A 370-year-old Civil War coin from Truro could sell for thousands of pounds at an auction in Dorset next month.
The ancient 4.5cm currency is said to be in "remarkable condition" and among one of the "finest examples of the coin to come to auction".
Although it was worth the equivalent of 25p, the pre-sale estimate set its value between £1,000 and £2,000.
It was used to pay royalist troops during the English Civil War and circulated around royalist strongholds.
It will be sold by Duke's of Dorchester and bears the important rose mark which denotes the Truro mint.
Duke's auctioneer Amy Brenan said: "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."
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 country's shortest-lived mints. As a result, very few coins from the Truro mint still exist.
The auction will take place on June 13 at Duke's Auctioneers in Dorchester.
For more information contact Duke's on 01305 265080 or enquiries@dukes-auctions.com
