Information about effigy: King Charles II by Thomas Simon

This portrait of King Charles II was created by Thomas Simon for his famous 1663 Petition Crown.

It shows the monarch facing right, his hair flowing, held by a laurel wreath, with his celebrated "love lock" over his right shoulder. The intricacy of the engraving portrays even the shadows of the King's veins on his neck, and the texture of his clothes.

Below the bust, the signature of the designer: Simon.

The portrait was re-issued by the Royal Mint on a series of commemorative coins in 2023.

King Charles II on the original Petition Crown

England / Petition Crown 1663

The portrait was created for the 1663 Petition Crown - a pattern which was never released into circulation.

King Charles II on modern silver

United Kingdom / Silver Two Ounces 2023 Petition Crown - Obverse

The portrait was re-issued by the Royal Mint in 2023 on a series of commemorative coins.