British Silver Coins - King Charles I.

                                                             Charles I., 1625-1649.

   Charles I. ascended the throne March 28, 1625, and very soon began to make arrangements for the issue of a coinage upon the same principles as that of his father. It consisted at first of crowns, half- crowns, shillings, six-pences, half-groats, pence; groats, threepences, and half-pence, were subsequently coined in some of the provincial mints; the metal was of the standard fineness, 11 oz. 2 dwts. silver, and 18 dwts. alloy, and the weight was in the proportion of 7 25/31 grains to the penny, and it was remarkable that during all his troubles and difficulties no debasement took place, however rude his coins may have been in form and workmanship.

   The types, or rather the modifications of the types, of his coins are exceedingly numerous, partly owing to the taste and fancy of those who had the direction of affairs at the regular mints, and partly owing to the want of skill in the persons who were engaged in the various occasional mints in different parts of the country. We lament that we are not able to point out from which mint each piece was issued; but the difficulties of doing so are insurmountable. If we examine those, which are considered to have been the production of the Tower, we cannot but remark that they vary exceedingly in the style and quality of the workmanship; some, which are so very inferior as to lead to a supposition that they are imitations executed in the country, were not improbably produced at the Tower by inferior workmen, after the established officers of the mint had escaped from London and joined the king's party. Others again were certainly fabricated in the country towns but in which cannot always be ascertained; Aberystwith, Bristol, Chester, Exeter, Oxford, Worcester, York, are generally distinguishable. Several coins however exist which cannot be assigned to any of these places, and it is only from some supposed similarity, in the modification of the type, to the coins of some known locality that we are induced to believe that they were struck in some neighbouring district, or in some place held by the royal army at the same, or nearly the same time, as that whose type and workmanship it resembles. these we shall endeavour to point out when we come to describe each type. We shall begin with those pieces, which are supposed to have issued from the Tower mint, taking the several denominations in succession.

                                                                    Crowns.

Crowns of the Tower Mint: Type 1. a. The first coins of this reign represent the king on horseback, ruff round his neck, his armour plain, his sword raised; the horse caparisoned, with a plume upon his head and crupper. The king's titles are, with slight occasional variations, CAROLVS D. G. MAG BR FRA ET HIB REX. The reverse has a square shield, garnished, with the arms blazoned, as upon the coins of James I.; the ends of a cross appear, issuing from beneath the arms, extending to the edge of the coin, and dividing into four poarts the legend CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO. MM. Lis. Rud. xviii. 1. Snell. ix. 7. MB. Long cross. MB.

Type 1. b. Sometimes the shield has over it a plume, and in that case has no appearance of the cross. MM. Long cross. MB. Castle. MB.

Type 2. a. The next type represents the king, smaller, upon a smaller horse, the sword resting upon his shoulder, a ruff round his neck, narrow scarf across his body, no plume upon the crupper of the horse, the housings marked with a broad cross. The shield is oval, garnished, the garniture encroaching upon the shield at the top and bottom, the ends of a cross appearing from underneath, C. R. above. MM. Harp. Rud. xviii. 8. MB.

Type 2. b. Sometimes the shield has a plume over it between the letters C. R. and no appearance of the cross. MM. Plume. Rud. xviii. 2. Snell. ix. 13. MB. Rose. Rud. xviii. 5. MB. This type seems to be the production of a different and better artist than the preceeding. Snelling says that this type commenced with the castle MM. i. e. in 1627. The earliest specimen we have seen is with the plume MM. 1630.

Type 3. a. In this type the horse is without any caparisons, and carries his head low; the king wears a falling laced collar instead of a ruff; his scarf is broad and floats behind; the sword is held upright; the armorial shield is oval garnished. MM. Bell. MB. Crown. MB. Ton. MB. Anchor. MB. Triangle. MB. Star.

Type 3. b. Sometimes a plume is over the shield. MM. Portcullis. Rud. xviii. 3. MB. Crown. (475). MB. Ton. MB. This is the latest MM. with which the plume appears as indicative of Welch silver.

Type 4. The horse in this type is somewhat foreshortened, with a long mane extending in front of the chest; shield, as in type 3, without plumes. MM. R within brackets. (476). MB. Eye. Rud. xviii. 4. MB. Sun. MB.

Type 5. The horse large, tall, head erect, elegant and spirited, the mane extending in front of the chest, shield like that of the preceeding. MM. Sun. (477). Rud. xviii. 7. MB. In this plate the mane is not noticed.

The spirit, the neatness, and minuteness of some of the details of this and some of the other pieces, except the first type, induces us to believe that they are the earlier productions of Thos. Simons. Those coins, which have the plumes over the arms, were struck from silver produced from the Welch mines.

Briot's Crown: The king is here represented in the same manner as in type 3, but the horse is more quiescent, the mane short and the workmanship less spirited; the shield is oval, decorated with garniture, of which the upper part is in form of a lion's head; at the sides, C. R. crowned, and over it a large crown. MM. B and a small flower. Rud. xxi. 10. Sn. x. 6. MB. This coin is very neat, round, well formed, but the workmanship not very spirited; it was probably executed in the year 1633, and served as a model for the type introduced that year with the portcullis MM.

Nicholas Briot was a native of Lorrain, and was employed as Graver-general of the French coins, but disgusted at the treatment he received, offered his services to King Charles I., who established him in the mint at the Tower in 1628. By the means of machinery he made the coins more perfectly round than they had ever been before, and the neatness of his workmanship has been universally admired. To him has been ascribed the improvement, which took place soon after this time in the execution of the coins; but the tameness, which marks the designs upon his undoubted productions, is conclusive evidence that for the spirit and animation, which characterise the horse and the rider upon the coins, we must look for some other artists, and we shall find them in Simons and Rawlins. The warrant granting him a residence in the mint was dated Feb. 1629, it does not appear however to have been acted upon, as he presented a petition upon the subject in Oct. 1630; and as late as June 1631, a commission was appointed to see the warrant executed. In Jan. 1633, he was appoointed chief engraver.

Exeter Crowns. The first we have to describe, as probably belonging to this city, represents the king in profile, the horse rather coarsely executed but with a good deal of spirit, the shield oval and garnished, MM. Rose of a peculiar form. The coin is round and neat. (478). MB. The form of the rose and of the garniture leave little doubt as to the correct attribution of this coin to Exeter.

2. Others, with this kind of rose as mint mark, are less neat and round, and have the king's face nearly full; the sash behind in a bow; shield like the last, no date. (479). Sn. xiii. 16.

3. With date, at the end of the legend, 1644. Rud. xviii. 6. xxv. 2. Sn. xiii. 14. MB.

4. Another has the same date with the MM in the middle of the figures. Rud. Sup. v. 21. Sn. xiii. 15. MB.

5. Another has the date 1645. Rud. Sup. v. 22. Sn. xiii. 18.

6. Another of this last date, instead of mint mark on rev. has Ex for Exeter. Rud. xxv. 4. Sn. xiii. 13. MB.

7. Another has MM. castle, 1645. 9480). rud. xxv. 3. Sn. xiii. 19. MB.

8. Another, same MM. and date, has on rev. Ex. MB. On these pieces with castle MM. the sash is not in a bow, but floats behind. Sn. xiii. 17.

Oxford Crowns. Upon the obverse the usual crown type, but the horse small and short, rudely and badly formed, neck arched; plume behind the king, MM. sometimes a plume. The reverse has an inscription in two lines RELIG PROT LEG ANG LIBER PAR; with some slight variations. This inscription is in conformity with Charles's declaration, that he would "preserve the Protestant religion, the laws, and liberties of his subjects, and privileges of Parliament." Above are three plumes and V for five shillings, below, the date 1642. (481). Rud. xxiii. 5. Sn. xii. 11. MB. or 1643. Rud. xxiii. 6. Sn. xii. 12. MB. the legend of these coins is EXVRGAT DEVS DISSIPENTVR INIMICI. (Ps. lxviii. v. 1.) From this legend the pieces of this type have received the name of the exurgat money; all above the value of the half-crown have the value marked above the inscription on the reverse; all, below that value, behind the king's head on the obverse.

The coin, peculiarly called the Oxford crown, is very beautifully executed by Rawlins, with great spirit and attention to details; underneath the horse is a view of Oxford with its name OXON. and R, the initial of the artist's name. MM. a kind of cross fleury, or rather a pellet with four florets issuing from the edge. The type of the reverse resembles that of the preceding coins, but more gracefully decorated and better executed. The inscription is enclosed between two scrolls decorated with flowers; and underneath, with the date 1644, is the word OXON. A sprig of flowers is between each word of the legend. Rud. xxiv. 1. Sn. xii. 10. MB. The Mm., in these plates, is converted into a rose or cinquefoil, and the artist's initial is omitted.

