Summary

Gold coin; Denomination: 5 Guineas
Tower Mint, London
King Charles II (1660-1685)
Milled coinage, First bust with elephant.

The elephant indicates that the gold used to strike this coin was imported into England by the African Company, whose charter gave them the right to have coins struck. The Guinea was current at 20 shillings or one pound - the name guinea was adopted from the source of the gold, Guinea in Africa. The coins were produced on the new mill and screw method under the direction of Peter Blondeau. The edge includes the regnal year which was not concurrent with the date, but recorded year of rule.

Obverse Description

Laureate bust of Charles II facing right; below, an elephant facing left; around, CAROLVS . II . DEI . GRATIA

Reverse Description

Four crowned shields bearing the arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland set to form a cross with four interlinked Cs at centre; in angles, sceptres tipped with an orb, thistle, lis and harp; around, MAG BR FRA ET HIB REX 1668, the date being divided by the crown above the English shield.

Edge Description

In raised lettering, + DECVS ET TVTAMEN ANNO REGNI VICESIMO

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