English Civil War Provincial Mint Issues

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Deeman

Oxford pattern shilling by Rawlins

The obverse depicts the crowned bust of the king right to bottom of coin, value 'XII' behind, within a circumscription, commencing and ending at the bust, translating to 'Charles, by the Grace of God, Great Britain, France and Ireland, king'. The reverse has an abbreviation of the king's declaration to protect 'the religion of the Protestants, the laws of England, the liberty of Parliament' (RELIG PRO / LEG ANG / LIB PAR) in three lines in a cartouche, with plume above and date below, all within the circumscription EXURGAT DEUS ET DISSIPENTUR INIMICI which translates to 'Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered' (Psalms 68.1).





1644 dated Oxford shilling, no initial mark.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BR F ET HI REX, bust facing right.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI, declaration in cartouche.

Apart from the right facing bust, some Oxford groats have similar design aspects.

Deeman

Oxford sixpence

The designs and inscriptions follow those of the shilling but with value 'VI' and plume before bust. Issued 1642-44.





1642 dated Oxford sixpence, book initial mark on obverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT FR ET HI REX, Aberystwyth die, bandless plume.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI, Oxford banded plumes.





1643 dated Oxford sixpence, book initial mark on obverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT FR ET HI REX, Aberystwyth die, bandless plume.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI, Oxford banded plumes.





1643 dated Oxford sixpence, book initial mark on obverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT FR ET HI REX, Aberystwyth die, bandless plume.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI, Shrewsbury bandless plumes.

Deeman

Oxford groat

The designs and inscriptions follow those of the shilling but with value 'IIII' and with or without plume before bust, normally with a plume flanked by lis on the reverse rather than three plumes. Issued 1644-46.





1644 dated Oxford groat, book initial mark on obverse, 4 pellets + central lozenge reverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G M B F ET H REX, Aberystwyth die, bandless plume.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI, Shrewsbury bandless plume between lis, OX below date, both date and OX flanked by pellets.






1644 dated Oxford groat, floriated cross initial mark on obverse, 4 pellets + central lozenge reverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G M B F ET H REX, bandless plume.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI, Shrewsbury bandless plume between lis, OX below date, both date and OX flanked by pellets.





1644 dated Oxford groat, lis initial mark on obverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G M B F ET HIB REX, large bust to top of coin, no plume before bust.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI, Shrewsbury bandless plume between lis flanked by pellets, OX below date, both date and OX flanked by pellets.





1644 dated Oxford groat, no initial mark.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G M B F ET HI REX starting and ending at bust, large bust to bottom of coin, no plume before bust.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI, Shrewsbury bandless plume between lis flanked by pellets, OX below date, both date and OX flanked by pellets.





1645 dated Oxford groat, no initial mark.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MA BR FR ET H RE starting and ending at bust, large bust to bottom of coin, no plume before bust.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI starting 12 o'clock, declaration between scrolls, single banded plume.





1645 dated Oxford groat, no initial mark.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G M B F ET HI REX starting and ending at bust, large bust to bottom of coin, no plume before bust.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI starting 12 o'clock, declaration in cartouche, single banded plume, pellets flanking date.





1646 (6 over 5) dated Oxford groat, no initial mark.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G M B F ET HI REX starting and ending at bust, large bust to bottom of coin, no plume before bust.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI starting 12 o'clock, declaration in cartouche, single banded plume, pellets flanking date.

Deeman

Oxford threepence

The designs and inscriptions follow those of the shilling but with value 'III' and with or without plume before bust, three lis above declaration instead of plumes. Issued 1644 and 46.





1644 dated Oxford threepence, book initial mark on obverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG B F ET H REX, Aberystwyth die, banded plume.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI, OX below date.





1644 dated Oxford threepence, lis initial mark on obverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BR FR ET H REX, Rawlins bust, no plume.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI.





1646 (6 over 4) dated Oxford threepence, lis initial mark on obverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G M BR F ET H REX, crown breaks inner circle, no plume.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI.