There is some difficulty in deciding where the pieces usually ascribed to Oxford were actually struck; the introduction of the plumes would lead to the belief that they were struck at Aberystwith, and some possibly were so; the first coins of this type bear the date of 1642; others, with 1643 and subsequent dates, have OX under the date, and were clearly struck at Oxford; we find that a mint and moneyers were established in this city in 1642, under the direction of Sir W. Parkhurst and Thos. Bushell the director of the Aberystwith mint. If all the moneyers were removed from Aberystwith no doubt would remain about all these coins having been struck at Oxford, but if some were allowed to remain at Aberystwith, it is probable that some were struck in one place, and some in the other, but we do not appear to have any means of distinguishing them. It has been supposed that the money of this type marked with the book or feathers only was struck from Welch silver; this however is conjecture merely, and probably incorrect, for the coins struck at Oxford from the silver produced by the melting of the plate contributed by the colleges and from other sources must have had this mark. The plume was used upon the Oxford coins, because they were struck by officers and workmen brought from Aberytswith (sic). The book was the peculiar mark of Bushell, under whose direction both mints were conducted.

                                                         Pounds and Half-Pounds

   Of this declaration type are some large pieces of the value of a pound, and a half pound, marked respectively with the figures XX and X, and of each of these there are several varieties; the king's titles being generally expressed at greater length upon the pound pieces than the others. This is the only reign in which silver money of these denominations were ever struck.

Pound Pieces:
1. MM. five pellets; plume behind the king, no ground under the horse. MAG. BRIT. 1642. MB. Rud. xxiii. 2. Sn. xii. 15. good work.
2. MM. on obv. Plume ? arms under horse, MAG. BRITAN. 1642. MB. Horse smaller, inferior work.
3. Very similar, but more ground and more arms MAGNI BRITANI. Obv. MM. Plume, 1642. MB.
4. Similar to No. 3, but a cannon amongst the arms, 1642. MB. Rud. xxiii. 1. Sn. xii. 16. In this latter plate the obv. MM. and two of the plumes are by mistake omitted.
5. Similar, but exergue, under the arms, chequered, MAGNI. BRIT. 1642. MB.
6. One of similar type, but the horse larger and of very superior workmanship, with the arms better defined, and reaching quite to the inner circle, MAG. BRIT. 1642. MB.
7. Similar to the last, the obverse indeed from the same die, dated 1643. Sn. xii. 17.
8. Obv. same die as No. 4. dated 1643. MB.
9. Obv. same as No. 6 and 7, but, perhaps, of still superior workmanship. The reverse has the inscription within a compartment, with a plume and XX over it; 1644 and OX below. Rud. xxiii. 3. Sn. xii. 18. MB.
It is remarkable that upon three different dies, No. 3, 4, 5, MAGNI is erroneously written for MAGNAE.

Half-Pounds:
1. MM. nine pellets, no ground under the horse, which is from the same punch as the pound No. 1. very rare. Sn. xii. 13. MB.
2. No MM. a single line under the horse which is like the pound No. 2. See Rud. xxiii. 5. MB.
3. Arms on ground under the horse, MM. Plume, 1642. MB.
4. Similar to last, but no plume behind the king, 1642. MB.
5. Same obv. die as No. 3, but dated 1643. Rud. xxiii. 4. Sn. xii. 14. MB.
6. Under the denomination of half-pound must be classed a piece of equal weight with the above, struck upon thick metal, with the Exeter type; the obverse indeed is from the die of the Exeter crown No. 1, the reverse is similar but without date. MB.

                                                               Half-Crowns.

   The Tower Half-Crowns in general resemble the crowns, but there are still some variations that require notice, and some types to which there are not any corresponding crowns.

Type 1. a. These resemble the crowns, type, 1. a, but one has a rose crowned on the housings, like the coins of James I. MM. Lis. MB. The others are without the rose, but with an ornament like the crowns, MM. Lis. Rud. xix. 1. Sn. ix. 6. MB. Long cross; on this are no ends of cross the sides of the shield. MB.

Type 1. b. Feathers over the shield, no ends of cross. MM. Negro's head. MB. Castle. MB. Anchor. MB. Heart. Rud. xix. 2.

Type 2. a. Similar to the crown type 2. a., but without any cross under the shield. MM. Plume. Sn. ix. 12. MB. Rose. Rud. xix. 5. MB.

Type 2. b. We have not seen any of this type with the plume over the shield.

Type 2. c. This variety has the oval shield, garnished in a different manner, between C. R. MM. Harp. MB. Portcullis. (482). MB.

Type 2. d. Similar, but with feathers over the sheld. MM. Harp. MB.

Type 3. a. Similar to crown type, 3. a. MM. Bell. MB. Crown. MB. Ton. MB. Anchor, king's scarf as high as his shoulders. Rud. xix. 4. MB. Triangle, shield larger, ground under horse. (483). MB. No ground under horse, work coarser. P within brackets. (484). MB. Eye. MB. Sun. MB. The head of the horse, upon pieces with the anchor and subsequent mint marks, is more raised and turned a little towards the spectator.

Type 3. b. Similar to crown, plume over shield. MM. Portcullis. Rud. xix. 3.

Type 4. Very similar to crown type 4, but the horse scarcely foreshortened, MM. Star. MB. Triangle within a circle. Rud. xix. 6. MB.

Type 5. Similar to crown type 5, but the mane not extending in front of the chest, MM. Sun. MB. Scepter. MB.

Briot's Half-Crown. Exactly resembles the crown, MM. B and small flower. MB. Another omitting B. Rud. xxi. 11. Sn. x. 5. B and anchor. Rud. xxii. 7. Sn. x. 9. MB. Anchor without any letter. MB. In this piece the shield is square at the top, garnished; no letters crowned at the sides, or crown above, v. r.

Aberystwith Half-Crowns. The king is represented as upon the half-crowns, type 3, with the anchor and subsequent mint marks, but there is a plume in the field behind the king. The shield also is similar but has a plume over it, MM. An open book; ground under the horse sometimes, as in the coins with MM. triangle. MB.; sometimes without, as in those with MM anchor. Rud. xx. 14. Sn. x. 32. MB. MM. Crown. MB. On this piece the king is represented as on type 5.

The Aberystwith half-crowns were struck in consequence of an indenture, between the king and Thos. Bushell in June 1637, by which a mint was established at this place, or in its immediate neighbourhood, for the express purpose of striking money from the produce of the Welch mines, which had before been struck at the Tower, and had been distinguished by the introduction of the plume. Authority was given to strike half-crowns, shillings, sixpences, half-groats, and pence; but a commission, dated in October following, authorized the striking of groats, three-pences and half- pence. Those with MM. Book were probably struck in 1638 and some subsequent years; those with MM. Crown not before 1645 or 1646, when the sun and sceptre was used at the Tower mint. By the above indenture it was agreed, that all monies made at Aberystwith should have the plume on both sides; this does not appear to have been strictly attended to, as some have it only on one side. When the Aberystwith moneyers were removed to Oxford, they retained this peculiar mark; and it also appears upon some pieces which were not struck by them, but at some of the many occasional mints which sprung up in various places during the troubles of the kingdom, and where any type was imitated, as chance or caprice dictated. In 1642 the establishment was removed to Oxford, but the plume was still retained, and it cannot therefore be pronounced that those of a later period were struck here, though it is not improbable that some workmen remained at Aberystwith, and that the two mints were worked simultaneously.

Britsol Half-Crowns: there are several pieces, with a type most closely resembling that of Oxford, which have the letters B R in monogram, either as a mint mark, or on other parts of the coin; these have been generally attributed to Oxford, and said to have been struck from silver contributed or procured by Dr. Richard Baylie, President of St. John's College and Dean of Salisbury; we have not been able to ascertain the source of this tale, and we entirely discredit it. The dates upon these pieces are 1643, 1644, 1645. Bristol was in the king's hands from July 1643 to Sept. 1645, and as we have, upon similar coins, EX for Exeter, OX for Oxford, and no letters that we can assign positively to individuals, we have not any hesitation in assigning BR to Bristol.

The first half-crown struck at Bristol we believe to be that which has MM. some uncertain object like a pear between four pellets; the king's crown very flat at the top; the sword leaning forwards. MM. on rev. BR. In other respects it resembles the Oxford type of the same date 1643, the off hind leg being raised. (485). MB.

2. A specimen in the Mus. has obv. from the same die as the preceding, but on the rev. the MM. and the first E of the legend are omitted.

3. Another of the same date has obv. MM. Plume. Rev. MM. BR. The sword in this piece and all the subsequent ones is upright. MB.

The varieties of 1644 are. 4. Obv. MM. Plume. Rev. MM. BR. (490). MB.

5. Similar, but with BR also under the date and between the horse's feet. MB.

6. Similar to the last, omitting the MM. on reverse. Rud. xxiv. 2. Sn. xii. 3. MB.

7. Omitting both MM. but retaining BR. under the horse and date. MB.

1645. 8. Obv. MM. Plume. BR under horse and date. Sn. xii. 4. MB.

The legend of the reverse of all the Bristol half-crowns commences at the top.

Chester Half-Crowns: the horse upon this coin is of peculiar form, especially about the chest which is very large; the tail much waved; under the feet the letters CHST. Behind the king a Plume. Rev. oval shield garnished like that of Tower mint No. 3. MM. Three gerbs, the arms of Chester. Rud. xxvi. 2. Sn. xiv. 15. MB. Browne Willis mentions one with CEST instead of CHST.

