1 Crown - Charles II (4th bust; Africa Company) 1681 front 1 Crown - Charles II (4th bust; Africa Company) 1681 back
1 Crown - Charles II (4th bust; Africa Company) 1681 photo
© Heritage Auctions

1 Crown - Charles II 4th bust; Africa Company

1681 year
Silver (.925) 30.1 g 38.6 mm
Description
Issuer
England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies)
King
Charles II (1660-1685)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
1681
Value
1 Crown
Currency
Pound sterling (1158-1970)
Composition
Silver (.925)
Weight
30.1 g
Diameter
38.6 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-08
References
Numista
N#12945
Rarity index
95%

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 81·
CC CC CC CC

Translation: King of Great Britain France and Ireland

Engraver: John Roettier

Edge

Regnal year in Latin

Lettering: TERTIO TERTIO

Translation: Thirty-third

Comment

The standard weight of this coin was 30/31 troy ounce or 464.5 grains.

The elephant and castle under the bust was the badge of the Africa Company who suppled the silver from Guinea, Africa.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the 1681 Charles II 1 Crown coin is that it was minted during a time when the British Royal Mint was experimenting with different metallic compositions for its coins. This particular coin was made of silver (.925), which was a departure from the traditional gold or silver-gilt coins that were commonly used during that time period. This experimentation with different metals was likely done to address issues with coinage and to make the coins more durable and practical for everyday use.