© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
½ Crown - Charles II 4th 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 | 1672-1684 |
| 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#12941 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 75% |
Reverse
Crowned cruciform shields around central Garter star with interlinked C's in angles, divided date above, legend around.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
MAG· BR·FRA· ET·HIB REX·16 79·
CC CC CC CC
Translation: King of Great Britain France and Ireland
Engraver: John Roettier
Edge
Inscription including regnal year
Lettering: DECVS ET TVTAMEN ANNO REGNI TRICESIMO PRIMO
Translation:
An ornament and a safeguard
Thirty-first year of reign
Comment
Coins bearing the elephant (and castle) mark below the bust were struck from silver mined in western Africa and brought back to Britain 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 and reverse die varieties:
Sp#3367, KM#438.1 (1672-84) Fourth draped bust, Garter star reverse;
Sp#3368, KM#438.2 (1673) Similar, plume below bust;
Sp#3369, KM#438.3 (1673) Similar, plume below bust & centre of reverse;
Sp#3370, KM#438.4 (1681) Similar, elephant & castle below bust.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the ½ Crown - Charles II (4th bust) 1672-1684 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, after 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 establishment of the Royal Observatory in 1675. Despite these challenges, the coinage of the time remained consistent in its design and quality, with the ½ Crown being a popular denomination for everyday transactions.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1676 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 1683 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for ½ Crown - Charles II (4th bust) 1672-1684 coin.
