Lot 2284
Great Britain. Triple Unite Oxford, 1643 PCGS About Unc. S.2727; Fr-258. Charles I, 1625-1649. Half-length crowned detailed bust of King left, in armour, holding a sword in one hand and a long olive branch in the other, plume behind portrait. Mint mark Oxford plume above. Obverse legend reads: CAROLVS: D:G: MAGN: BRIT: FR: ET: HI: REX. Reverse has declaration in three lines on scroll RELIG: PROT LEG: ANGL: LIBER: PAR, with value (III) and 3 plumes above, date below.
There is tiny piece of raised excess metal in the reverse design above the 'O' of PROT. This is exactly the same as on the reverse of the Herbert Schneider Collection specimen (plate 24, No. 295) and shows that both coins were struck from the same reverse die. This is a handsome specimen with practically no sign of wear and approaching mint state. PCGS graded Genuine About Uncirculated, Details (Cleaned).
As well as being the largest denomination ever produced in England at the time, the Triple Unite was also the most impressive. With a value of 3 pounds or sixty shillings, it was probably not expected to circulate extensively. Nevertheless, these rare coins now appear in various grades from fine to mint state. This is one of the higher grade specimens extant, and will likely form the centrepiece of a high quality British coin collection.
Charles I moved his Mint to Oxford soon after the English Civil War began, and the Triple Unite was probably quickly produced as something of a propaganda coin.
Scotland's victory over England in the Second Bishops' War left King Charles very short of cash, and from 1640 he tried to cajole Parliament into granting further revenue. He refused to allow Parliament's militia bill to pass into law, however, as this would have conceded his control of the army and navy.
In January 1642 Charles tried to arrest the 5 Members of Parliament whom he regarded as his leading opponents, but there were riots and armed opposition, and the King was forced to flee London, eventually settling in Oxford. The Civil War began in August 1642. The Royalists occupied Oxford and several University buildings were taken over by the King, his court and military chiefs. The King stayed at Christ Church Hall, and the Privy Council met at Oriel College. All Souls College became an aresnal and New College became a gunpowder store. The Mint was set up in New Inn Hall.
As the English Civil War continued, Charles I tried to undermine Parliament's power and authority by establishing an alternative parliament in Oxford, but this was never a success.
In March 1644 the Oxford Parliament tried to begin peace negotiations, but this failed because the Westminster Parliament refused to recognise its legitimacy. Relations between the Oxford Parliament and the King were strained, Charles ordered the arrest of Lords Percy, Andover and Sussex, in a display of anger after further calls for peace talks. Charles adjourned the Oxford Parliament in March 1645, describing it as 'our mongrel parliament' in a letter to his wife. It was scheduled to meet again in October 1645, but by then Charles had lost the war.
Meanwhile, the Parliamentarians had divided into the 'Presbyterians' who wanted to negotiate with Charles, and the 'Independents' who wanted to defeat him totally. In 1645 the Independent faction began an overhaul of the armed forces and the efficient 'New Model Army' decisively beat the Royalists. King Charles eventually surrendered to the Scots rather than to Parliament, but his fate was sealed. Estimated Value $60,000 - 70,000
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