1626 - 27 Charles I Tower Mint mm Negros Head Shilling

Charles I (1625-49), Tower mint under the King (1625 - 42)Shilling, Group B m.m. negro's head, Crowned bust in ruff armour and mantle, rev. Christo avspice regno, plume above square-topped shield (N.2220; S.2785; Sharp B2/2)

The Charles I Tower Mint shilling featuring the ‘Negro’s Head’ mint mark, used between 1626 and 1627, is among the rarest and most sought-after coins from this period. This particular mint mark is seldom encountered, making it a prized possession for collectors. The use of the ‘Negro’s Head’ as a mint mark is controversial due to its depiction of a Black individual’s head, reflecting historical racial insensitivity. While such symbols were not uncommon in the 17th century, they are now recognized as offensive and inappropriate.The combination of its limited production, the controversial nature of its mint mark, and the historical context of its issuance contribute to the ‘Negro’s Head’ shilling’s rarity and desirability among numismatists.