Charles I

Charles I, the expedition to La Rochelle, silver medal or Pattern Halfcrown, 1628, by Nicolas Briot, equestrian portrait to right, with sword drawn, O REX DA FACILEM CVRSVM, rev., crowned oval and garnished shield dividing date, ATQVE AVDACIBVS ANNVE COEPTIS, plain edge, 35mm; 14.69g (MI 252/32; BMC [Jones] 136; Brooker 1258, same dies; North 2673; Bull 467). Nearly extremely fine, toned and extremely rare.

Briot made a number of pieces that are traditionally described as patterns for a halfcrown. The style and Briot's use of a rocker press have always helped with this attribution. However the legend, taken from Virgil, which translates as "Grant, O King, a prosperous course and favour bold undertakings", together with the date, would seem to link in with the proposed second expedition to La Rochelle.

Provenance: Dix, Noonan, Webb Auction, 17 September, 2013 (lot 395).