NGC Certified World Gold Coins Continue to Set Records

A Charles I Triple Unite 1643 was graded MS 63 by NGC topped Heritage’s World Coin Auction held June 3, 2005 in Long Beach, CA. The price of $431,250.00 is the second highest price ever paid for a British coin, and the highest price realized for a British coin sold outside the United Kingdom.

The Triple Unite was the highest denomination of British hammered coinage, and was struck during the years 1642 to 1644 at two mints, in Oxford and Shrewsbury. There are several theories surrounding the occasion for its issuance. Some surmise that it was made as a presentation piece made for those who stayed loyal to Charles I during a period of civil war, while others suggest that it was used to furnish provisions for the King's army in the two cities where it was struck.

What is clear is that this coin was meant to convey a strong political message. The obverse portrait shows Charles I with a sword at the ready, and an olive branch across his shoulder, likely as a symbol of the peace that will follow victory. The Latin reverse legend, RELIG PROT LEG ANG LIBER PAR, recalls Charles I's Declaration of Wellington in which he promised to uphold "the religion of the Protestants, the laws of England and the liberty of Parliament." Surrounding text, EXURGAT DEUS ET DISSIPENTUR INIMICE EIUS, is a firm message to his opposition: "Let the Lord arise and his enemies be scattered."

This fully lustrous specimen is the finest Triple Unite graded by NGC.