Charles I

Charles I, pattern gold Unite, by Abraham Vanderdoort [van der Doort], mm. lis, armoured bust left, long hair falling over lace collar, wearing ribbon of the Garter George, rev., crowned royal arms in garnished oval shield, between crowned C - R, FLORENT CONCORDIA REGNA, 7.49g, 30mm (MI 374/269; Allen vi; Brooker 1239; North 2655; Wilson & Rasmussen 22; cf. Farquhar I, 178; Platt - ). Slightly creased, very fine and very rare.

For a detailed account see 'Abraham Vanderdort and the coinage of Charles I', by Derek Allen from Helen Farquhar's notes, NC 6, vol.1 (1941), pp. 54-75. This pattern (fig.6) is in the style of the pattern unite with mark of value, mm. plumes (fig.4) and the unique pattern five unites without mark of value, mm. rose (fig.5), better known as the Juxon Medal (see lot 337). Vanderdoort's use of mint marks, here a lis, do not seem to fit in with those of the Tower Mint. See also Baldwin Auction 48, 26 September, 2006 (lot 5023), for the unique Triple Unite (sold £210,000) - this also giving a good account of Abraham Vanderdoort, "Keeper of the Cabinet Room" in the palace of Whitehall.

Provenance: J.G. Brooker Collection. Ex. "Clarendon" Collection, pt. II, Bonhams Auction, 17 October, 2006 (lot 1269); ex Captain Vivian Hewitt Collection.