Charles I Halfgroat, Aberystwyth (1638-42), AU55, ex August

Charles I (1625-49),silver Half-Groat of Twopence, Aberystwyth Mint (1638-42), crowned bust left as Sixpence, no inner circles both sides, value II behind, legend surrounding, initial mark open book, CAROLVS. D: G. M. B. F: ET. H: REX.,rev.plumes in crown with bands, legend surrounding, initial mark book, IVSTITIA. THRONVM. FIRMAT. (Brooker 780; N.2342; S.2900A).Toned, with some light wear, made from locally mined silver, has been graded and slabbed by PCGS as AU55.

PCGS Certification 967828.55/50649629.

The abbreviated Latin legends translates on obverse as "Charles, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland," and on the reverse "Justice strengthens the throne."

Dr Graham Birch recently called the silver mines "Britain's forgotten industry" in his new book "The Metal in Britain's Coins" which we recommend for further reading of Chapter 11 about the coinage produced by Sir Hugh Myddelton and Thomas Bushell at the Aberystwyth Mint. The mint at Aberystwyth had its beginnings in July 1637 when Bushell had the idea of coining at the source rather than sending the mined silver for coining to London and petitioned that it would stimulate the Welsh mining industry with predictions of increased output if the adits to drain water from the mines reached their capacity, and which could lead to other mines in England being used for coining in a similar fashion. The Mint in London was against the idea, but King Charles asked for Bushell to visit and was persuaded by his charm to back him. The agreement to set up a mint in Aberystwyth Castle with the Crown taking a 10% share with overall supervision from the Warden of the Mint Sir William Parkhurst. Coins were struck at 0.925 fineness at £3/2/- a pound with Welsh plumes with Halfcrown, Shilling, Sixpence, Half-Groat and Penny. In February 1638 patterns were also approved to forward minting of Groats, Threepences and Halfpennies and all carry the open book mint mark.

Provenance:

Ex Richard August Collection, labelled by PCGS as such.