1625 Gold Unite King Charles I PCGS AU50

The Gold Unite was a substantial 20-shilling gold coin introduced under King James I and continued by King Charles I (reigned 1625–1649). Charles I's Unites were hammered gold coins struck by hand at the Royal Mint (Tower of London) early in his reign. The name "Unite" reflected the king's goal of uniting his realms, a theme reinforced throughout the design.

Obverse: Features the crowned bust of King Charles I in his coronation robes, complete with a ruffed collar. The Latin inscription reads CAROLVS D' G' MAG' BRI' FRAN' ET HIB' REX, which translates to “Charles, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland.” Behind the bust is the denomination mark "XX" indicating a value of 20 shillings.

Reverse: Displays the crowned royal coat of arms representing England, Scotland, Ireland, and France (in pretence). The Latin motto varies by issue, either reading FLORENT CONCORDIA REGNA ("Through concord kingdoms flourish") or FACIAM EOS IN GENTEM UNAM ("I will make them into one nation"). Mintmarks, such as a lis (⚜), identify the year and issuing authority—1625 in the case of the lis mark.

Graded PCGS AU50, this coin is in Almost Uncirculated condition, an impressively high grade for a nearly 400-year-old hammered gold coin:

• An AU50 grade means the piece saw only minimal circulation: most design details remain sharp with just light friction on the highest points
• Many surviving Charles I unites are found in far lower grades (heavily worn Fine or VF states), often with damage from past use or mounting
• In AU50, the coin retains considerable detail and luster, placing it among the top tier of known examples

PCGS population data indicates very few have been certified this high – for instance, one cataloged variety of a Charles I Unite (mintmark plume 1630–31) in AU50 was the sole example at that grade with none finer at PCGS. Similarly, a Charles I Unite (mintmark castle, 1627–28) graded PCGS AU55 was reported as one of only 3 at that level, with no higher grade known in the PCGS census.

The coin's eye appeal and originality further drive its rarity premium:

• Hammered coins often show uneven strike or planchet flaws, but an AU example typically has a strong strike and clear details
• Many 17th-century gold coins suffered cleaning or repair over the centuries; by contrast, a problem-free AU50 with natural surfaces is highly prized