The ‘Welsh Marches’ Collection of British Coins

Charles I (1625-1649), Hereford mint, Halfcrown, 1645, King on horseback left, rev. oval shield within Garter, supported by lion and unicorn, crown and small crowned c r above, date below, 13.30g/4h (Bull 683/62; N 2359; S 2915). On an approximately octagonal flan, better than fine but officially holed through centre, very rare £3,400-£4,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The ‘Welsh Marches’ Collection of British Coins.

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Provenance: E. Elmann Collection, Glendining Auction, 11-12 July 1929, lot 449; Glendining Auction, 4 June 1992, lot 447; A. Morris Collection.

The reverse type of this coin is unique among the silver issues of Charles I, showing as it does the Gartered arms with lion and unicorn supporters, a design normally reserved for gold coinage. This specimen was also the subject of an article by Garry Charman in which he postulated that the central piercing was done during the 1696 recoinage (SCMB May 1984, pp.129-132). The present specimen appears to be of reasonably fine silver, unlike other apparently more debased examples the cataloguer has seen

Hereford mint