York Mint Silver Threepence of Charles I

Obverse of Reproduction Charles I Silver Threepence

Reverse of Reproduction Charles I Silver Threepence

York Mint Silver Threepence of Charles I

Nicholas Briot
Nicholas Briot was a French master die-sinker, who was brought to England by Charles I. He produced beautifully engraved portraits which presumably were also pleasing to Charles. He also introduced screw presses to manufacture more regular, rounder coins. the hand hammering method was still faster, so most coins were still produced by the older method. Briot was employed at the York mint for a period during the civil war.

The York Mint
The York mint operated between 1638 to 1649, and employed a lion mint-mark, although the engraver has taken a few liberties with the design of this replica.

Silver Threepences
The silver threepence was introduced as a denomination under Elizabeth II in 1578, and is still produced even today for the Maundy money.
Our authentically produced replica is based on a threepence struck at the York mint under Nicholas Briot, but has been produced by hand hammering rather than using a screw press.

Obverse:
Portrait of King Charles I on facing left, with III as a mark of value placed to the right of the head. The original mintmark would have been a lion, but this has been replaced on our reproduction.
CAROLUS D G MAG BR FR ET HI REX

Reverse:
Flat topped shield, the quarters containing a lion rampant, a harp, three leopards and fleurs-de-lys, all within an inner circle.
The original reverse inscription would have read:
CHRISTO AUSPICE REGNO
but again our engraver has taken some slight liberties with the wording on this particular piece. Of course, in the time of Charles I, any person caught making copies of coins would be severely punished, by a large fine, imprisonment, mutilation, or execution. It is therefore possible that the engraver making our copy was being over cautious so that his own head avoided meeting the same fate as that of Charles!

Technical Specifications
All dimensions are approximate, and subject to tolerance.
Diameter: 18 mm
Weight: 1.5 grams
Alloy 92.5% silver

Availability
In mint state, an original would be difficult to find even at over £300.

Prices & Availability
All prices on our websites are subject to fluctuation and availability. Please check before ordering.

Denomination	Grade	Availability	Price £	Price $
Crown	Uncirculated	Yes	£7.95	$Ask

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