There is a half-crown, the obverse of which is certainly from the same die as the preceding, but with some alterations. There is not any appearance of the Plume, or CHST, but it seems impossible to say how or when these variations have taken place upon the die, obv. MM. obliterated. The reverse is like the Oxford type, has the date 1644, MM. Plume. The legend commences at the side. (486). MB.

Another piece is assigned to Chester because it has H under the horse's feet, the coin so much worn that no other letters are visible. The horse is not like that of the two preceding, the tail is fuller, dishevelled, less wavy; the fore parts obliterated; the king's scarf longer. Rev. Shield oval, without garniture; no MM. date 1644. (487). MB.

Exeter Half-Crowns: there are some half-crowns which, bearing the letters EX, leave no doubt of their having been struck in that city. Upon them we perceive, as MM, a rose of a peculiar form, which, with other peculiarities in the details, induces us to class all the following pieces under this city.

The first differs very much from all the other coins of this king. It represents his Majesty, three quarters to the front, with a truncheon in his hand, on a horse capering amidst arms strewed upon the ground. MM. on both sides, rose. The shield is oval, garnished, having something like lions' claws at the sides, and the date 1642 amongst the ornaments underneath. Rud. xxv. 1. Sn. xiv. 19. MB. This piece is round, neatly executed, generally in very good preservation, and probably not adopted for circulation. Folkes supposes it to have been struck at York, when the king first set up his standard in that neighbourhood, but the form of the rose, &c. induces us to assign it to Exeter.

2. The next represents the king similarly mounted, but with a sword in his hand, his hair long and floating behind; no arms upon the ground. The shield oval, garnished, between C. R. fleur de lis above. MM. on both sides, rose. (488). MB.

3. The horse walking, carrying his head rather low; the king in profile, his hair short; like the first Exeter crowns. Rev. same as preceding. MM. rose. See (478).

4. Like No. 3, but the C R above the shield, instead of at the sides. Rud. Sup. v. 26. Sn. xiv. 12. MB.

5. The horse has his head more raised, neck longer and thinner, the tail twisted, thick and square at the end, as are to a certain extent the tails upon all the Exeter coins; the king's face turned rather to the front. MM. Rose. The reverse has the Oxford type, date 1644, EX below, EX also for mint mark; the legend commences at the side. Rud. Sup. v. 20. not correct. Sn. xiii. 12. MB.

6. Obverse similar to preceding. Rev. oval shield garnished like that of tower mint, type 3; at the end of the legend, date 1644, MM. Rose. (489). MB.

7. Another MM. on both sides, rose, 1645 at end of legend. Sn. xiii. 11. MB.

8. Another similar but Obv. MM. Rose, Rev. MM. Castle, and date 1645. Rud. xxv. 5. Sn. xiii. 12*. MB.

9. Another 1645. Rev. MM. Ex, instead of Castle. MB.

10. The Mus. has a coin dated 1644, MM. on both sides, Rose, the king's face in profile, sword sloping forwards, ground under the horse, whose tail is not twisted; in general character like the Oxford half- crowns of 1643 with OX. Sn. xiii. 10.

Oxford Half-Crowns. Date 1642. type similar to that of the crown; 1. No ground under the hrose, MM. obv. Plume. MB.

2. A variety, line under horse without the plume behind the king, reads INIMI. Sn. xii. 1. MB. Another reads correctly INIMICI. MB.

3. Similar, without MM. but with plume. MB.

4. Plume, no line, MM. [four dots in form of diamond] or four pellets. MB. Obv. finer work, king's figure smaller than on any other.

5. A variety No. 1, has 2. 6 and one plume between the figures over the inscription, no MM. no line under the horse. MB.

6. A variety of this last has a pellet, instead of the figures, on each side of the the plume; obv. same die as preceding. MB. these are the only half-crowns upon which the value is marked.

Date 1643

7. Line under horse, no MM. MB.

8. MM. Plume, no line under the horse. MB.

9. Another, without plume behind king but line under horse. Sn. xii. 2.

10. One is without any lines above and below inscription. (491). MB. The coins of 1642 have the near hind leg of the horse raised, those of 1643 have the off hind leg raised; all the preceding are without OX and may therefore have been struck at Aberystwith; the crown on the king's head is large, flat topped, and the whole type very like the Bristol money, but unlike all the coins which have OX.

Date 1643 OX.

11. The king very small, his sword pointed rather forwards, ground under the horse, whose near hind leg is raised, MM. obv. Plume. MB.

12. Another, middle plume much the largest. MB.

13. Another like the last, but MM. obv. a small rose. MB.

14. Similar to No. 11., but scarcely any ground under the horse. Sn. xii. 5.

Date 1644, OX.

15. M. obv. Plume. MB.

16. Another with a lozenge before and after the date, OX, and plumes. Sn. xii. 6. MB.

17. Another with similar lozenges, the figures curved, not Roman, and the centre plume very large. (493). MB.

18. Another, curved figures but without lozenges. Sn. xii. 7.

19. Another, with pellets instead of lozenges. MB.

20. Another, the figures not curved, pellet before and after OX. MB.

21. Another, the centre plume largest, and plume before and after date. CUFF. Snelling's obv. to fig. 5. is common also to 6, 7, and 8, and represents the horse without any ground underneath, whereas all the half-crowns which have OX shew more or less gound.

Date 1645. OX.

22. MM. Plume. MB. Rud. Sup. v. 18. Sn. xii. 8.

Date 1646. OX.

23. MM. rev. [five dots as on a "5" playing card], legend commences at side, plume behind king. MM. obv. oblit. MB.

24. Another, with each plume, figure, and OX. between annulets; legend commences towards the right. MM. [three vertical dots between two dots] a plume behind the king. MM. obv. plume. (492). MB.

Worcester Half-Crown: this piece has an oval shield, the garniture of which has four small fleurs de lis, and contains the letters H. C. Obv. MM. a pear. Rev. MM. three pears, the arms of Worcester. (494). Rud. xxvi. 1. Sn. xiv. 17. MB. The meaning of the letters H. C remains undiscovered, but probably they are the initials of some loyal resident in the place.

York Half-Crowns: 1. Ground under the feet of the horse, which, on some pieces, carries his head low, the near hind leg raised; shield square, slight garniture, between C. R. MM. on btoh sides, a lion. (495). Rud. xxvi. 4. Sn. x. 19. MB.

2. Oval shield garnished like Tower mint type No. 3. ground under horse. MB.

3. Sometimes without ground and shield flattened. Rud. Sup. v. 9. Sn. x. 18. MB.

4. Sometimes EBOR under the horse with the head low.

5. Horse tall, mane long in front of chest, EBOR underneath, bettwer workmanship. Shield square topped, plain, crowned, between C. R. crowned; flower before and after AVSPICE. (496). Rud. xxi. 1. MB. See Sn. x. 16. where the crowns over the letters are omitted.

6. Similar, but shield oval, garnished. (497). Rud. xxi. 3. Sn. x. 17. MB.

7. Garniture of shield decorated with head and paws of lion, without the C. R. or flowers in the legend, crown frosted. Rud. xxi. 2. Sn. x. 20. MB. Another, crown not frosted, nose and eyes of lion's skin expressed. (498). MB.

   The York mint is said to have been established about 1629, and the coins struck at this place, unlike those of Chester, Worcester, &c., were not of the nature of siege-pieces, but of the ordinary currency of the country before the commencement of troubles. Of the operations of this mint we have few records except the coins themselves; and of their dates we can only guess from the nature of the types. The bust of the king is clearly after the model introduced by Briot, which first appears upon the Tower mint with the harp mint mark, 1632. The square shield is also after Briot's model, and the oval shield is similar to that which first appeared with the Portcullis mint mark 1633. To this year tradition assigns the earliest York coin, and a comparison of types does not contradict the statement. York surrendered to the Parliament in 1644.

                                                    Uncertain Half-Crowns.


     During the trouble of Charles I. many coins were struck in various places, probably for the use of the garrisons when beleaguered, or of troops in districts distant from the royal mint. They were executed by inferior, and sometimes exceedingly unskilful, workmen, who rudely imitated such coins of the established types as they happened to have at hand, adding various objects, as mint marks, directed probably in the choice by the arms or badges of the place, or of some distinguished leader. We have already noticed such pieces of Chester, Worcester, &c., and we now proceed to describe some, the localities of which have escaped discovery.

