GREAT BRITAIN. Crown, 1644-E. Altered Mint Mark. Charles I (1625-49).S-3058; KM-334.2; North-2557. Obverse: Charles riding on horseback left; "E" below; Reverse: Garnished oval shield of arms; date in legend to left of rose mintmark. Produced at one of Charles temporary mints during his unsuccessful struggle with Parliament during the Civil War. Well centered with near full detail on the central devices and legends that remain bold. A deep scratch in the field behind the Charles on horseback motif has toned gray tone to match the rest of the coin. "E" mint mark was added in the late 19th century by a clever forger. Probably the work of the skilled Victorian forger John White who specialized in altering genuine coins into something unusual or rare. Apparently he also produced a Turo or Bristol piece with a rose under the horse. An interesting and well made altered piece with an exceptional pedigree. <strong>SOLD AS IS/NO RETURNS.</strong>VERY FINE.
