Lot 2080
Great Britain. Triple-Unite, 1644-OXON. S.2729; Fr-258. Charles I, 1625-1649. Oxford mint. Extremely Rare 'small module' variety. Obverse: Crowned bust of King facing left, holding sword and branch (without scarf) plume in field behind. Reverse Declaration on scroll. RELIG: PROT: LEG: ANG: LIBER: PAR 1644 OXON. This coin is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of this desirable variety and a deep orange tone complements the bold strike on both sides. Carefully produced and well centered, there is no evidence of double-striking and the legends are fully clear. There is an abundance of original luster. NGC graded AU-55.
*It is interesting to note that this, one of the most handsome and important British coins ever produced, was made during an exceedingly turbulent year, as the English Civil War raged. On January 26 1644 Cromwell's Roundheads, the Parliamentary forces, defeated King Charles' Royalists, allowing them to end the six week Siege of Nantwich in Cheshire. Later, on July 2, 1644 the King's army was defeated at the Battle of Marston Moor and Charles effectively lost his hold on the north of England.
The King based himself for some time in Oxford. He was advised not to dissolve the Long Parliament as this would violate the statute of 1641 which said that Parliament could not be dissolved without its own consent. Therefore all members of the Long Parliament were summoned to assemble for a session of Parliament to be held at Christ Church Hall, Oxford. Most of the Members of the House of Lords heeded the summons and came to Oxford, but only about one-third of the House of Commons came. The first session lasted from January 22 1644 to April 16 1644, and the second session lasted October 8 1644 until March 10 1645. The records of the proceedings were carefully burned just before Oxford fell to the Parliamentary forces in 1646.
Finally, after the King had been captured, in January 1649 the House of Commons set up a high court of justice which tried him and condemned him to death. He was executed at the Banqueting House in Whitehall, London a matter of days later.
Estimated Value $85,000 - 100,000.
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| Realized $80,500 |
