Charles I 1642 Half-pound of Ten Shillings, Oxford mint with Oxford plumes

Charles I (1625-49), silver Half Pound of Ten Shillings, 1642, Oxford Mint, armoured King on horseback left, crowned holding sword, riding over arms and militaria, Oxford plume in field behind, Latin legend and beaded borders surrounding, initial mark Oxford plume, CAROLVS: D: G: MAGN: BRIT: FRAN: ET: HIB: REX., rev. Latin Declaration in two lines at centre between ruled lines RELIG: PROT: LEG / ANG: LIBER: PAR, three Oxford plumes above, over value .X., date below, Latin legend and beaded borders surrounding, initial mark seven pellets, EXVRGAT: DEVS: DISSIPENTVR: INIMICI, weight 59.77g (Brooker 867-8; Morrieson A-2; N.2404; S.2945). Attractively toned, lightly double struck, practically extremely fine and a very pleasing piece.

The abbreviated obverse legend translates as "Charles, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland. The abbreviated reverse Declaration translates as "The religion of the Protestants, the Laws of England, the Liberty of Parliament". The outer reverse legend translates as "Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered"

This silver Ten Shillings or Half-Pound was struck at the Oxford Mint where Charles I had moved his capital from London after the Battle of Edgehill, to the Royalist Universities of the City of Oxford, where he made a state entrance on 29^th October 1642. The King lived at Christ Church, with the Queen installed at Merton; the Royalist Parliament met in the Upper Schools and Great Convocation House; the Privy Council at Oriel; and the Mint worked at New Inn Hall from the 3^rd January 1642/3.