Charles I, Stuart King 1625-1649

Tower Mint under the king, 1625-1642. Star mintmark. Shoulder-length crowned portrait in lace collar facing left, “V” (5 shillings) behind head; reverse, garnished oval shield, crowned, with crowned “CR” at sides. These small gold coins were heavily used, often abused, and most were melted. Struck shortly before the Civil War.

Crudely engraved and struck on a poor flan, yet still lustrous and with pleasing golden red toning.