Deeman

Oxford half-groat

The obverse depicts the crowned bust of the king left, value 'II' behind, within a circumscription translating to 'Charles, by the Grace of God, Great Britain, France and Ireland, king'. There are two reverse designs. One has an abbreviation of the king's declaration to protect 'the religion of the Protestants, the laws of England, the liberty of Parliament' (RELIG PRO / LEG ANG / LIBER PAR) in three lines between ruled lines, with three lis above and date below, all within the circumscription EXURGAT DEUS ET DISSIPENTUR INIMICI which translates to 'Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered' (Psalms 68.1). The other has a large plume within a coronet with a circumscription of JUSTITIA THRONUM FIRMAT which translates to 'Justice strengthens the throne.'





Undated Oxford half-groat, plain cross initial mark on obverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G M B F ET H REX, wire line inner circle.
Reverse inscription is IVSTITIA THRONVM FIRMAT, wire line inner circle.





Undated Oxford half-groat, plain cross initial mark on obverse, lis on reverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G M B F ET H REX, wire line inner circle.
Reverse inscription is IVSTITIA THRONVM FIRMAT, beaded inner circle.





1644 dated Oxford half-groat, plain cross initial mark on both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G M B F ET H REX.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI, OX below date.

Deeman

Oxford penny

The designs and inscriptions follow the two versions of the half-groat but with value 'I'. (No image of declaration type.)





Undated Oxford penny, lis initial mark on obverse, mullet reverse.
Obverse inscription is CARO D G M B F ET H REX.
Reverse inscription is IVSTITIA THRON FIRMAT.





Undated Oxford penny, lis initial mark on both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROL D G M B F ET H REX.
Reverse inscription is IVSTITIA THRO FIRMAT.

Deeman

York Mint

On 15 Jul 1642, a warrant arrived at York for the establishment of the mint and Nicholas Briot, the king's engraver, was summoned. Following delays, one of which was the seizure of a ship carrying machinery and tools that were held up off Scarborough by one captain Stevens on the grounds that no authority for shipment had been given, coining began around the latter end of Jan 1642/3 in Sir Henry Jenkins' house in the Minster Yard, better known as St William's College (named after Archbishop William Fitzherbert, who was canonised in 1227 and became York's patron saint). The building had been taken over by the Royalists immediately on Charles's arrival in 1642.

The York coinage, the finest in appearance of the Royalist issues, was produced by cylinder-presses. Three mechanised processes were involved: rolling the ingots to the correct thickness, the coining operation and then cutting to remove the finished coins from the printed strip. Early examples of halfcrowns are polygonal in shape having been trimmed to the correct weight using shears, probably as a result of teething trouble with the cutter-punch. Minting ceased in Mar 1643/4, shortly before the city was besieged by the armies of Lord Fairfax and the Scots.

Almost all York coins are identified by the mint signature EBOR (the Latin name for the city, EBORACUM) and also use a lion initial mark, an element of the City's Arms. Denominations produced were halfcrowns, shillings, sixpences and threepences. All coins are undated.

The halfcrowns fall into three groups. The first is characterised by a rather crude equestrian figure, with or without some form of ground line, with square-topped or garnished oval shield on the reverse. The second group is the commonest and displays a livelier horse and rider with the horse's tail visible between its rear legs and with EBOR below. The reverse bears a crowned oval shield with lion's skin garniture. The third group is similar to the second, but with a different lion initial mark and the horse's tail is visible to the rear. There are two reverse designs, a crowned square-topped shield and a crowned garnished oval shield, and the stops are lozenges.

The shillings fall into two groups. The first bears a decent portrait of Charles and a reverse, all signed EBOR, of either an oval shield similar to the first group of halfcrowns, or the more common square-topped shield on a cross fourchée. The second group has a fine portrait of Charles and its reverse designs match those of the halfcrown in groups 2 and 3. All reverses are signed EBOR and stops are lozenges.