1. Exceedingly rude imitation of the half-crown, type 2. c. but MM. obv. Cross. MM. rev. Harp. (499). MB. One such was Mr. Tutet's; Mr. Cuff has one, better preserved than the Museum specimen, and from different dies.
2. Similar, but the housings very slightly indicated, MM. obv. Cross. rev. Harp. Rud. xxvi. 5. Sn. xiv. 13. MB. It is called the blacksmith's half-crown on account of its rudeness.
3. Similar, but without any housings on the horse. Sir. H. Ellis.
4. Imitation of that with MM. (P). coarser work, reads BRIT. CUFF.
5. Obv. imitation of York, No. 5. Rev. oval shield, garnished somewhat like type 2. c. but crowned, no MM. lion before and after AVSPICE, Rud. Sup. v. 28. Sn. xiv. 16. MB. Ruding erroneously reads REX instead of RX.
6. Very similar, but obv. different work, and, on rev. mullets instead of lions in the legend. (500.) MB.
7. Obv. same as No. 6. Rev. Similar, but, instead of lions, lis before and after AVSPICE, and at end of legend. Rud. G. 1. MB. The beginning of legend, and MM, if any, defective.
8. Obv. similar to No. 5, but better work, W and grass under the horse, MM. Thistle? or Castle? Rev. similar to No. 7. but different die, certainly no mark before legend.
9. Obv. same as No. 8. Rev. shield somewhat similar, but surrounded by a chain like border, and between C. R: a small rosette before each word, and at the end of the legend. MB.
10. Obv. No. 8. Rev. square topped shield garnished, crowned, MM. helmet. MB. 2, the reverse from different dies. (501). Rud. Sup. v. 27. Sn. xiv. 14. Two Museum specimens, and Mr. Cuff's, have the horse not as on the plates referred to, but as Rud. Sup. v. 28, and Sn. xiv. 16. The MB. has also one exactly like the plate; the obv. MM. indistinct. Snelling's MSS. notes says he has seen one of these with an oval shield.
11. SA under the horse, mane in front of chest, tail passing between the legs. MM. Lis. Oval shield, garnished with lion's skin, crowned, MM. helmet. (502). CUFF. The Museum specimen has the reverse at least from a different die; it has been clipped down to the inner margin.
12. Similar, but, instead of SA, a large ball under the horse, MM. Lis, or plume between dots, shield oval crowned, lion's skin garniture; lis at each side of crown, REGNA for REGNO. MB.
13. Similar to last, but rev. MM. Helmet between four annulets, and no lis at side of crown. (503). Rud. Sup. v. 30. MB.
14. Horse, work rather spirited, MM. Bugle. Oval shield, garnished like type 2. a. MB. so very badly struck, that a small part only of the work appears. (504).
15. One very similar in work, in Mr. Cuff's collection, is also so badly struck that the MM cannot be seen.
16. Somewhat similar to No. 8. but ground under horse chequered. MM. Plume; shield oval, crowned, lion's skin garniture, no MM. FLORENT CONCORDIA REGNA, taken from the gold coins. (505). MB.
17. Somewhat similar but no ground, no MM, no lion's skin in garniture of shield. MB. see Rud. F. 6.
18. Obv. like No. 17, but MM. small lis? rev. like No. 16. CUFF.
19. Obv. like No. 17. rev. shield oval, crowned, garnished with lis, annulets, &c. somewhat like the Worcester. Lis and annulet before and after AVSPICE. Rud. F. 4. CUFF. See Rud. F. 5. which only slightly varies.
20. Horse similar to No. 19, but better workmanship. Shield oval, crowned, lion's skin garniture, like the last York, no. MM. on either side. CUFF.
21. Horse, off hind leg raised, no mane in front, no tail between legs, sword sloping backwards. Shield, plain, square, crowned, between C. R. crowned, MM. Rose or cinquefoil pierced. (506). MB.
22. Obv. very similar, rev. oval shield crowned, garnished with lion's skin, CHRISTO &c. MM. on both sides, gerb lying down. (507). MB.

   The obverses of the above pieces, from No. 4. to 22. with the exception of No. 14, seem to have been imitated from the York coins, or from those of the Tower mint with the MM. Star or triangle within circle, which were struck in 1640 or 1641.

23. Obv. like type 3, but MM. Anchor. Rev. Square shield, garnished. MM. Anchor. Rud. F. 3.
24. A little ground under horse's forefeet, MM. small lis. Rev. Shield oval, in the garter, crown between C. R. crowned, supporters, 1645 below, CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO. (508). Rud. xxvi. 3. Sn. xiv. 18. MB.
25. Same obv. no date on rev. MB Ruding says that No. 23 and 24 are supposed to have been struck in the west of England. Leake thinks it probable that they were the produce of mines at Comb- Martin in Devonshire; no grounds are stated for these conjectures.
26. Rude imitation of Declaration type, dated 1644, MM. on both sides, plume. (509). Rud. F. 2. MB. Mr. Tutet had one of them.
27. Horse like No. 6. MM. oblit. Declaration type, 1644. MM. [five dots arranged in a cross] legend commences at sides. Plumes large.
28. Horse, off hind leg raised, sword upright, exceedingly like Bristol half-crown of 1644, with flat topped crown, plume behind, MM. Plume. A. under horse, and under date, 1645. Rev. MM. A. MB. The letter A has been interpreted, but absurdly, to indicate All Soul's College, Oxford, because it contributed its plate to the king's service. Another specimen is without the A under the date.
29. Very similar, but the reverse has B under the date 1646; and, over the inscription, scroll ornaments. (511). MB. The B has been supposed to indicate Bushel, theMint Master at Aberystwith and Oxford; but as A occurs on the coins of 1645, and B only of those of 1646, we must look for some other meaning for these letters.
30. Horse similar, plume behind and under horse's feet, scrolls over inscription, MM. on both sides, Plume, 1646. MB.
31. Similar, but no MM. on rev. CUFF.
32. Similar, but MM. on both sides, Plume, and plume under date. MB.
33. Similar, but without MM. or plume behind king. Sn. xii. 9. Obv. only is in Rud. Sup. v. 17.

From the year 1642 to 1646, we have Oxford coins with the letters OX upon them, and we see no reason why the letters when once adopted should have been omitted. If we compare those undoubted Oxford coins of parallel dates with those under discussion, we shall perceive the style of work, and arrangement of the parts of the type very different. If we compare the figure of the king and horse with the later Bristol coins, we shall see a resemblance amounting to identity, and we have, therefore, little doubt of their having been struck by the workmen of the Bristol mint after they were driven from that city, in Sept. 1645.

Bristol half-crowns have all the broad flat corwn. The supposed Oxford, before the word OX is used, have also the broad flat corwn, so that those of a later date, when OX was omitted; all those with Ox have the small figure of the king.

All Oxford 1642 have the horse's near hind leg raised; all 1643 without OX have the off hind leg raised.

These coins from No. 27 to 32, have generally been attributed to Oxford, but we believe improperly. Such also is our belief with regard to those dated 1642 and 1643, which have not upon them the letters OX, but which nevertheless we have described under the coins of that city, until further consideration and further information shall have enabled numismatists to give them a more certain locality. The dies of all these obverses, from No. 21 to 25, perhaps even that of No. 26, though we cannot speak with certainty, not having seen the coins, are formed from the same punches, and must have been struck at the same place. They do not at all resemble any of the coins which, having OX, are limited to Oxford, but they do extremely resemble those with dates 1644 and 1645; they are all dated 1645 or 1646, we have therefore very little doubt that they were struck by the officers of the Bristol mint, in some place to which they retired after the surrender of that city.

It will be observed that the obverse of the half-crowns which have OX have considerable resemblance to those of the Aberystwith mint, but do not resemble those with the declaration type dated 1642 and 1643, and which are without OX or any other letters. But these last very much resemble the earlier Bristol half-crowns with the pearlike MM. The chronological arrangement of these coins we therefore believe to be as follows. First, those dated 1642 and 1643 which are not marked with any peculiar letters; secondly those marked BR. which are all dated 1643, 1644, or 1645; and thirdly those dated 1645 or 1646 with the letters A or B, or without any peculiar letter, the plume being small and compact.

The half-crowns with OX and which extend from the year 1643 to 1646 seem to have been struck by a different set of officers, and to have derived their origin from the Aberystwith mint; we believe that they alone can be safely ascribed to Oxford, and that they were struck by the officers of the Aberystwith mint when they removed from that place to the University.

There is one half-crown which is dated 1642, without the letters OX, which appears to belong to the Aberystwith family, it is without MM. but has in the place of it four dots, the horse's head is slightly turned towards the spectator, and very strongly resembles in character and workmanship the pieces with the anchor or the triangle MM. and which were struck in 1638 and 1639. The rev. is much coarser than the obv. which had probably been executed some time before, and was now applied to a rev. hastily executed for an especial purpose. It is not improbable that this piece was struck at Shrewsbury during the king's short residence there, upon the first promulgation of the declaration which is recorded upon the reverse, the MM. on the obv. having perhaps been erased from a die brought with the mint from Aberystwith.

                                                                 Shillings.

Tower Mint: Type 1. King's head to left, crowned, ruff, collar, royal mantle, XII. behind the head. Rev. Square plain shield, over a cross fleury; the harp is ornamented with a bird's head. CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO. MM. Lis. (510). Rud. xix. 7. Sn. ix. 5. MB. 3 var. Sometimes the shield has a plume over it and no cross fleury, like type 1. b. CUFF.

