Halfcrowns, 2½ Shillings silver coins, of English King Charles II are not rare overall. Thousands survive of those minted during his reign from 1660 to 1685.
The 1681 Halfcrown ‘in the news’ is unusual and rare in that it was minted with the symbol of an elephant (and castle) on the front (obverse) below the bust of the king.
A relatively small number of Charles II silver coins of any denomination survive with the mark of an elephant, which relates to a semi-private company that dominated British business activities in Africa.
This PCGS graded “AU-55” 1681 Half Crown, ‘in the news,’ will be auctioned by Heritage on Sept. 5th at the Long Beach Expo. A wide variety of other world coins, ancient coins and U.S. coins are also being auctioned this week at the same location.
The quality of this specific coin is very impressive. It is well struck and features, pleasing, mellow brown-russet natural toning with neat blue-green tints.
The quality of this specific coin is very impressive. It is well struck and features, pleasing, mellow brown-russet natural toning with neat blue-green tints.
Further, it scores very high in the category of originality. Although there are some noticeable defects in the prepared blank (planchet) that was used to produce this coin, there are very few contact marks and hairlines.
Indeed, it is technically sound and was properly stored for generations. In regard to silver coins from past centuries, this piece is exceptional.
Its pedigree is extraordinary, having been in landmark collections in the past. All 17th century British coins with an elephant (or ‘elephant & castle) mark are historically important and highly demanded by collectors.
Its pedigree is extraordinary, having been in landmark collections in the past. All 17th century British coins with an elephant (or ‘elephant & castle) mark are historically important and highly demanded by collectors.
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