Deeman

York halfcrown

The obverse depicts the king on horseback to left, holding sword in his right hand, sash behind, within a circumscription translating to 'Charles, by the Grace of God, Great Britain, France and Ireland, king'. The reverse is a garnished shield of the Royal Arms, with precedence given to England, with or without crown above, either oval or square-topped and with or without crowned or uncrowned letters 'CR' flanking shield. The circumscription is CHRISTO AUSPICE REGNO, translating to 'I reign under the auspices of Christ.'





Undated York halfcrown, lion initial mark both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRI FR ET HI REX, ground line.
Reverse inscription is CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, square-topped shield, no crown, flanked by 'CR'.





Undated York halfcrown, lion initial mark both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRI FR ET HI REX, grassy ground line.
Reverse inscription is CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, garnished oval shield, no crown.





Undated York halfcrown, lion initial mark both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRI FR ET HI REX.
Reverse inscription is CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, garnished oval shield, no crown.





Undated York halfcrown, lion initial mark both sides. Base silver
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRI FR ET HIB REX, EBOR below horse.
Reverse inscription is CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, garnished oval shield, no crown.

Generally thought to be a contemporary forgery in base silver. However, it may perhaps have been officially machine made at the mint at a period when there was a shortage of specie.





Undated York halfcrown, lion initial mark both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT FRAN ET HIB REX, EBOR below horse, tail between legs.
Reverse inscription is CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, crowned oval shield, lion's skin garniture.





Undated York halfcrown, lion initial mark both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT FRAN ET HIB REX, EBOR below horse, lozenge stops.
Reverse inscription is CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, floral spray in inscription, crowned square-topped shield flanked by crowned 'CR', lozenge stops.





Undated York halfcrown, lion initial mark both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT FRAN ET HIB REX, EBOR below horse, lozenge stops.
Reverse inscription is CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, floral spray in inscription, garnished crowned oval shield flanked by crowned 'CR'.


Deeman

York shilling

The obverse depicts the crowned bust of the king left in lace collar and armour, value 'XII' behind, within a circumscription translating to 'Charles, by the Grace of God, Great Britain, France and Ireland, king'. The reverse is a square-topped shield upon a long cross fourchée or a crowned or uncrowned garnished oval shield, both bearing the Royal Arms, with precedence given to England. The circumscription is CHRISTO AUSPICE REGNO, translating to 'I reign under the auspices of Christ,' which, where the design has a long cross fourchée, it is divided across the quadrants of the cross.





Undated York shilling, lion initial mark both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRI FR ET HIB REX.
Reverse inscription is CHRIST / O AVSP / ICE RE / GNO, square-topped shield over long cross fourchée, EBOR above.





Undated York shilling, lion initial mark both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRI FRA ET HI REX.
Reverse inscription is CHRIST / O AVSPI / CE REG / NO, square-topped shield over long cross fourchée, EBOR above.





Undated York shilling, lion initial mark both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRI FR ET HI REX, plain armour.
Reverse inscription is CHRIST / O AVSPI / CE REG / NO, square-topped shield over long cross fourchée, EBOR above.





Undated York shilling, lion initial mark both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRI FRA ET HI REX.
Reverse inscription is CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, garnished oval shield, EBOR below.





Undated York shilling, lion initial mark both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT FRAN ET HIB REX, lozenge stops, lozenge above value.
Reverse inscription is CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, crowned oval shield, lion's skin garniture, EBOR in cartouche below, lozenge stops.





Undated York shilling, lion initial mark both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT FRAN ET HIB REX, lozenge stops, value flanked by lozenges.
Reverse inscription is CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, crowned garnished oval shield, EBOR below, lozenge stops.

Deeman

York sixpence

The obverse depicts the crowned bust of the king left in lace collar and armour, value 'VI' behind, within a circumscription translating to 'Charles, by the Grace of God, Great Britain, France and Ireland, king'. The reverse is a crowned garnished oval shield bearing the Royal Arms, with precedence given to England, with or without crowned letters 'CR' flanking shield. The circumscription is CHRISTO AUSPICE REGNO, translating to 'I reign under the auspices of Christ.'





