Charles I gold Triple Unite 1643 MS64 NGC, Oxford mint, Plume mm, KM256.2, S-2726, N-2383, Schneider-291. 26.98gm. (lis) CAROLVS: D:G: MAGN: BRIT: FR: ET: HI: REX Crowned and armored bust holding sword and olive branch // EXVRGAT: DEVS: ET: DISSIPENTVR: INIMICI: Three lies with III under, inscription in three scrolled lines RELIG: PROT / LEG: ANG / LIBER: PAR date in exergue. A veritable holy grail for collectors of early British numismatics, where to find any expansive gold issue of this vintage from such a tumultuous time in comparable preservations is miraculous and a feat that cannot be overstated. Boasting an obverse struck with exacting precision, rarely does one encounter such concise features not only within the legends, but across Charles' defiant bust, each hair curl and cloth ripple fully apparent on the apricot-tinged canvas beneath. While the reverse has been slightly obscured from a second striking, the surfaces display the most appreciable gold tone this cataloger has recently encountered. Of the 70 currently witnessed between PCGS and NGC, this specimen ranks as the sole finest for the type, and as such is worthy of highlight by collectors and institutions alike. An interesting glimpse into the volatility of the Civil War period is illustrated by the dual reverse legends of this piece: "EXURGAT DEUS DISSIPENTUR INIMICI," which translates to "Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered" and "RELIGIO PROTESTANTIUM LEGES ANGLIAE LIBERTAS PARLIAMENTI," translated "The religion of the Protestants, the laws of England, and the liberty of Parliament." This last is seemingly ironic as Charles was at war with a Parliament attempting to exercise liberty against what in their view was a tyrannical and absolute monarchy. Ex. Sincona Auction 72 (November 2021, Lot 613); Gilhousen Collection HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Price realized | 200'000 USD |
Starting price | 75'000 USD |
Estimate | 150'000 USD |