1660-1685 Charles II Silver Groat

The Charles II silver groat (1660–1685) is a fourpence coin minted during the reign of King Charles II, following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 after the English Civil War and Commonwealth period. This coin is part of the broader currency reforms that modernized England’s coinage. After the strict rule of Oliver Cromwell, the people of England eagerly embraced the arrival of Charles I's son as their king. Known for his charm and wit, Charles II was a popular monarch. Although he may have been less focused on politics, he led a lively love life and had a string of well-known mistresses, including Nell Gwynne. Our silver groat, or fourpenny piece, features a unique design of four intertwined 'C's on the reverse side, representing the king's initials. This rare coin, in Very Fine condition, dates back to the period of 1670 to 1684 and captures the vibrant spirit of the 'Merry Monarch'

Design and Features

Obverse (Front)

• Features a right-facing, draped bust of King Charles II, with long, flowing hair.
• The legend (inscription) typically reads:
  "CAROLVS II DEI GRATIA", meaning "Charles II, by the grace of God."

Reverse (Back)

• Interlinked C Design:
  One of the most striking features of this groat is the interlinked C reverse, a design element that links four letter C’s together. This motif is unique to some issues of the coinage during Charles II’s reign, serving as both a mark of quality and an emblem of the restored monarchy.
• Additional Details:
  Besides the interlinked C’s, the reverse may also include other heraldic symbols or inscriptions that vary slightly depending on the mint and the specific year of production.

Historical Context

• Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660 after the collapse of Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth.
• His reign saw the introduction of milled coinage, replacing the old hammered coinage for better consistency and security against counterfeiting.
• The silver groat (fourpence) was a smaller denomination, commonly used in everyday transactions.

Notable Features & Variations

• Milled Coinage: Unlike earlier hand-struck coins, Charles II’s silver coins were produced using mechanical methods, making them more uniform.
• Different Mint Marks & Variants: Some groats were struck in Scotland and Ireland, with slight design differences.
• Tavern Tokens: In some cases, groats were used in taverns or as Maundy Money, a special ceremonial coinage given by the monarch.

Rarity and Value

• The value of a Charles II silver groat depends on condition, date, and specific variety.
• Common examples in circulated condition can be worth £40-£100, while rarer varieties or well-preserved examples can fetch several hundred pounds.