The 1668 Gold Five Guinea Charles II (First Bust, Elephant, 3329)The 1668 Five Guinea of King Charles II was minted in gold, and on this coin there is a small elephant under the bust that indicates the gold came from the African Company who mined for gold in Guinea in Africa, hence the name of the coin. SCBC 3329.
Gold Five Guinea coins minted in 1668 could have gold from another source so coins were also issued without the elephant (SCBC 3328).
The coin shows the designs of John Roettier and were minted using the new mill and screw machines of Peter Blondeau at the Tower Mint (Royal Mint, London). Diameter 36.5mm, weight 41.8g.
The Guinea originally had a value of one pound (20 shillings), and it was only later it attained the more accepted value of 21 shillings. The 1668 Gold Five Guinea is a rare and expensive coin, and you could be looking at £10,000 to £100,000 according to condition.
The Obverse shows the first laureated bust of King Charles II, facing right. Elephant below. Legend "CAROLVS.II.DEI.GRATIA" (Charles II by the Grace of God).
Edge has raised lettering which includes the Regnal Date (showing the year of reign). Text is "+ DECVS ET TVTAMEN ANNO REGNI VICESIMO" meaning an "ornament and a safeguard" plus the regnal date. VICESIMO means the 20th year of reign, as Charles counted his reign from the when his father Charles I died, not from the Reformation date.
The Reverse shows crowned cruciform coats-of-arms with sceptres in the quarters and a design of four interlocked monograms in the centre. Legend "MAG BR FRA ET HIB REX 1668", showing Charles II was King of England, France, Scotland and Ireland. Date divided at top.Image credit: Museums Victoria
Mintage: Not known
Minted at The Royal Mint
Minted in 1668
Monarch/Ruler: Charles II (1660-1685)
Category: Guineas. See more Guineas coins
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
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