© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
½ Crown - Charles II 3rd bust
| Silver (.925) | 15.05 g | 34 mm |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | Charles II (1660-1685) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1666-1672 |
| Value | ½ Crown (⅛) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Silver (.925) |
| Weight | 15.05 g |
| Diameter | 34 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#12861 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 81% |
Reverse
Crowned cruciform shields around central Garter star, interlinked C's in angles, divided date above, legend around.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
MAG· BR·FRA· ET·HIB· REX·16 72·
CC CC CC CC
Translation: King of Great Britain France and Ireland
Engraver: John Roettier
Edge
Regnal year either in Roman numerals or Latin words
Lettering: VICESIMO QVARTO
Translation: Twenty-fourth
Comment
Coins bearing the elephant mark below the bust were struck from silver mined in western Africa and brought back to England by the Company of Royal Adventurers Trading to Africa, which was renamed the Royal African Company (RAC) in 1672.The standard weight of this coin was 15/31 troy ounce or 232.3 grains.
Obverse die and edge varieties:
Sp#3363, KM#428.1 (1666) Third, smaller bust, regnal year in numerals;
Sp#3363, KM#428.2 (1666) Similar, different reverse die;
Sp#3364, KM#428.3 (1666) Similar, elephant below bust;
Sp#3365, KM#428.4 (1667-70) Similar, regnal year in words;
Sp#3366, KM#428.5 (1671-72) Third bust variety.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the ½ Crown - Charles II (3rd bust) 1666-1672 coin is that it was minted during a time of great change and turmoil in England. Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660, following a period of republican rule, and his reign saw significant political, social, and economic developments, including the Great Fire of London in 1666 and the introduction of new coinage. Despite these challenges, the coin remains a popular collector's item and a testament to the enduring legacy of Charles II's reign.
