Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
Auction 116 2-3 Jun 2020
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Great Britain. Halfgroat (Two Pence), ND. S.3221. Commonwealth (1649-1660). Obverse; Single shield bearing St George's cross, within wreath. Reverse; Shields of England and Ireland conjoined, numeral 'II' (2 Pence) above. Practically mint state with an attractive blue-gray pastel tone, and very rare in this grade. Much nicer than the Spink plate coin. Seldom seen better than VF. Final grade and photos to be posted on the internet. Estimated Value $350 - 400
After the execution of Charles I in 1649, the Commonwealth of England was established and the coinage design became simpler. For obvious reasons the monarch's portrait disappeared from English numismatics. On the larger denomination Commonwealth pieces the Latin inscriptions were replaced by English legends as a truer reflection of Protestantism. After the sixpence the next small coin was the two pence, as no groat or four pence coin was ever issued.
Generally, these hand-hammered silver Commonwealth coins appear in low grade, and are very often bent, pierced or damaged. In 1696 a great re-coinage was undertaken to replace the hammered silver coins in circulation, and pieces such as this Commonwealth coin were melted and removed from commerce for ever.
After the execution of Charles I in 1649, the Commonwealth of England was established and the coinage design became simpler. For obvious reasons the monarch's portrait disappeared from English numismatics. On the larger denomination Commonwealth pieces the Latin inscriptions were replaced by English legends as a truer reflection of Protestantism. After the sixpence the next small coin was the two pence, as no groat or four pence coin was ever issued.
Generally, these hand-hammered silver Commonwealth coins appear in low grade, and are very often bent, pierced or damaged. In 1696 a great re-coinage was undertaken to replace the hammered silver coins in circulation, and pieces such as this Commonwealth coin were melted and removed from commerce for ever.