Charles I (1625-1649), Tower mint, Halfcrown, Gp I, lightweight issue, mm. cross Calvary (over lis on obv.), from the same obv. die as previous, rev. plume above square-topped shield, 13.09g/2h (SCBI Brooker 281 obv./289 rev., same dies; N 2203; cf. S 2767). Obverse good fine, reverse about very fine, light grey tone, extremely rare (£800-1,000)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Silver Coins of Charles I from a Private Collection.

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On 14 August 1626 the Mint was instructed to reduce the standard weight of the coins (SCBI Brooker p.xxv). The light coinage was discontinued on 8 November 1626 and, until comparatively recently, only shillings were believed to have been struck. However, a small canon of lightweight halfcrowns is also known (Spink Standard Catalogue, p.267), to which this and the following lot belong