The ‘Welsh Marches’ Collection of British Coins

Charles I (1625-1649), Chester mint, Halfcrown, mm. cinquefoil on rev. only, horseman left, rev. crowned plain square-topped shield, crowned c r at sides, 14.36g/12h (Bull 582, this coin; Lyall c/v; SCBI Brooker 1214; N 2629; S 3132). Scored on reverse, otherwise nearly very fine, extremely rare; less than 5 specimens known £3,400-£4,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The ‘Welsh Marches’ Collection of British Coins.

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Provenance: A. Morris Collection [from P. Murawski January 2002]; SNC July 2009 (3874/2).


In SCBI Brooker the coin of this type was included under the heading ‘irregular coins’ and stated to be struck from false dies. However, later research has shown that it is in fact a contemporary striking from a reworked and retooled official die (Lyall b). Note the hind leg of the original horse is still visible in the obverse field. When images of Bull 579 and 582 are superimposed, it becomes obvious that it is the same die but touched up by an unskilled engraver. Apart from the hind leg, the outline of the tail matches and all the legend lines up exactly, although also having been touched up. The sash, hind legs and tail have been re-engraved. It would seem that this die had become damaged and discarded until necessity forced it to be repaired (Bull vol. III, p.239)

Chester mint