Petition Crown of Charles II sells for world record at auction
A Petition Crown of Charles II, one of the most important British coins ever struck, has been sold for CHF949,375 (£826,440) (including buyer’s premium) to become the most expensive British silver coin ever sold at auction. The coin was included in a joint sale on 8 May of the Cope collection of prized British and Roman coins by Numismatica Ars Classica, Classical Numismatic Group and Numismatica Genevensis.
The Petition Crown of Charles II was struck by celebrated medallist Thomas Simon in 1663 to petition the king to rehire him as the sole chief engraver at The Royal Mint (lot 1306). Making use of new mechanical technology, Simon printed a message around the edge of the coin entreating the king to ‘compare this his tryall piece with the Dutch’. The coin features a striking portrait so detailed that even the veins on the king’s neck can be made out. Though masterfully executed, Simon’s Petition Crown failed to persuade Charles II to use his work for coinage.
David Guest, director of Classical Numismatic Group said: ‘Widely regarded as the most beautiful machine-made coin ever struck and undoubtedly the most important coin in the British series, we are delighted to have seen the 1663 Petition Crown realise a world-record price.