Undated York sixpence, lion initial mark both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT FRAN ET HIB REX, lozenge stops, lozenge behind value.
Reverse inscription is CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, lozenge stops.





Undated York sixpence, lion initial mark both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT FRAN ET HIB REX, lozenge stops, lozenge behind value.
Reverse inscription is CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, lozenge stops, crowned 'CR' flanking shield.

Deeman

York threepence

The obverse depicts the crowned bust of the king left in lace collar and armour, value 'III' behind, within a circumscription translating to 'Charles, by the Grace of God, Great Britain, France and Ireland, king'. The reverse is a square-topped shield upon a long cross fourchée bearing the Royal Arms, with precedence given to England. The circumscription is CHRISTO AUSPICE REGNO, translating to 'I reign under the auspices of Christ,' divided across the quadrants of the cross.





Undated York threepence, lion initial mark both sides.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MA BR FR ET HI REX.
Reverse inscription is CHRIS / TO AVS / PICE R / EGN, EBOR above shield.

Deeman

Bristol Mint

Sir Thomas Bushell set up the Bristol mint which was in operation during 1643-45. Bushell brought with him some Oxford dies, the best known of which is the obverse die with ground-line beneath the king's horse. Some Bristol halfcrowns dated 1643 have this Oxford obverse combined with the Bristol reverse. The distinguishing features of all excepting the earliest Bristol coins minted under Bushell is the Br monogram initial mark which occurs on either the obverse or the reverse, or both. The plume is used on the earlier issues.

On 11 Sep 1645 Bristol fell to the Parliamentarians. Just before this event, Bushell transferred his mint equipment from Bristol to Lundy (which he owned). From Lundy, Bushell controlled the silver mines at Combe Martin, his former supplies from Wales now being threatened by the enemy. Interestingly though his moneyers who had worked for him at Bristol, appear to have continued to work until the final months of the war. A strong resemblance to the Bristol mints portraiture can be seen in the later issued coins at Bridgnorth, Ashby de la Zouch and in the Welsh Marches halfcrowns.

The gold coins struck at Bristol were the unite (20/-) and half-unite, both dated 1645. The silver coins issued at Bristol were the halfcrown (2/6), shilling, sixpence, groat, threepence, half-groat and penny. The half-groat and penny are undated, but the other silver coins are all dated. The silver was brought at first from mines in Wales, but probably from 1644 onwards also from Combe Martin. His supply of silver was supplemented by the purchase at 4/4 per oz of silver plate from private vendors and probably also from churches.

Deeman

Bristol unite and half-unite

The unite had a value of 20/-, 0.917 fine 'crown' gold (22ct). The obverse depicts the crowned bust of the king facing left, wearing lace collar and armour, holding a sword in his right hand and an olive branch in his left, the value 'XX' behind. The circumscription translates to 'Charles, by the Grace of God, Great Britain, France and Ireland, king'. The reverse has an abbreviation of the king's undertaking to protect 'the religion of the Protestants, the laws of England, the liberty of Parliament' with three banded plumes above and date below. The declaration is in three wavy lines (REL PROT / LEG ANG / LIB PAR) within the circumscription EXURGAT DEUS ET DISSIPENTUR INIMICI which translates to 'Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered' (Psalms 68.1). The circumscription and declaration are in a continuous scroll.

The half-unite is similar to the unite but with value 'X'. No image available but Oxford example (see post 24) is representative.





1645 dated Bristol unite, 'Br' monogram initial mark on obverse, plumelet reverse. (Exists also with just 'Br' monogram initial marks.)
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BR FR ET HIB REX.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI, retrograde '4' in date.

