Denomination: Gold guinea (=20 shillings)
Period: Stuart
Date: 1668
Origin: Royal
Mint, London
Condition: AF/Fine,
may have been in a jewellery setting at one time but milled edge worn so is
virtually imperceptible if this is the case
Obverse: Third, laureate, draped bust, right, CAROLVS II DEI GRATIA,
milled edge
Reverse: Crowned cruciform shields
of arms with sceptres between, MAG BR FRA ET HIB REX, date
Size
and Weight: 25mm, 8.19g
References: Spink
3342
Features
and Provenance: The
first guinea was issued in 1663, the name being derived from the
source of the gold, Guinea in West Africa. Originally it was worth 20 shillings
(=£1) but the rise in the gold price led to its fix at 21 shillings. It was
demonetised in 1816 giving way to the sovereign,
but the term guinea was still used in business, betting and the sale of rams!
They are highly sought after coins.
Born in 1630 to Charles I. On the execution of his father
in 1649, he spent the next eleven years devoted to regaining the thrones of
England and Scotland from Cromwell. It was not until his thirtieth birthday and
Cromwell's death that he was able to gain the throne and restore the monarchy,
being crowned in 1661. He is well known for his humour, gaining him the epithet
'Merry Monarch'; he also had several mistresses, Nell Gwynne being the most
famous, bearing him two sons, whereas his poor wife was barren.
Condition
Summary. This varies with the age of coin and
there are grades between
Uncirculated
(U). As struck with no traces of wear
Extremely
Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all
parts of legend etc present, visible and clear
Very
Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher
parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn
Fine
(F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend
etc may be missing or not visible
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being a part of the team.
Code 23020650