1625-1649 Charles I Gold Unite

harles I Gold Unite (1625–1649)

A Regal Symbol of a Tumultuous Reign

The Gold Unite of Charles I, minted between 1625 and 1649, is a majestic and highly collectible coin from one of the most dramatic periods in British history. Named from the Latin "unite" (referring to the unification of the crowns of England and Scotland under one monarch), this coin was a powerful symbol of royal authority, struck in solid gold at a time when the monarchy was under increasing political and military pressure.

🔹 Historical Context

Charles I ascended the throne in 1625, inheriting a kingdom already fraught with tension between the Crown and Parliament. His belief in the divine right of kings and autocratic rule led to a series of conflicts culminating in the English Civil War. Despite his efforts to maintain control, Charles I was tried and executed in 1649—marking the only time an English monarch was legally put to death by their own people.

The Gold Unite reflects not only Charles I’s regal aspirations but also the dwindling stability of his rule, particularly evident in issues minted during wartime at provincial mints.

🔸 Design Features

Obverse:

• Depicts King Charles I facing left, crowned and in armor, holding a sword and an orb—symbols of military might and divine authority.

• The legend typically reads:
  “CAROLVS D G MAG BRIT FRAN ET HIB REX”
  (Charles, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland)

Reverse:

• Features a royal shield within a laurel wreath, with the Latin motto:
  “FLORENT CONCORDIA REGNA”
  (Through unity kingdoms flourish)

• This powerful phrase reflects the king’s desire for national unity—an ironic and poignant contrast given the outbreak of civil war.

🔹 Specifications:

• Denomination: Unite

• Metal: 22-carat Gold

• Weight: Approx. 9–10 grams (varied slightly between issues)

• Diameter: Around 27–30 mm

• Mints: Tower of London, Anchor Mintmark 1638-9

• Strike Method: Hammered

• Condition-Fine

🔸 Varieties & Rarity

• There are numerous types and bust varieties across Charles I’s reign, especially between early and Civil War issues.

• Provincial mint issues are rarer and especially desirable to collectors for their historical context.

• Due to the quality of striking and handling over centuries, well-centered, sharply struck examples in high grade command significant premiums.

💰 Collectability and Value

• The Charles I Gold Unite is highly prized among collectors of early British gold and Civil War-era coinage.

• Depending on condition, mint, variety, and provenance, prices typically range from £5,000 to over £20,000 GBP, with exceptional or rare provincial issues reaching even higher at auction.

🏛️ Why Collect the Charles I Gold Unite?

• It represents the final flourish of absolute monarchy before the English Commonwealth.

• A rich blend of art, history, and politics, encapsulated in gold.

• An ideal centerpiece for any serious English or Civil War-era coin collection