Charles I silver pattern unite (20 shillings) dated 1630 – £40,000 at Sovereign Rarities.
The design with its ‘bare head’ bust of the king with flowing hair and lace collar is by the French medallist Nicholas Briot (1579-1646) who worked in London during the 1630s.
Pattern unites by Briot are known in both gold and silver, with silver examples particularly scarce. This version, last sold as part of the Glenister collection at Spink in September 2007 and one of just a few in private hands, is described as ‘exceptionally well preserved, as struck with only light surface marks’.
Estimated at £20,000-30,000, it sold at £40,000.
