Charles II (1660-1685), Proof Crown, 1663, first bust modified, edge xv, 29.61g/6h (L & S 5; ESC 24; S 3354). Some light wear to high points, otherwise nearly extremely fine, extremely rare £6,000-8,000

Provenance: Glendining Auction, 10 October 1989, lot 1275; D. Rees-Jones Collection, Spink Auction 117, 19 November 1996, lot 66.

On the early crowns of Charles II it is not always easy to distinguish between patterns and proofs. This specimen is struck from superior dies where many details have been frosted – this is particularly noticeable with the stippled effect on the King’s drapery. On the reverse, the conjoined cs are hollow and similarly frosted, as are the borders of the shields. The present coin seems to have seen a little circulation, an unlikely occurrence in the case of a pattern