Charles I Halfgroat Aberystwyth, made from silver mined in Wales

Charles I (1625-49),silver Half-Groat of Twopence, Aberystwyth Mint (1638-42), crowned bust left within beaded circle, value II behind, legend surrounding, initial mark open book, CAROLVS. D: G. M. B. F: ET. H: REX.,rev.plumes in crown with bands, within beaded inner circle, legend surrounding, initial mark book, IVSTITIA. THRONVM. FIRMAT., weight 0.77g (Brooker 781; N.2343; S.2901).Toned, weakly struck due in part to double striking, value appears to read III rather than II, about fine and stronger in legends, scarce and made from locally mined silver.

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 published by Spink and available from Sovereign Rarities "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.