NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: JANUARY 1, 2023

Charles I gold Crown, mint mark plumes, with pellet either side of crown reverse
Regular price £2,500

Charles I (1625-49), gold Crown, Tower Mint, group C, third elaborate crowned bust left, value V behind, initial mark plumes (1635-36) both sides possibly over bell on reverse, beaded circles and legend surrounding, CAROLVS. D: G: MA: BR: FR: ET. HI: REX., rev. crowned quartered oval shield of arms with frame, pellet either side of crown, C to left, R to right, CVLTORES. SVI. DEVS. PROTEGIT, weight 2.23g (Schneider 240; Brooker 204; N.2183; S.2714). With copper red tone both sides, a little double struck, very fine and a rare variety with the pellets.

The abbreviated Latin legends translate as on obverse "Charles by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland," and on the reverse "God protects his worshippers."

The original pyx trial records show that a total of £337,000 of crown gold was struck under the mint mark plumes a.k.a. feathers at full weight from 23rd June 1630 until 30th June 1631.

Regarding the Catholic Church, Joseph was virulently opposed to what he called "contemplative" religious institutions—reclusive institutions that were seen as doing nothing positive for the community.

By Joseph's decree, Austrian bishops could not communicate directly with the Curia anymore. More than 500 of 1,188 monasteries in Austro-Slav lands (and a hundred more in Hungary) were dissolved, and 60 million florins taken by the state. This wealth was used to create 1,700 new parishes and welfare institutions.

The education of priests was taken from the Church as well. Joseph established six state-run "General Seminaries". In 1783, a Marriage Patent treated marriage as a civil contract rather than a religious institution.

Josephinism made many enemies inside the empire—from disaffected ecclesiastical authorities to noblemen. By the later years of his reign, disaffection with his sometimes radical policies was at a high, especially in the Austrian Netherlands and Hungary. Popular revolts and protests—led by nobles, seminary students, writers, and agents of Prussian King Frederick William—stirred throughout the Empire, prompting Joseph to tighten censorship of the press.

To read the complete article, see:
Josephinism (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josephinism)

To read the complete lot description, see:
1885-1889 AWARDS MEDAL BY CHARLES BARBER U.S. MINT (https://auctions.bidalotcoinauction.com/lots/view/1-6WRI5O/1885-1889-awards-medal-by-charles-barber-us-mint)

Republic of China: Yunnan Province, silver 50 cents, 1917, three quarter profile of Tang Ji Yao (1882-1927), NGC MS63 #6374408-037. A most splendid example of this popular type. A well struck coin with minimal hairlines on closer inspection and all the fine details preserved. Rare in this choice grade. Dr. Werner Burger Collection. [not on list]

Republic of China: Chinese Soviet Republic, silver 20 cents, 1933, (Y-508, LM-895), NGC MS61 #6374405-020. A most excellent example of this elusive and popular coin and a well struck example for type with only minor weakness in the legend. Rare. Dr. Werner Burger Collection. [not on list]