Watch List notes:

GREAT BRITAIN. Pound, 1644. Oxford Mint. Charles I. PCGS EF-40.
S-2943; N-2402; Brooker-865 (same dies); Morrieson dies-A/1. Declaration type. Weight: 117.12 gms. Obverse: Charles, holding sword and reins, riding horse trotting left; plumes to right, pile of arms below; Reverse: Declaration in three lines within ornate cartouche; plume above. Deep gray cabinet toning, with only mild, even wear upon the high points and no issues to plague its appearance. Undoubtedly one of the finer examples known of this INCREDIBLY RARE type, the present specimen should generate tremendous appeal and be fiercely fought over. For comparison, just one other exceeds the current example in the PCGS a census--an EF-45 (the Lingford/Brand/Montagu specimen)--which realized a total of $282,000 in January 2018. Given that the present example resides just back of that colossal piece, the heights to which the former could soar are dizzying to imagine.

The superlative "Cartouche Pound" of 1644, so-called on account of its reverse declaration appearing not merely within two parallel lines, but within a more decorative, shield-like cartouche, is undoubtedly one of the capstone coins of the early modern English series, and a crowning achievement for any advanced collection of world crowns and their multiples. Attributed to the hand of Thomas Rawlins, it represents a degree of artistry and minting mastery that was seemingly ahead of its time.

During the reign of Charles I, a number of factors put strain upon the relationship between the King and Parliament. Aspects such as his marriage to a Roman Catholic (Henrietta Maria of France), failure in wars with Spain and France, the levying of taxes without the consent of Parliament, and the use of antiquated laws to fine individuals all contributed to revolts (from both the Scots and the Irish) and a further estrangement of Charles from main factions in Parliament. One of the final blows before the start of the war was Charles's attempted arrest of five members of the House of Commons, going so far as to enter the House chamber by force with an armed guard. After this failed arrest attempt, Parliament seized control of London and Charles marched north to raise an army against them, eventually controlling the west and north of England, having set up his court at Oxford.

While assembled in Wellington (before one of the first battles of the war), Charles made what became known as the "Wellington Declaration," wherein he declared that he would uphold "the Protestant Religion, the Laws of England and the Liberty of Parliament." This slogan was afterward given a Latin abbreviation, which was added to the design of several of his coins--including this Pound of 1644--which boldly displays it upon the reverse in a wide and ornate cartouche. On its obverse, we see Charles astride a majestic war horse trampling upon arms and armor below. This equestrian warrior image is prevalent in much of Charles's coinage and was meant to inspire as many of his subjects as possible. However, his cause was all but lost by 1645 in the face of the Parliamentarians' New Model Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell. While seeking assistance from a Scottish army in Nottinghamshire, he was handed over to Parliament only to broker a secret deal with the Scots, leading to the Second Civil War where he was once again defeated. This time, he was tried, convicted, and ultimately executed, leading to the brief Commonwealth period in England under the Cromwells. By 1660, Charles's eponymous son would be crowned and the monarchy restored. To view all items from the Mark and Lottie Salton Collection, click here.

From the Mark and Lottie Salton Collection.

Ex: H. L. Farquhar Collection (Glendining - 4/1955) Lot # 73.

Ex: Henry Platt Hall Collection (Glendining - 7/1950; purchased en-bloc by Spink).

Estimate: $50000 - $75000