Type 1, a. Bust in armour nearly concealed by the broad scarf fastened upon the shoulder; ruff round neck, in other respects like type 1. MM. Negro's head. Rud. xix. 8. MB. Long cross. MB. 2. Castle. MB.

Type 1. b. Sometimes there is a plume over the shield, in which case there is not any appearance of a cross. MM. Negro's head. MB. Long cross. MB. 2. Castle. Rud. xix. 9. MB. Upright anchor. CUFF. Heart. (512). MB. The coins with this last mark are neater than the others, and the harp in the shield is without the bird's head.

Type 2. a. Obverse nearly the same, but rather more armour visible. Rev. Oval shield garnished, C. R. above, like the crown type 2. a. but without the cross. MM. Plume. (513). MB. 3. var. Rose. MB. 3.

Type 2. b. Similar, but with plume over shield. MM. Plume. Rud. xix. 11. Sn. ix. 11. MB. Rose. MB.

These shillings are larger than those without the Plume.

Type 3. Hair long, lovelock; armour without scarf, falling laced collar. Shield, oval, garnished, between C. R. MM. Harp. (514). MB. 5. Portcullis. Rud. xix. 12. MB. 2. The head is smaller and is confined within the legend; and it continues diminishing in size till about 1640, when the star MM. was adopted.

Type 3. a. Similar obv. Shield oval, differently garnished, without C. R. like crown type 3. No inner circle on either side. MM. Portcullis. Rud. F. 7. MB. Bell. MB. 2. Crown. MB. 2. Ton. (516). MB. 3.

Type 3. b. Similar, with Plume over the shield. MM. Bell. Rud. xix. 13. MB. 2. Crown. MB.

Type 4. Similar bust; shield square, plain, over a cross fleury, within the inner circle, which is now resumed. This does not correspond with any type of crown or half-crown. MM. Ton. MB. 4. Anchor. Rud. xix. 10. MB. 7. Triangle. MB. 3. Star. MB. The head with this and following MM. is better executed and has a broader crown (515); this head does occur with the anchor, which MM. therefore probably continued to 1639 or 1640. MB. Triangle within circle. MB. P within brackets. Rud. xx. 12. MB. R within brackets. MB. Eye: very neat workmanship. MB. Sun. MB. Of this there are two very different heads, one neat like that with the star MM., the other with rounder and coarser features. (517). Sceptre. Rud. xx. 13. Sn. ix. 17. MB. 2. Coarse features, like the later of those with Sun. MM.

Briot.

  1. Bust with long hair, lovelock, falling lace collar, armour, scarf fastened on the shoulder by a rose. MM. Flower and B. CAROLVS D. G. MAGN BRITANN FRAN ET HIB REX. R. Square topped shield over cross which extends to edge of coin. MM. B. Rud. xxi. 12. MB.
  2. Another without B on the reverse. Sn. x. 4.
  3. MM. Small lozenge and B. Rev. MM. doubtful. MB.
  4. MM. on both sides, Anchor. MB. The falling collar is plain with a broad lace boarder, no scarf; cross on rev. confined within inner circle.
  5. MM. on both sides, Anchor and B. Type similar to last; both read MAG BRIT FR ET HIB. Rud. xxii. 8. Sn. x. 8. MB. The falling collar was introduced into the mint in 1631 or 1632, and these pieces of Briot with the large cross on reverse were probably struck about the same time. Those with the smaller cross and anchor MM. were probably struck in 1638, when those peculiarities appeared upon the usual mint money.
Aberystwith Shillings: Bust similar to type 3, plume before face. Shield oval garnished like crown, type 3, over it a plume, inner circle on both sides. MM. Book. (518). MB. Sometimes the obverse is without inner circle. MB. Sometimes it is omitted on both sides, which gives the appearance of a smaller shield. Rud. xx. 15. Sn. x. 31. On some pieces the head is much smaller than on others.

Bristol Shillings:

  1. 1643. Bust, crowned, falling collar trimmed with lace of a stellate pattern, no plume before face, XII. behind head. MM. Plume. Rev. Declaration type. date 1643. MM. BR in monogram. Sn. xi. 25. Rud. Sup. v. 15. It is certainly by mistake that they give B. only as the MM. upon this coin with the date of 1643.
  2. 1644. Similar to the preceding but dated 1644. (519). MB.
  3. Bust different from the preceding, lace not stellate, the termination of the hair round the head well defined, and separate from the lovelock, no MM. Plume before the face. Rev. no. MM. but BR. under the date. Rud. xxiv. 3. MB. 2.
  4. Similar, but rev. MM. BR. no letters under the date. Sn. xi. 27.
  5. Similar, but no plume before face. Rev. MM. indistinct. Under the date BR. Sn. xi. 28.
  6. 1645. Similar, plume before face. Rev. MM. BR. no letters under date. Sn. xi. 26. Rud. Sup. v. 16. MB.
  7. Similar, but no plume before face. MB.
  8. Similar, no plume before face, no MM. on either side, BR. under date. Sn. xi. 29.
The legend of these Bristol pieces commences at the top of the coin.

Exeter Shillings: Bust after the same type as that of Bristol, but of rather inferior workmanship; there is not any distinct boundary between the general mass of hair and the lovelock; they are all without a plume before the face, and have all, on the obverse, MM. Rose, of peculiar form; all the obverses appear to be from the same die. Rev. 1. Shield oval, garnished, like crown type 3. MM. Rose, no date. MB.

2. Similar, but date 1644 at the end of legend on obverse. Rud. xxv. 6. Sn. xiii. 8. MB.

3. Similar, but MM. Rose in the middle of the date, 16 44. (520). MB.

4. Similar, but date 1645 at the end of legend on reverse. MB.

5. Rev. declaration type, no MM. date 1645, the legend commences at the side. Rud. Sup. v. 19. Sn. xiii. 9. MB.

Oxford Shillings: 1642. Obv. after the model of type 3. MM. Plume. Rev. no MM. EXVRGAT &c. Sn. xi. 24. MB. 2.

1643. Similar; the plumes over the inscription, are in some specimens very large. MB. 2.

1644. OX.
  1. Two lozenges at the end of the obv. legend. Rev. Plumes small, no MM. MB.
  2. Plumes larger, lozenges before and after the plumes and the date, and after the words of the legend and inscription. Rev. MM. Lozenge between four pellets; same dies as No. 9, coin large. Sn. xi. 32. MB.
  3. Rev. Somewhat similar. MM. four lozenges. MB.
  4. Rev. MM. Two lozenges; lozenges before and after OX, date, and plumes, and in the legend, and pellets between the words of the inscription. MB.
  5. Rev. with pellets, instead of lozenges, between the words of the legend as well as of the inscription. MB. The Museum specimen is double struck, so that the date reads 1044. The obverses of the above five coins are from the same die.
  6. Bust slightly different, lozenges between the words on both sides, the figures of the date curved. BERGNE. Sn. xi. 30.
  7. Bust in figured armour, lion's head on shoulder piece, falling laced collar, scarf looped up in front, R. for Rawlins on the truncation of the arm. Rev. A small quatrefoil for MM. and also before and after the plumes; a lozenge between each word of the legend and after the date and OX, and two after some words of the inscription.
  8. Bust in figured armour, lion's head on shoulder-piece, small plain collar, no scarf: MM. Plume. Rev. Scroll border above and below inscription, coin very large 1 3/8 inch. diam. (522). Sn. xi. 31. rev. only. MB.
  9. Bust to right, crowned, scarf looped up on the breast; armour with lion's head on shoulder, plain deep collar, behind the head IIX: all within the inner circle. MM. Plume. Rev. Plain lines above and below inscription, same dies as No. 2, 1 3/8 inch. diam. (523). MB. See sn. xi. 32.
  10. Bust similar to the preceding, but reaching below to the edge of the coin, and the scarf covering the shoulder; behind the head XII. no inner circle or MM. Rev. Inscription within a compartment, with one large plume over it, the date 1644 below, 1 1/8 diam. (524). MB.

  If these two were current coins, they are the only ones of this reign which have the face turned in this direction: if they were only patterns they have this peculiarity in common only with some other pieces of this description.

  All of the above have, on the obverse, MM. Plume; but no plume in front of the face. All the busts except Nos. 7, 8, 9, 10, bear a strong resemblance to those of the Aberystwith mint; those of 1642 and 1643 less than those of 1644, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, all of which have OX; and it will be observed that those letters upon shillings only of the year 1644.

York Shillings:
1. Obv. after the model of type 3. MM. Lion. Rev. square shield over a cross fleury, like Briot's No. 1; over the shield EBOR. Rud. xxi. 4. Sn. x. 13. MB. 2.
2. Bust in plain armour, mantle, and plain falling collar, coarse work. Rev. similar to preceding. (526). MB.
3. Bust as No. 1. Shield oval, garnished like type 3. EBOR. underneath. Rud. xxi. 6. Sn. x. 14. MB.
4. Bust similar, but lace of a different pattern; oval shield, different garniture, crowned, EBOR underneath. (527). Rud. xxi. 5. Sn. x. 15.
5. Similar, but with lion's skin garniture. MB. 2.

