Description
Charles II (1660-1685), Two-Guineas, 1678/7, 8 over 7 in date, toothed outer borders both sides, second laureate head right with rounded truncation, legend reads from bottom left CAROLVS II DEI GRATIA. Rev, crowned cruciform shields, emblem-tipped sceptres in angles, six stringed Irish harp, interlocking royal monogram at centre in the form of connected C’s, date flanking top crown, legend surrounds MAG BR FRA ET HIB REX, no stop after HIB, edge obliquely milled, (S.3335; EGC.216. R2 – type .C/1a; MCE.40).
A lustrously toned example with a subtle underlying mint bloom and flashes of brilliance across the surfaces and fields. King’s hair evenly defined with the normal fade in the midsection, few minor surface markings. Rev, well struck up with residual lustre, few unobtrusive hairlines, mirrored around the periphery. Encapsulated and conservatively graded by NGC as AU58, recorded as very rare, extremely fine for the type. Fastened to an illustrious provenance.
A Distinguished Collection’, purchased via Spink, August 2018
Spink, by private treaty, 4 April 2013 – [SPK34893/2] – £6,500
A private collection from Rainham, Essex,
SNC, May 1991, no. 2705* – “a pleasing piece, good VF / almost EF and rare thus” – £2,400
Archbishop Sharp (1645-1714), Baldwin-Glendining, 5 October 1977, lot 28* – “very fine, dull” – £1,850
NGC Certification : 6295553-015
