A 370-year-old coin from Truro could sell for thousands of pounds at an auction in Dorset next month.
The 4.5cm silver coin was used to pay Royalist troops during the English Civil War. It is said to be in "remarkable condition" and amongst one of the "finest examples of the coin to come to auction".
The three-Century-old coin will be sold by Duke's of Dorchester and bears the important rose mark which denotes the Truro mint.
Duke's Auctioneer Amy Brenan commented: "The range of coinage produced in this country during the Civil War is absolutely fascinating and the history evoked by this very well preserved coin is exceptional. That the coin was produced by the Royalist supporters in Truro, and almost certainly used to pay a member of the army at one of the most volatile periods in our history is quite remarkable.
"In today's money, the coin would be worth a mere 25p. With the pre-sale estimate of £1000-2000, the coin could sell for 4000 times its face value."
The mint that was used to create the coin was based in Truro in 1642 before it was moved to Exeter in 1643, making Truro one of the countries shortest lived mints. As a result, very few coins from the Truro mint still exist.
The auction will take place on Thursday 13th June at Duke's Auctioneers in Dorchester. For more information about the sale, please contact Duke's on 01305 265080 or email enquiries@dukes-auctions.com
