Struck at the Tower of London during Charles I’s reign, this gold Unite is a remarkable early Stuart coin and an important piece of British numismatic history. Issued in around 1625, it belongs to the first bust type of Charles I and displays the distinctive portrait style used at the beginning of his rule.

The obverse features the first crowned bust of King Charles I facing left, accompanied by the Latin legend CAROLVS D.G. MAG BR FR ET HI REX, which translates as “Charles, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland.” The portrait is bold and formal, capturing the authority of a new reign at a time when the monarchy was seeking to project strength and continuity.

The reverse carries a crowned quartered shield of arms, a classic and highly recognisable design of the period. Around it runs the motto FLORENT CONCORDIA REGNA, meaning “Through concord kingdoms flourish.” For collectors, this reverse is especially appealing for its strong heraldic character and its close connection to the political ideals of early seventeenth-century England.

Struck in gold of .917 fine, the Unite was one of the great denomination coins of the age, both impressive in size and carefully made. At around 9 grams and 33 mm in diameter, it has a substantial feel and a broad surface that allows the portrait and royal arms to be displayed with clarity.

This example remains a highly desirable piece for collectors of hammered gold, early Stuart coinage and portrait issues of the Royal Mint. Its survival offers a direct link to the first year of Charles I’s reign and to the craftsmanship of the historic Tower mint.