28 March 2012

Rare Charles I coin to go under the hammer

'... well centred with good detail, possibly the finest known example of this extremely rare siege piece' (Spink catalogue)

A coin minted in 1645 goes under the hammer at auctioneers Spink tomorrow - and could fetch £25,000 ...

The 'extremely rare' three shilling (above) was struck in Carlisle during the siege of 1645.

The city was besieged by the Scots for eight months before finally surrendering to David Leslie in June 1645. During the siege the inhabitants were asked to bring forth their silver in order for it to be turned into shilling and three shilling coins.

1,162 ounces of plate was turned into 1,000 three shilling coins and 3,460 shillings, with the currency only staying circulation for the duration of the siege.

Two versions of the three shilling were produced: a 'three line' and a rarer 'two line reverse' - it is the two-line that is up for auction tomorrow.

Given the rarity of the coin, Spink's catalogue has an estimate price of £20,000 - £25,000.

Sale 12009, Lot 960 at Spinks - the Charles I three shilling coin
Silver siege money of the English Civil Wars - British Museum article

1 comment:

  1. The three shilling sells for £22,000.

    Another 'siege coin' (lot 963) - from the siege of Scarborough - beats its £30-35,000 estimate to sell for £58,000!

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