The Michael Gietzelt Collection of British and Irish Coins (1625-1660)

Charles I (1625-1649), Truro mint, Crown, mm. rose, 29.57g/10h (Besly A1; SCBI Brooker 1008-9, same dies; N 2531; S 3045). Weak in places, otherwise very fine or better for issue, scarce £1,000-£1,200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Michael Gietzelt Collection of British and Irish Coins (1625-1660).

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Provenance: Westfälische Auktiongesellschaft Auktion 64 (Arnsberg), 13 December 2012, lot 797.

In the autumn of 1642 the Royalist county of Cornwall found itself isolated from other parts of the Kingdom still under royal control. Consequently, in November of that year, a Commission was sent to one Sir Richard Vyvyan of Trelowarren empowering him to establish one or more mints in the county to provide coinage for the use of the King’s supporters. Vyvyan chose the town of Truro and wasted no time in carrying out the royal instructions. Incidental written evidence suggests that the mint was in operation by Christmas 1642. There is however a lack of official documentation and the exact location of the mint as well as the identity of the men who worked there is not known