                                                              Uncertain Shillings.

Uncertain Shillings:
  1. Declaration type, head nearly resembling that on the Bristol shillings, no plume in front. MM. Plume. (521). Rev. MM. A. and A. also under the date 1645. MB. Mr. Cuff has one without the MM. on the obv.
  2. Same as No. 1, but with plume before the face. MB. Rud. Sup. v. 13. Sn. xi. 34, but they describe the obv. MM. as a Negro's head, which we have never seen. We suspect the plates to have been taken from the Museum specimen, in which the MM. Plume being blundered has somewhat the appearance of a head.
  3. Obv. same as last, rev. dated 1646. Scroll ornament above inscription. MM. on both sides, Plume. Rud. xxiv. 4. Sn. xi. 35. MB.
  4. Obv. same dies as the Oxford shillings dated 1644. Rev. MM. obliterated, legend commences at side, date 1646, an annulet before and after each plume, and each figure, and three below the date. (525). MB.
  5. Bust to left, crowned, armour, plain collar, ribband and badge, no MM. Rev. Square shield, with castle above between C. R. MM. Helmet, ornamented cross, plume, and lion rampant. CHRISTO &c. Rud. Sup. v. 23. Sn. xiv. 11. (528).
  6. Similar, but Rose instead of Castle between C. R. DYMOCK..
  7. Somewhat similar but MM. on rev. boar's head; lion's paws at side and top of shield; C. R. and castle omitted. Rud. xxvi. 6. Sn. xiv. 10.
  8. Obv. same. Rev. Oval shield, with drapery garniture, like type 3. with harp MM., decorated with two lis; a star before and after AVSPICE. MM. Lion rampant and rose composed of dots. BERGNE.
  9. Obv. same die. Rev. shield similar to last; lozenge after each word of legend. MM. A leaf between two quatrefoils, each composed of dots. MB. A double struck specimen gives one of the quatrefoils the appearance of a rose composed of seven dots. Rud. E. 14. (529).
  10. Bust somewhat similar but much ruder. MM. Lis. Rev. MM. Helmet between two small lis and pellets. Oval shield, not crowned, like crown type 3. with ton MM. MB. This extremely resembles Rud. E. 11. the obv. appears to be from the same die; perhaps also the rev. for we are not sure that the MM. is correctly drawn. (530). The Mus. coin is damaged, and shews only one lis with rev. MM.
  11. Very similar to preceding, differing only, if the engraving Rud. E. 11. is correct, in having for MM. on rev. some round object and an ornamented cross.
  12. Very rude imitation of the Tower shilling with the anchor MM. but no cross under the shield. MB. See Rud. F. 1.
  13. Imitation of Tower shilling with Ton. MM. and the inner circle. MB.
  14. Another from different dies. BERGNE.
  15. Imitation of Tower shilling with triangle MM. The king's head broad. BERGNE.
  16. Somewhat similar but the triangle with the apex downwards, the king's head small. MB.
  17. Imitation of Tower shilling with crown. MM. Rud. E. 13.
  18. Imitation of Tower shilling with plume MM. the shield oval between C. R. MB.
  19. Similar to the Oxford type, dated 1642, (the 4 retrograde), the head imitated from the later York coins. MM. Plume. MB.
  20. Imitation of later York shillings with oval shield, crowned, and garnished with lion's skin, MM. on both sides, Lion. MB.
  21. Somewhat less like the later York head. MM. Lis. Rev. Oval shield like Tower type 3. MM. Lion. EBOR under shield. Rud. xxvi. 7. Sn. xiv. 3. MB.
  22. Mr. Tutet had a shilling reading CARTVS D. G. &c. square shield, over a cross, within the inner circle like type 4.

                                                                      Sixpences.


Tower Mint. Type 1. Same as shilling, type 1; over the shield, 1625. MM. Lis. Sn. ix. 4. MB. 4.

Type 1. a. Same as shilling. MM. Negro's head. 1626. Rud. xx. 1. Long cross. 1626. MB. Anchor. 1628. MB. Heart. 1629. MB. Heart. 1630. no cross under shield. Rud. xx. 3. MB. None of the sixpences from the Tower were dated after this year.

Type 2. a. Same as shilling. MM. Plume. Sn. ix. 10. MB.

Type 2. b. Same as Shilling. MM. Plume. MB. Rose. MB.

Type 3. Same as shilling. MM. Harp. Rud. xx. 8. MB. 3. Portcullis. MB.

Type 3. a. Same as shilling. MM. Bell. MB. Crown. MB. Ton. Rud. xx. 9. MB. 2.

Type 4. Same as shilling. MM. Ton. MB. Anchor. Rud. xx. 2. MB. 5. Triangle. MB. Star. MB. Triangle within circle. MB. These last three have the features sharper and more like type 3. a. Eye. MB. Sun. MB. Sceptre. Sn. ix. 16. MB. The busts upon these last do not extend below to touch the inner circle. The busts upon the sixpences of type 4. vary in the same manner as upon the shillings.

Briot: Same as shilling. MM. Flower and B. Rev. MM. B. MB. Without B. on reverse. Rud. xxi. 13. 14. Sn. x. 3. MB. 2. Same as shilling with MM. anchor. MB. B. under anchor on obv. Rud. xxii. 9. Sn. x. 7. Another with B. under anchor on both sides. MB. With mullet pierced under the anchor on the obverse. MB.

Aberystwith: Same as shilling, with inner circle on both sides. MB. On obverse only. MB. On neither. Rud. xx. 16. Sn. x. 30. MB. MM. Crown. Snelling MS. note.

Bristol: Similar to the later shillings. Bust small, plume before face. Rev. MM. BR. 1644. (531). Snell. xi. 21, but MM. omitted. MB. Like the early shillings, no MM. Rev. MM. BR. 1643. Legend, CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO. Rud. Sup. v. 14. Snell. xi. 20. MB.

Exeter: Same as shilling with 16 44, and Rose in middle of date. Rud. xxv. 7. Sn. xiii. 7. MB. 1644. to the left of the MM. Rud. Sup. vi. 1. Sn. xiii. 6.

Oxford: Similar to shilling, but plume before face.--MM. Plume. 1642. Rud. xxiv. 5. MB.--MM. Book. 1642. MB.--MM. Book. 1643. xxiv. 6. MB. 2.--MM. Book. 1644. OX. (532). MB. See Snell. xi. 17. 18. 19. who has omitted the mint mark upon the obv. probably to adapt it to all three reverses.--No mint mark. 1645. Snell. xi. 22.

York: Similar to shilling. MM. Lion. Rev. Oval shield garnished, crowned. Rud. xxi. 7. Sn. x. 11. MB. Similar, but shield between C. R. crowned. Rud. xxi. 8. Sn. x. 12. MB.

Uncertain:

  1. Similar to shillings of Oxford type. Plume before face. MM. B. Rev. 1646. Scroll ornament over inscription, no MM. (533). Rud. xxiv. 7. Snell. xi. 23. MB.
  2. Bust, left, crowned, armour, plain collar, ribband and badge, MM. Castle. Rev. Square shield with lion's paw at top and sides. MM. Three limbs of a cross, and a boar's head, a lis before and after AVSPICE. (534). Rud. xxvi. 8. Sn. xiv. 7. imperfectly drawn from a very defective specimen. MB.
  3. Bust same as type 2, a MM. Rose; from a Tower die. Rev. Oval shield, garnished, crowned, between C. R. MM. Rose. CVLTORES SVI DEVS PROTEGIT. MB. Rud. E. 12. The reverse is from the gold crown, vid. Rud. xiii. 6.
  4. Bust apparently in plain mantle, falling collar, rev. square shield over a cross fleury. MM. Rose. Sn. xiv. 6.

                                                                      Groats.


  Aberystwith: Same as the shillings, with inner circle on both sides, MM. Book. There are several varieties of this coin, differing only in very unimportant particulars. Rud. xx. 17. Sn. X. 29. MB. 4. Another has the head and collar smaller, the bust displaying more shoulder, and armour. MB. Another variety has the collar still smaller, with scarcely any lace; and the armour of the shoulder appears ornamented with studs. The shield also is very small, and the plume large, MM. on both sides, a Crown. Sn. x. 28. MB.

Bristol: Bust similar to the later shillings, no plume before face, no MM. 1644. MB. Similar but BR under date. Sn. xi. 12. Similar, small compact plume before face, 1644. BR. Rud. xxiv. 9. MB. Bust rather different, plume larger. Rev. MM. BR. date 1644. (535) Sn. xi. 11. MB. All the legends commence at the top.

Exeter: Same as shilling, but date, 1644, before the legend of the obverse. Rud. xxv. 8. Sn. xiii. 5.

