Charles I gold Unite ND (1628-1631) AU Details (Reverse Graffiti) NGC, Tower mint, Heart mm, S-2688, N-2182. 8.91gm. An unusual occurrence in which the presence of graffiti makes a coin more charming! An extremely appealing golden Unite with a strong portrait of King Charles I and a warm orange tone to the planchet, to which a skilled engraver has painstakingly incised the date '1642' either side of the reverse shield. This engraving is so neatly done that to those unfamiliar with the coinage of Charles I, it could almost appear to be part of the original design. It is not clear why someone chose to incise this date, some 12 years after this Unite was struck, but perhaps it was to mark the beginning of the English Civil War in 1642 which would cumulate seven years later with the execution of Charles I. A superb offering, and a highly historical and appealing piece of British history.

HID09801242017

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