Like many other mints, the Royal Mint issues bullion coins in precious metals, having much higher intrinsic value than their face value. The two ounce (2 oz) silver coins are denominated as Five Pounds (£5).
The coins are legal tender but are not intended for circulation. They are targeted at bullion investors or collectors who appreciate the special editions as pieces of art. The coins are typically "one-year" types usually issued in parallel with smaller denominations with the same reverse designs.
This design is the sixth release in a Royal Mint series dedicated to the history of British monarchy and the monarchs of England, Great Britain and the United Kingdom, and features King Charles I (1625 - 1649).
The Royal Mint says about it: "This five-year collection features several legendary monarchs from four separate Royal Houses. The latest coin features the second monarch from the House of Stuart, Charles I. The second son of King James I, Charles I was a staunch believer in the divine right of kings."
After losing a civil war, King Charles I was tried, convicted, and executed for high treason in January 1649. The monarchy was abolished and a republic called the Commonwealth of England was declared. The monarchy was restored to Charles's son, King Charles II, in 1660.
The reverse design is a remastered version of an original design by Nicholas Briot, which first appeared on a crown coin almost 400 years ago. |