Oxford:
  1. Bust to left crowned; armour, with lion's head on shoulder, scarf looped up on the breast; lace collar, plume before, IIII behind the head, which resembles those upon the Oxford shillings of 1644, which are turned to the right. MM. Cross formed of a pellet with florets for limbs. Rud. Sup. v. 12. badly executed. Rev. declaration type, 1 plume between two lis above; 1644 OX, below the straight lines inclosing the inscription. The legend commences at the side. (536) Sn. xi. 13. MB. The reverse is from the same die as the sixpence of the same date; compare Sn. xi. 13, and 19.
  2. Bust similar to No. 3. Rev. Same die No. 1. A variety of this rev. has the fleurs de lis very small, and for MM. on rev. a lozenge between four pellets. MB.
  3. Bust similar to Aberystwith. MM. Book. Rev. same die as the preceding variety.
  4. Bust from same die as No. 1. Rev Plume and scroll ornament above; 1645 and waved line below inscription. MB. Legend commences at the top.
  5. Bust somewhat similar in design but much larger, descending to the edge of the coin, and above piercing the legend, which commences at the bottom. Rev. same as last, no MM. (537) Sn. xi. 14. MB.
  6. Bust very similar to the last, with reverse from the same die as the first. Sn. xi. 10. MB.
  7. Bust somewhat similar; R. underneath for Rawlins. Rev. Inscription in a compartment, plume above, 1645 below, no MM. or inner circle. (538). Rud. xxiv. 10. MB.
  8. Similar, but 1646. Sn. xi. 15. MB.
  9. Bust reaching above to the edge of the coin, but below only to the inner circle. MM. Lis at end of legend, which commences at the top. Rev. Same as Sn. xi. 10.--Sn. xi. 9.
York: None. Rud. Sup. v. 8., which he supposes a pattern for one, is a pattern for a three-pence, exactly like those described hereafter with the III behind the head.

Uncertain:
  1. Similar to uncertain sixpence No. 1. p. 190, but obv. MM. Plume, instead of B. Rev. no MM. Scroll ornament over inscription, date underneath, 1646. MB.
  2. Similar, but MM. on both sides, a plume. MB.
  3. Similar, but MM. Plume on rev. Sn. xi. 16.
Bust to left, crowned, armour decorated with annulets, laced collar, MM. Rose. Rev. Oval shield garnished, somewhat in the manner of the Worcester half-crown. MM. A helmet, work very rude. (539). Rud. Sup. v. 29. Sn. xiv. 9. MB. 2.
  4. Similar to No. 4, but work still more rude; armour decorated with dots instead of annulets, collar not laced. MM. Obv. obliterated. The rev. quite the same as No. 4. See shilling No. 10.
  6. Similar to No. 4, but obv. MM. Lis. Rud. Sup. v. 25. Sn. xiv. 8.
  7. Similar to these, but obv. MM. Lis. Rev. Lion. Rud. xxvi. 9. Snell. xiv. 2.

                                                                    Threepence.

Aberystwith: Same as the groat. MM. Book, on both sides. Rud. xx. 18. Sn. x. 26. MB. Sometimes on obv. only. MB.

MM. Crown, same as groat with that mint mark, Plume large, touching the shield. (540) Rud. Sup. v. 7. His figure and description do not agree. Sn. x. 27. MB.

Exeter: Obv. like the shilling but reads RE. Rev. Square topped shield over cross fleury, 1644 above. MM. on both sides, rose. (541) Rud. xxv. 9. Sn. xiii. 4. MB.

Oxford:
  1. As shilling, plain armour, lace collar, plume before; III behind head, MM. Book. Rev. no MM. 1644. legend commences at top. Sn. xi. 4. MB.
  2. Bust like the groat with lion headed armour, R, for Rawlins, under the bust, no plume in front, MM. Lis. Rev. 1644. legend commences at side. (542). MB.
  3. Similar bust &c. without the R. date 1646. the last figure has been altered in the die from a 4, no MM. on rev. Rud. xxiv. 11. Snell. xi. 7. 8? MB.

York: Same as shilling with square topped shield over cross fleury, above, EBOR. MM. Lion. The obv. legends vary slightly; of the rev. legends, one reads correctly. Rud. xxi. 9. Sup. v. 8. Sn. x. 10. MB. one reads AVSPCE. MB. Another, REGN. MB.

Uncertain:
   1. Bust with falling collar like Bristol type, one plume over inscription, no line underneath, 1645. Rud. Sup. v. 10. Sn. xi. 5.
   2. Very like the groat of Bristol type, but the lace not expressed by annulets. R. 1646, one plume over the inscription, no line underneath. (543). Sn. xi. 6. MB.
   3. Bust very like that of the groat, i. e. No. 6. with the annulet ornaments, but pellets instead of annulets, inner circle, MM. Lis. Rev. Shield oval, garnished as crown type 3, MM. Lis. MB.
   4. One, with falling lace collar, plume before the face and over the shield, which is oval and garnished, MM. uncertain. Workmanship very coarse. (544). MB.
   5. Bust with falling collar, no MM. Rev. Square shield, without any cross, the only instance of this kind in this reign. MM. uncertain, apparently a gerb prostrate. Rud. xxvi. 11. Sn. xiv. 4. See half-crown No. 22. The MM. has been called a helmet, a lion, or a thistle.
   6. Similar to groat No. 7, oval shield. Obv. MM. Lis. Rev. Lion. Rud. xxvi. 10. Sn. xiv. 1.


                                                                  Half-Groats.


   The earlier coinages of half-groat and smaller pieces vary from the larger denominations, both in type and legend; the later coinages only in the legend.

The first coinage has a rose crowned. C. D. G. ROSA SINE SPINA. Rev. A thistle crowned, TVEATVR VNITA DEVS. MM. Thistle on both sides. (545). MB. This coinage is given to Scotland by Cardonnel, but as within one week after the death of James I. a commission was granted to continue the coinage according to the last indentures made by that king, and as the above coin exactly resembles his half-groats, we consider it as belonging to the first English coinage of Charles I., and not merely a Scottish coin as hitherto supposed.

The second coinage has on each side a rose crowned, with legend onrev. IVS THRONVM FIRMAT or FERMAT. MM. on both sides, Lis. Sn. ix. 3. MB. Lis on obverse only. MB. Long cross. (546). MB. Plume, with inner circle, Rud. Sup. v. 1. Without inner circle. MB. Negro's head. MB. Anchor, Rud. xx. 4. MB.

The subsequent coinages have on the obv. the king's portrait with the name CARO, or, much more frequently, CAROLVS followed by his titles variously abbreviated; on the reverse IVSTITIA is at full length.

King's bust crowned, like shilling type 2 a, oval shield garnished as same type, but without the C. R. MM. Plume. Rud. Sup. v. 2. Sn. ix. 9. MB. Rose. MB.

Similar to shilling type 3, no inner circle. MM. Harp. Rud. xx. 10. MB. Portcullis. MB. Crown. MB.

Similar to shilling type 3 a. No inner circle. MM. Bell. MB. Crown. MB. Ton. MB. Anchor. Rud. Sup. v. 5. MB. 3. With inner circle. Triangle. MB. Star. MB. Triangle in circle. MB. R within brackets. MB. Sun. MB. 2. Sceptre. Sn. ix. 15. MB. Some pieces of the sun and sceptre MM. differ much from others of the same MM., and from all those of other MM., in having the form of the head much shorter and the countenance more aged; the inner circle is smaller, while the coins are somewhat larger.

Briot: Bust to the left, crowned, armour, lace collar, B underneath, MM. Lozenge. Rev. Square topped shield over a cross fourchy, no MM. Rud. xxii. 12. Sn. x. 1. MB.

Aberystwith: Obv. similar to shilling, but without the plume before the head. Rev. Plume IVSTITIA THRONVM FIRMAT. MM. on both sides, Book. Rud. xx. 19. Sn. x. 24. MB. MM. Crown, ICH DIEN incuse. ext. rare. (547). MB. MM. Cross. MB. MM. Lis. Rud. E. 10. MM. Pellet, 1646 at the sides of the plume. Rud. Sup. v. 6. Sn. x. 25. MB. All these have an inner circle on both sides. There are some, with MM. Book, without the inner circle on either side. MB. CUFF.

Exeter: Similar to shilling, but without date on obv. Leg. on rev. THRO IVSTI FIRMAT. 1644. Rud. xxv. 11. Sn. xiii. 3. MB. Both plates read IVS. Another coinage of this mint has for the reverse type a rose instead of a shield, same legend. Rud. xxv. 10. Sn. xiii. 2. MB.

Oxford: Like the shillings, but no plume before the face. MM. Lis ? R. 1644 OX. Rud. xxiv. 12. Sn. xi. 2. MB. 1644 omitting OX. MS. note of Mr. Tutet. MM. Book, plume before bust. Rev. no MM. 1644, legend begins at top. CUFF. This piece closely resembles the threepence, No. 1. i. e. Snell. xi. 4.

Bristol: Like groat, no MM. or date, BR under inscription. MB, but without the dots on each side of BR. as in the plates of Rud. Sup. v. 11. Sn. xi. 3.

