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BG03250

Charles I Richmond Farthing CARA counterfeit

Charles I (1625-49), copper Richmond Farthing, type 2 CARA counterfeit (1626-31), crown over crossed sceptres, Latin legend and outer beaded border surrounding both sides, initial mark coronet at top, CARA. D G MAG. BRIT, rev. crowned bird faced harp with five strings, FRA: ET. HIB: REX. weight 0.52g (Peck 123; S.3183A). Toned unevenly, struck a little off-centre otherwise almost very fine, extremely rare.

The abbreviated Latin legends translate as on the obverse "Charles by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain" continuing on the reverse "France and Ireland."

The counterfeits with the misspelt King's name as CARA have always been considered as contemporary imitations for that very reason. It seems a set of official letter punches were either stolen or used out of hours to produce the dies to strike these pieces. Because the letter punches match the official coins of the Richmond types they have always been listed within the series in publications by Montagu and Peck who discussed at length as to why they are not genuine (p.54-56).

Lady Frances Howard, Dowager Duchess of Richmond, seemingly the richest woman in England at her death in 1639 aged 61, jointly held the patent with Sir Francis Crane for Farthing coinage when Charles I came to the throne. The issue of these Farthings is associated with her name until she passes the patent on to her niece's husband Lord Maltravers in 1631.

Provenance:

Purchased from Spink and Son Ltd c.2010.

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