Charles I Briot 1st Issue 1631-2
From the first series of ‘milled coins’ from Great Britain. An excellent example of this important coin.
A very rare and attractive coin from the famous ‘Briot’ issue of 1631-2.
Nicholas Briot was a Frenchman who invented a new method for minting coins that improved uniformity and therefore removed the risk of ‘clipping’ (where the metal was removed from the coins making them worth less). By 1605/6 Briot was appointed the chief engraver at the Paris Mint where he produced coronation medals for the young Louis XIII and in 1615 he submitted his design of a screw press to the Paris Mint. Having received little enthusiasm from the Mint he fled to England in 1625 in disgust at his treatment (and to evade creditors,)
Charles I wished to improve the artistry and quality of his medals and coinage and at some point after 1628 Briot was employed by the Royal Mint to produce new higher quality coins. He became Chief Engraver in 1633.
In 1631 and 1638 Briot produced a small number of coins using his revolutionary screw press alongside the hammered coins still being produced.
Charles I was impressed with Briot and at the outbreak of the English Civil War he went with the King to York and Oxford to continue the production of coins. From 1641 Briot travelled back and forth to France where he died in 1646. To this day his medals and coins are considered “gems of medallic art”.
Charles I was famously executed for treason in 1649 making him one of the country’s most famous rulers. His coinage continues to be popular with an example of his hammered ‘Triple Unite’ coin recently selling for $300,000!
Guide Price £42,250
Country: England
Monarch: Charles I (1625-1649)
Denomination/metal: Gold Unite of 20 Shilling
Type: Gold
Condition: AEF, well struck
Mint mark: London, flower
Obv. Crowned bust left wearing lace collar, XX behind, CAROLVS DG MAGN BRITANN FRAN ET HIB REX
Rev. Crowned Royal Arms in Rococo garnishing dividing crowned ‘CR', FLORENT. CONCORDIA. REGNA'.
Ref. N.2295; S.2719
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