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Session Seven - Wednesday, February 15th 10:00 am PST
W
ONDERFUL
B
RITISH
1642 H
ALFPOUND
2912
Great Britain. Halfpound, 1642
. S.2944. Charles I,
1625-1649. Oxford mint. Mint mark plume. Obverse,
equestrian figure of king right with sword in hand, plume
behind. CAROLVS: D:G: MAGN: BRIT: FRAN: ET: HIB: REX.
Reverse; Declaration in two lines: RELIG PROT LEG ANG
LIBER PAR (The religion of the Protestants, the laws of
England, the liberty of Parliament) three plumes above with
value, date 1642 below. Practically as struck with deep old
grey-blue toning. Tiny striking imperfections as is usual on
coins of the Civil War period, but remarkably free from any
signs of wear. Well centred on a suitably large flan, and one
of the finest 1642 half pounds we have seen.
NGC graded
In jumbo holder, AU-55.
WINGS APPROVED
.
Estimate Value .......................................... $7,000 - 8,000
* This large coin was produced in the first year of the English
Civil War. The war began in early 1642 and the Royalists or
Cavaliers generally had the upper hand in the early encoun-
ters, though they failed to strike decisively at the first main
engagement at Edgehill on 23 October 1642, against the Par-
liamentarians or Roundheads under Robert Devereux, third
earl of Essex (and son of Elizabeth I' s favorite). In 1642
Charles vacated London and made Oxford his capital. This is
where he would produce many of his coins, and the Oxford
Triple Unites, Unites, Pounds and Half Pounds are among the
most impressive coins in the British numismatic series.