GREAT BRITAIN. Triple Unite, 1643. Oxford Mint; mm: Banded Plumes. Charles I. PCGS AU-55. S-2727; Fr-258; KM-256.2; North-2384; Brooker-839 (same obv. die). Weight: 26.71 gms. Declaration type. Obverse: CAROLVS - D : G - MAGN : BRIT : FRAN : ET : HIB : REX -:, crowned and armored half-length bust left, holding sword and olive branch; banded plumes to right; Reverse: EXVRGAT : DEVS : DISSIPENTVR : INIMICI :, (<em>continuing into inner field on continuous scroll</em>) RELIG : PROT / LEG : ANG / LIBER : PAR; above, three banded plumes above III (mark of value). The second year of this popular and eminently desirable "declaration" type, this impressive, large format gold issue displays a fairly well centered strike, with some typical striking weakness spread in areas of the obverse and reverse. Nevertheless, it yields exquisite charm and beauty through its attractive tone and tremendous originality. For the connoisseur or advanced collector within the series, the piece presents a tantalizing and <strong>EXTREMELY RARE</strong> opportunity.<p><em>During the reign of Charles I, a number of factors put strain upon the relationship between the King and Parliament. Aspects such as his marriage to a Roman Catholic (Henrietta Maria of France), failure in wars with Spain and France, the levying of taxes without the consent of Parliament, and the use of antiquated laws to fine individuals all contributed to revolts (from both the Scots and the Irish) and a further estrangement of Charles from main factions in Parliament. One of the final blows before the start of the war was Charless attempted arrest of five members of the House of Commons, going so far as to enter the House chamber by force with an armed guard. After this failed arrest attempt, Parliament seized control of London and Charles marched north to raise an army against them, eventually controlling the west and north of England, having set up his court at Oxford.</em><p><p><em>While assembled in Wellington (before one of the first battles of the war), Charles made what became known as the "Wellington Declaration," wherein he declared that he would uphold "the Protestant Religion, the Laws of England and the Liberty of Parliament." This slogan was afterward given a Latin abbreviation, which was added to the design of several of his coins--including this Triple Unite--which boldly displays it upon the reverse. On its obverse, we see Charles wielding a sword, with a warrior-like image such as this being prevalent in much of Charless coinage, and meant to inspire as many of his subjects as possible. However, his cause was all but lost by 1645 in the face of the Parliamentarians New Model Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell. While seeking assistance from a Scottish army in Nottinghamshire, he was handed over to Parliament only to broker a secret deal with the Scots, leading to the Second Civil War where he was once again defeated. This time, he was tried, convicted, and ultimately executed, leading to the brief Commonwealth period in England under the Cromwells. By 1660, Charless eponymous son would be crowned and the monarchy restored.</em> From the Bill Barber Collection.
