Description
Charles II (1660-85), Shilling, first hammered issue (1660-62), without inner circles or mark of value, crowned bust left, mintmark crown obverse only, legend surrounds CAROLVS II DG MAG BRIT FR ET HIB REX. Rev, long cross fourchée over quartered shield of arms, no stop above shield [reverse 1], reads CHRISTO AVSPICE REGNO, 5.70g. (S.3308; N.2762; Bull.272; ESC 1009). Toned with a pleasing underlying plum mint bloom, legends legible both sides with an exceptional portrait of the King, fields free from nicks, pitting or surface markings. Reverse, no signs of the usual fade frequently seen on these early hammered types, some slight legend doubling. Good extremely fine, typically a weakly struck type irrespective of whether it be the first, second or third issue of these two year types, rare. Superb.
