Charles I Gold Crown, Tower Mint under Parliament, 1644-45

This highly prized gold Crown was minted at the Tower of London under Parliamentary control during the English Civil War. Key features include:

• Struck in 22 carat "crown" gold

• Group D, fourth crowned bust left, class I, bust 5

• Initial mark (R) on both sides, dating it to 1644-45

• Obverse legend: CAROLVS. D'. G'. MAG'. BRI'. FR'. ET. HI'. REX

• Reverse: Crowned quartered oval shield of arms, crowned C and R flanking

• Reverse legend: CVLTORES. SVI. DEVS. PROTEGIT

• Weight: 2.31g

The obverse translates to "Charles by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland," while the reverse means "God protects his worshippers."

This specific coin has been graded AU58 by NGC, making it the finest known example as of November 2022. Only two examples have been graded by NGC, with none at PCGS, highlighting its extreme rarity in high grade.

The combined pyx trial records for the (R) and earlier (P) mint marks show a very limited gold output of £135,315 between May 1643 and May 1645.

Provenance

This coin has an impressive pedigree:

• Ex John G. Brooker Collection

• Sold by Spink in March 1993 for £200

• Offered by Spink in February 2007 for £900

Its value has increased significantly over time, reflecting its historical importance and scarcity.