Charles I (1638-42) Groat Aberystwyth Mint NGC Graded XF40, Mint Mark Open Book

Charles I (1638-42) Groat Aberystwyth Mint NGC Graded XF40

Charles I (1625-1649) Obverse Crowned small neater bust well within circle facing left, plume in front, denomination behind, legend around and Open book mintmark. The reverse Garnished oval shield of arms, plume above, legend around.

Translation of obverse legend ‘Charles, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland’ and the reverse ‘I reign under the auspices of Christ’ (S.2893). 

Has been slabbed and graded by NGC as XF40. Having seen many examples over the years we believe this is harsh grading. This is a stunning example which would fit well in any collection.

NGC Certification 5841593-003

Dr Graham Birch recently called the silver mines "Britain's forgotten industry" in his new book published by Spink "The Metal in Britain's Coins”. Recommended for further reading, Chapter 11, is about the coinage produced by Sir Hugh Myddelton and Thomas Bushell at the Aberystwyth Mint. 

The mint at Aberystwyth had its beginnings in July 1637 when Bushell had the idea of coining at the source rather than sending the mined silver for coining to London and petitioned that it would stimulate the Welsh mining industry with predictions of increased output if the adits to drain water from the mines reached their capacity, and which could lead to other mines in England being used for coining in a similar fashion. 

The Mint in London was against the idea, but King Charles asked for Bushell to visit and was persuaded by his charm to back him. The agreement to set up a mint in Aberystwyth Castle with the Crown taking a 10% share with overall supervision from the Warden of the Mint Sir William Parkhurst. Coins were struck at 0.925 fineness at £3/2/- a pound with Welsh plumes with Halfcrown, Shilling, Sixpence, Half-Groat and Penny. In February 1638 patterns were also approved to forward minting of Groats, Threepences and Halfpennies and all carry the open book mint mark.