Uncertain:
   1. Bust to left, falling collar, CAROLVS D. G. MA B. F. IT H N. MM. Bell. Rev. oval shield as crown type 3. IVSTITN THROVM EIRMT. MM. Bell. MB.
   2. Type similar, different work. Bust like threepence, No. 3. armour marked with pellets, legend accurate; MM. Lis. CHRISTO &c. on reverse. MM. obliterated. (548.) MB.
   3. Similar to the last, but different work. Obv. MM. Lis. Rev. MM. Rose or Lis.
   4. Bust to left, crowned. Rev. square topped shield over cross, with attempt at CHRISTO &c. legend; most barbarous work, and called the blacksmith's. (549). MB.
   5. Imitation of Aberystwith half-groat, of the very rudest workmanship. MB.

                                                                        Penny.


   Rose on each side, MM. Lis. inner circle, C.D.G. ROSA SINE SPINA and IV THRONUM FIRMAT. (550). Sn. ix. 2. MB.

Similar, no inner circle. MM. Two pellets. Rud. xx. 5. MB. Another MM. one pellet. MB.

King's head, name at full length, and titles, like half-groat. MM. Plume, inner circle, IVSTITIA &c. Sn. ix. 8. MB. MM. Rose, no inner circle on rev. MB. 2. One of these coins is so ill struck, that it is difficult to say whether the obverse belongs to this or the next type: it is however the coin figured in Rud. Sup. v. 3. and the MM. is only a common rose without a stalk.

Similar to shilling type 3, shield between C. R. no inner circle. MM. Rose. IVSTITIA &c. Rud. Sup. vi. 2. Sn. xiv. 5. MB.

Like shilling 3 a, without the C. R. but garniture of shield a little different, no inner circle. MM. Portcullis or rose. MB. Obv. three pellets, Rev. one. MB. Obv. Harp. Sn. ix. 14. Obv. Portcullis, Rev. Harp. MB. The Portcullis MM. on the penny does not seem to have been known to Snelling.

Similar, but inner circle on obv. MM. Two pellets. MB. MM. Obv. one pellet. Rev. two pellets, no inner circle. MB. Two pellets on each side, no inner circle. MB. Obv. no MM. Rev. Two pellets. Rud. xx. 11. MB. One, with MM. two pellets? has the king's head peculiarly formed, from the same punch as the half-groat with the sun MM.

Ruding mentions the Triangle as the MM. of a penny; he probably meant the Portcullis which he has omitted. It will be perceived from the tabular view that this was the last mint mark which appeared upon a Tower penny.

Briot: Like the half-groat, but MM. a Pellet, FIRMAT &c. Rud. xxii. 13. Sn. x. 2. MB.

Similar, but legend commences with IVSTITIA. MB.

Aberystwith: Like half-groat, CARO. D .G. M B F ET H REX. MM. Book. Rud. xx. 20. Sn. x. 22. MB. Head and plume smaller, MM. Lis. CAROL &c. Rud. with mullet for MM. on rev. MB. (551). MM. Crown. Snelling MS. note. MM.? CARO. D. G. &c. head long, thin, plain falling collar, lion's head on shoulder. Rev. no MM. Sir H. ELLS.

Exeter: Similar to half-groat with the Rose type, THRO. IVS FIRMAT. 1644. (552). Rud. xxv. 12. Sn. xiii. 1. MB.

Oxford: Similar to half-groat. MM. Lis? or cross. 1644. (553). Rud. xxiv. 13. Sn. xi. 1. MB. ext. rare.

Bust with lion headed armour, CARO &c. MM. Lis. Rev. Plume. IVSTITIA &c. MM. Mullet. MB.

                                                                       Halfpenny.

Rose on each side, no legend or MM. Rud. xx. 7. Sn. ix. 1. MB.

Rose. R. Plume. Aberystwith. (554). Rud. xx. 21. Sn. x. 21. MB.

                                                                   List of Mint Marks


   Of the coins of various denominations which are called, Uncertain, it will be seen that some are mere rude imitations of some of Tower mint coins, and have not any marks by which they may with probability be assigned to any particular local mint. Others have peculiar marks which seem to hold out a hope that they may be specifically appropriated: we have therefore annexed a tabular view of the marks which occur upon various denominations of uncertain coins; the figures referring to the No. of each denomination in our descriptions. The coins with MM. Helmet, Castle, and Lis, seem to have some connexion with each other; but the shields of half-crowns 11. and 12. resemble those of York, while the shields of groats 4. 5. 6. and 7. have the form peculiar to Worcester, districts so far apart as to throw great obscurity over the subject.

   Annexed is Ruding's list of mint marks, many of which are derived from records of what was intended, but probably never carried into effect. A reference to the tabular view will explain how many of these marks we have met with, and upon what description of coins. We have prefixed a cross to those which we have not seen, and have added a few remarks inclosed within brackets. The figures after the denominations refer to our descriptions.

Briot's Work.

Anchor.
Rose. (not known.)
Anchor and small star.
Anemone flower and small B. F.
Small B. F.
Anemone flower and small B.
Rev. Small B.

Aberystwith Mint.

Open Book. ("Folkes, p. 83, says the open book MM. was used from Oct. 22, 1637, to July, 1641, and that it was afterwards resumed, 1643, on coins supposed to be struck at Oxford.")
Fleur de lis. ("Unknown whether used in this mint before July 10, or after the removal of the mint. Folkes, p. 83.")
Crown. ("Unknown whether used in this mint before July 10, or after the removal of the mint. Folkes, p. 83.")
Cross.

York Mint.

Lion.
Rose. ("Thus appropriated by Folkes, p. 90.") F. (Exeter.)
Fleur de lis. Rev. Lion. F. (uncertain.)

Oxford Mint.

Fleur de lis, 1644-5-6. (1644 and only on small money.)
Trefoil, 1644. (not known.)
BR. in cypher, 1643-5-6. (Bristol.)
A. 1645. (uncertain.)
B. 1646. (uncertain.)
Open book, F. S. (only on 6 and 3 pennies.)
Rose. ("On the Oxford Crown") F. (not known.)

Chester Mint.

Three Gerbs or Wheat Sheaves. F.

Exeter Mint.

Rose. ("On a half-crown of the exurgat money.") 1644-5.
Castle. 1645.
Castle. Rev. Rose. 1645.
Rose. Rev. Castle. 1645.

Worcester Mint.

Pear. Rev. Three pears.

First coinage. Square shield.

Fleur de lis.
Long cross. T.

Second coinage. Bust in robe.

Fleur de lis. 1625.
+ Cross on two steps.
+ Castle T.
+ Negro's head. T.
+ Anchor. T.

Third coinage. Long bust.

Long cross. 1626.
Negro's head. 1626-1627.
Castle. 1627.
Anchor. 1628.
Heart. 1629-30.
+ Fleur de lis. 1630.
+ St. George. 1630.

Fourth coinage. Oval shield.

Feathers. 1630.
Rose. 1631.

Fifth coinage. Short bust. <> Harp. 1632.
Portcullis. 1633.

Sixth coinage. Without trappings.

Bell. 1634.
Crown. 1635.
Ton. 1636.

Seventh coinage. Square shield.

Ton. 1638.
Anchor. 1638.
Triangle, or Delta. 1639.
Star. 1649.
Triangle in circle. 1641.
P in brackets. 1643.
R in brackets. 1644.
Eye. 1645.
Sun. 1645.
Sceptre. 1646. ("These dates are copied from Folkes, and refer to the different Trials of the Pix. See Pollet's Abstracts in the Appendix" (to Ruding.)"

Unknown Mints.

Cross. Rev. Harp. (Half-crown. No. 1. 2. 3. MB.)
Castle. Rev. Helmet.
Gauntlet on each side. (not known.)
Fleur de lis. Rev Helmet. (Half-crown. No. 11. 13. Shilling. No. 10. MB.)
Castle on each side. ("Another coin has two castles of a different form.")
Fleur de lis on each side. (Half-crown. 12. Shilling. 10? Threepence. 3.)
Fleur de lis. Rev. Lion. (Shilling. 21. MB. Groat. 7. and three-pence. 6.)
Martlet. Rev. Boar's head. ("Between a coronet and two small crosses. Folkes' Plates.")
Helmet on rev. (Half-crown. 10. 11. 13. Shill. 5. 6. 10. Groat. 4. 5.)
Castle. (Half-crown. 8. Shilling. 5. Sixpence. 2.)
Rose. Rev. Helmet. (Groat. 4. 5.)
Gauntlet on rev. only. (not known.)
Triangle in circle on each side.
Rose. (Half-crown. 21. Shill. 6. Sixp. 3. 4. Groats. 4. 5.)
Anchor on rev. only.
fleur de lis. (frequent.)
Fleur de lis on each side. (frequent.)
Rose on each side. (Sixpence. 3.)
Long cross on each side. (not known.)
Helmet, quatrefoil, or saltire, lion rampant, and eight pellets, on rev. only. (Folkes' Plates.) (Shilling. 5. 6. MB.)
Lions on rev. only. (Folkes' Plates.) (Half-crown. 5. MB.)
Cross crosslet pierced in the centre. (Folkes' Plates.)

F. Folke's Plates
S. Snelling
T. Tyssen's Sale Catalogue