1646 Groat – Charles I (Bridgnorth-on-Severn Mint)

The 1646 Groat - Charles I (Bridgnorth-on-Severn Mint)

Superb example of the 1646 Silver Groat (four pence coin) of King Charles I. Coins of this period were called the 'Declaration' type as the reverse stated King Charles promise to uphold the Protestant religion.

1646 saw the late declaration types, as the King was chased around the country due to the civil war. Coins had to be minted in safe Royalist areas and this coin was minted at Bridgnorth-on-Severn. Mint mark is a small plume (or plumelet).

Diameter 22.5mm, weighs 1.83g. SCBC: 3042. North: 2525.

The Obverse shows a crowned and draped bust of King Charles I. Plumelet to the left and on the right is the mark of value (IIII - four pence). Legend is "· CAROLVS · D : G : MAG : BR : FR : ET : HIB : REX ·".

The Reverse shows the text "REL : PRO :/LEG : ANG :/LIB : PAR :" over three lines, with the date of 1646 below a separator line. This is the 'Wellington Declaration' stating King Charles' aspirations of "the Protestant Religion, the Laws of England, and the Liberty of Parliament".
The full Latin would be "RELIGIO PROTESTANTIUM, LEGES ANGLIAE, LIBERTAS PARLIAMENTI".

Legend is "· EXVRGAT · DEVS · DISSIPENTVR · INIMICI ·". which is from Psalm 68 in the Bible meaning "May God rise up, may enemies be scattered".

Image credit: CNG Coins.

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