The seventh in the Royal Mint’s ‘British Monarchs’ series adds the Charles II portrait by legendary engraver John Roettiers

Release number seven in the Royal Mint’s 21-coin, 5-year ‘British Monarchs Collection’, welcomes Charles II, joining Charles I and III in appearing on a coin in the series, although the latter in just obverse effigy form. A popular monarch with a reign lasting from 1660 to his death in 1685, he was recalled from Europe after the death of Oliver Cromwell, to help quell the resulting political unrest.

He seemed to be a bit of a party animal, fathering at least a dozen illegitimate children, and enjoying the finer things in life. His popularity stemmed from his affable nature, approachability, and religious tolerance. He had no legitimate heir, however, and was succeeded by his brother, James.

Charles liked his art, including coins, and in 1661 invited celebrated engraver and medallist, John Roettiers, along with his brothers Philip and Joseph, to take up positions in the Royal Mint. John became highly celebrated in his own lifetime, and is now considered one of the best engravers ever employed there. Amongst his many works, was a coin portrait, brought into the modern age by the Royal Mint today. Roettiers was actually buried in the Tower of London, the home of the Royal Mint at the time.

If you’ve been a regular follower of this excellent series, you’ll know the formats on offer (listed below), and there are no changes for this seventh release, although we’ve had no details on the five-ounce gold proof coin yet. The terrific two-coin historical set returns, comprised of a new 2 oz gold coin, and the original Charles II Guinea that inspired it. Only 20 sets will be available for £9,950.00, and the Guinea will carry one of the four effigies produced of the king during his reign. The example in the image lower down is one of them.

Another great release in a well-chosen series, celebrating both the extensive numismatic history of the Royal Mint, and that of the various royal dynasties. All are available to order now, and come boxed with a certificate of Authenticity. To see the full range to date, check out our neat Coin Series Profile.

PRESS RELEASE

The Royal Mint, official maker of UK coins, has unveiled the seventh coin in its British Monarchs Collection, featuring a remastered portrait of Charles II, based on the original coinage portrait, designed by John Roettier and produced over 350 years ago. This is the seventh coin in The British Monarchs Collection and is the latest release in a series of coins which celebrates the House of Stuart.

The Royal Mint’s talented design team have combined their exceptional craftsmanship skills with innovative technology to faithfully remaster Charles II’s original portrait. In the making of the original Charles II coin, the process of coin manufacture is mechanised, replacing the old method of hand striking. The reverse design of the coin is based on a five-guinea piece from 1668. A portrait of His Majesty King Charles III features on the obverse, uniting royalty past and present.

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Collector Services at The Royal Mint, said: “We are delighted to add Charles II to the popular British Monarchs Collection. The design team at The Royal Mint has worked to faithfully recreate Charles II’s original portrait with great attention to detail, using state-of the-art technology and numismatic processes. There has been significant international appeal with The British Monarch’s Collection, with its coins being bought by collectors all over the world. We have seen a particularly large uptake in the USA.”

Charles II’s accession to the throne took place in 1660, over 11 years after the execution of his father, Charles I. Nicknamed the ‘Merry Monarch’, Charles II was one of the most popular monarchs to reign in Great Britain.

Newly crowned, Charles II invited John Roettier to England from Flanders, and he was asked to submit designs and trial pieces for the King’s coinage. Following his success, Roettier became the main engraver at The Royal Mint during the reign of Charles II. Alongside designing the new coinage for Charles II, it was also Roettier’s responsibility to make medals and Great Seals. He remained at The Royal Mint for the majority of his life and was buried in the Tower of London following his death in 1703.

PROOF GOLD
DENOMINATION £500 UKP £200 UKP £100 UKP
COMPOSITION 0.9999 gold 0.9999 gold 0.9999 gold
WEIGHT 156.30 grams 62.42 grams 31.21 grams
DIMENSIONS 50.0 mm 40.0 mm 32.69 mm
LEP MINTAGE TBC 50 100
MAX MINTAGE TBC 87 261
PROOF SILVER
DENOMINATION £10 UKP £10 UKP £5 UKP £2 UKP
COMPOSITION 0.999 silver 0.999 silver 0.999 silver 0.999 silver
WEIGHT 312.59 grams 156.30 grams 62.86 grams 31.21 grams
DIMENSIONS 65.0 mm 65.0 mm 40.0 mm 38.61 mm
LEP MINTAGE 100 250 600 1,350
MAX MINTAGE 106 256 606 1360