Deeman

Bristol halfcrown

The obverse depicts the king on horseback holding sword in his right hand, sash behind and plume in field, within a circumscription translating to 'Charles, by the Grace of God, Great Britain, France and Ireland, king'. The reverse has an abbreviation of the king's declaration to protect 'the religion of the Protestants, the laws of England, the liberty of Parliament' (typically RELIG PROT / LE AN LI PA) in two lines between ruled lines, with three plumes above, date below, all within the circumscription EXURGAT DEUS ET DISSIPENTUR INIMICI which translates to 'Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered' (Psalms 68.1) normally starting at 12 o'clock. Issued 1643-45.





1643 dated Bristol halfcrown, plume initial mark on obverse. Obverse is Oxford die.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT FR ET HIB REX.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI starting at 9 o'clock with 4 wedge formation.





1643 dated Bristol halfcrown, 'Br' monogram initial mark on reverse. Obverse is Oxford die.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT FR ET HIB REX, ground line.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI.





1643 dated Bristol halfcrown, acorn between 4 pellets initial mark on obverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT FR ET HIBER REX, king wearing flat crown, banded plume behind.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI.





1643 dated Bristol halfcrown, acorn between 4 pellets initial mark on obverse, 'Br' monogram reverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT FR ET HIBER REX, king wearing flat crown, banded plume behind.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI.





1644 dated Bristol halfcrown, plume initial mark on obverse, 'Br' monogram reverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BR FR ET HI REX, bandless Shrewsbury plume behind.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI.





1644 dated Bristol halfcrown, plume initial mark on obverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BR FR ET HI REX, 'Br' monogram under horse.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI, 'Br' monogram below date.





1644 dated Bristol halfcrown, plume initial mark on obverse, 'Br' monogram reverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BR FR ET HI REX, 'Br' monogram under horse.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DISIPENTVR INIMICI, 'Br' monogram below date.





1645 dated Bristol halfcrown, plume initial mark on obverse, 'Br' monogram reverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BR FR ET HIB REX, 'Br' monogram under horse.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI, 'Br' monogram below date.





1645 dated Bristol halfcrown, plume initial mark on obverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BR FR ET HI REX, 'Br' monogram under horse.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI, 'Br' monogram below date.

Deeman

Bristol shilling

The obverse depicts the crowned bust of the king left in lace collar and armour, with or without plumelet in front, value 'XII' behind, within a circumscription translating to 'Charles, by the Grace of God, Great Britain, France and Ireland, king'. The reverse has an abbreviation of the king's declaration to protect 'the religion of the Protestants, the laws of England, the liberty of Parliament' (typically RELIG PROT / LEG ANG / LIB PAR) in three lines between ruled lines, with three plumes above and date below, all within the circumscription EXURGAT DEUS ET DISSIPENTUR INIMICI which translates to 'Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered' (Psalms 68.1) normally starting at 12 o'clock. Issued 1643-45.





1643 dated Bristol shilling, crude first attempt strike, plume initial mark on obverse, 4 pellets reverse. Obverse is Oxford die.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BR FR ET HI REX, no plumelet.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI, first 'I' missing in DISSIPENTVR, inscription starts at 3 o'clock, crude lines dividing declaration.





1643 dated Bristol shilling, plume initial mark on obverse, 'Br' monogram reverse. Obverse is Oxford die.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BR FR ET HI REX, no plumelet.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DSSIPENTVR INIMICI.




 
1644 dated Bristol shilling, plume initial mark on obverse, 'Br' monogram reverse. First coin obverse is Oxford die.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BR FR ET HI REX, no plumelet.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI.





1644 dated Bristol shilling, 'Br' monogram initial mark on reverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BR FR ET H REX, plumelet front of bust.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI.





1644 dated Bristol shilling, no initial mark.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRI FR ET H REX, plumelet front of bust.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI, 'Br' monogram below date, plume and plumelets.





1645 dated Bristol shilling, 'Br' monogram initial mark on reverse.
Obverse inscription is CAROLVS D G MAG BRI FR ET H REX, no plumelet.
Reverse inscription is EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI.