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Auction: 22006 - Coins and Commemorative Medals - Summer Auction
Lot: 183

Charles I (1625-49), Group I, 'Lightweight' Issue, Type 1a3, Halfcrown, August - November 1626, Tower (under King), first horseman left, plume on headdress and above caparison, rev. square-topped and garnished shield, 12.59g, 8h, m.m. cross calvary (Brooker 283-284; cf. Bull 45; North 2202; Spink 2766), pastille-grey toning, otherwise a pleasingly good fine, rare

Provenance
Spink, by private treaty, 12 November 1976 - good very fine and scarce - £160



In August 1626 the pressure on Royal Finances strained by war with France, resulted in a commission to surreptiously reduce the weight of the silver coinage by as much as 14%. The subsequent public outcry resulted in a return to a full standard by November 1626. Shillings of the reduced standard had long been known to numismatists, it was not until the discovery by Dr. J.R. Hulett published in the Spink Numismatic Circular in September 1993, that a Halfcrown was identified for this rare lightweight issue. The wait for an example from the Gold series is also hoped for, but yet to be seen.

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Sold for
£1,900

Starting price
£180