Bull 557, S.2869 -

Charles I (1625-49), Halfcrown,York Mint, (1643-4) Type 7 var. E, Second horseman EBOR below, King seated on horseback left, with tail between legs mm. lion, CAROLVS. D. G. MAG. BRIT FRAN. ET RIB. REX., rev., Crowned oval shield with lion skin garniture CHRISTO.AVSPICE. REGNO., mm Lion (Bull 557 (this coin); Besly 2-B; Brooker 1088A; Hawkins 7 var. E ; N.2315; S.2869) weight 14.46 grams

This extraordinary survivor is testament to Nicholas Briot's artistry and skill.  Virtually as struck. The obverse has been struck slightly off centre, yet this most interestingly reveals the die alignment mark just outside of the outer beading inbetween the DG in the legends. This is the illustrated front cover coin featured on Volume Ill of Maurice Bulls 'The halfcrowns of Charles l"

Provenance: bought from Seabys in 1990.  Images courtesy of M&H coins, and taken from M&H circular III which features York halfcrowns from the collection of Maurice Bull.