© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
5 Guineas - Charles II 1st bust
| Gold (.917) | 41.94 g | - |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | Charles II (1660-1685) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1668-1678 |
| Value | 5 Guineas |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Gold (.917) |
| Weight | 41.94 g |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#27921 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Crowned cruciform shields around interlinked C's with sceptres bearing national emblems in angles, divided date above, legend around.
Script: Latin
Lettering: MAG· BR·FRA· ET·HIB· REX·16 72·
Translation: King of Great Britain France and Ireland
Edge
Regnal year in Latin
Lettering: VICESIMO QVARTO
Comment
Obverse die varieties:Sp#3328, KM#430.1 (1668-74) First laureate bust, pointed truncation;
Sp#3328A, KM#430.1 (1674-78) First bust, similar hair of different style, shorter ties;
Sp#3329, KM#430.2 (1668-77) Similar, elephant below bust;
Sp#3330, KM#430.3 (1675-78) Similar, elephant and castle below bust.
These coins were struck in 22 carat gold to two different weight standards:
Heavy issue (1668-69) Struck at 8 56/75 to the pound troy, giving a standard weight of 1 61/164 troy ounce (658.5 grains).
Light issue (1670-78) Struck at 8 9/10 to the pound troy, giving a standard weight of 1 31/89 troy ounce (647.2 grains).
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 5 Guineas - Charles II (1st bust) coin is that it was used as a means of payment for the British East India Company's transactions in India. The coin was first introduced in 1668 and was widely used by the company until the late 18th century. Its value was equivalent to five pounds sterling, which made it a popular choice for large transactions. The coin's use in India was so widespread that it became known as the "India Guinea."
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1668 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 1673 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 5 Guineas - Charles II (1st bust) 1668-1678 coin.
