS TRYALL PIECE WITH THE DUTCH AND IF MORE TRVLY DRAWN & EMBOSSED MORE GRACE FULLY ORDERED AND MORE ACCURATELY ENGRAVEN TO RELEIVE HIM. The second edge was in Latin: REDDITE QVÆ CÆSARIS CÆSARI (Render to Caesar the things that are Caesars). Despite the superiority of Simon's work his request for advancement fell on deaf ears.

Simon continued to work at the mint as one of the minor chief engravers after 1663 and continued producing dies until his death, from plague, in 1665. Rawlins was the official senior to both Simon and Roettiers till 1670, yet no current coin struck in that period is attributed to him.

[Deeman]

Broad

The 'broad' denomination (20/-) was a precursor to the later-adopted guinea. Introduced by Cromwell, dated 1656, it was the first currency piece of a non-royal personage on British coins. The patterns were milled, 30mm diameter.


Pattern broad (20/-) dated 1660, type I. The obverse depicts a laureate and draped bust facing right, star mark above, within a circumscription translating to 'Charles II, King'. The reverse depicts the cruciform arrangement of the Arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland around a central star and over four crowned interlocked 'Cs over II' ciphers in saltire, date above English shield, with a circumscription, divided by crowns, of MAGNALIA DEI translating to 'The wonderful works of God', Acts of the Apostles 2:11.



1660 dated Thomas Simon pattern broad, signed 'S' below bust. Struck in gold and silver.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS / II REX, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / NALI / DEI.


Pattern broad dated 1660, type II. The obverse depicts a laureate bust facing right, wearing the Garter over armour, within a circumscription translating to 'Charles II, by the Grace of God, Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'. The reverse depicts a crowned square-topped regal shield the country arms in individual quarters, date above, with a circumscription translating to 'Great are the works of the Lord', alluding to the monarch's return to power.



1660 dated Thomas Simon pattern broad, signed 'S' below bust. Struck in gold and silver.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II D G MAG BRI FR ET HI REX, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAGNA OPERA DOMINI, pellet stops.


Silver pattern broad dated 1660, type III. The obverse depicts a crowned draped bust facing right, wearing the Garter, within a circumscription, divided by the crown, translating to 'Charles II, by the Grace of God, England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King'. This obverse was used on the Coronation Medal of 1661. The reverse depicts a crowned square-topped regal shield the country arms in individual quarters, date above, with a circumscription translating to 'Great are the works of the Lord', alluding to the monarch's return to power.



1660 dated Thomas Simon silver pattern broad, signed 'TS' in tiny raised letters touching the truncation of the bust.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS II D G / ANG SCO FR ET HI REX, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAGNA OPERA DOMINI, pellet stops.


Pattern broad dated 1662. Design used for 1662 gold issue of approx. 3,400 pieces. The obverse depicts a laureate and draped bust facing left within a circumscription, divided by the head, translating to 'Charles II, by the Grace of God, Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'. The reverse depicts a crowned square-topped shield of the Royal Arms, date above, with a circumscription translating to 'Through concord, kingdoms flourish'.



1662 dated Thomas Simon pattern broad, unsigned. Struck in gold and silver.
Obverse inscription is CAR II D G M BR / FR ET HI REX, starting 7 o'clock, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is FLORENT CONCORDIA REGNA, pellet stops.