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Lot Essay
This coin is number five of the eleven known specimens listed by J B Bergne in The Numismatic Chronicle no.XVII, 1855. (To this list can be added the Archbishop Sharp coin, and possibly one or two others.)
Bergne gives the following description, 'The Oxford crown is executed with much neatness and spirit. The type is the usual one of the king on horseback. The horse is represented at a gentle amble or trot. Underneath is the word OXON, with a view of the city of Oxford, taken on the north side, outside of the then entrenchments. Magdalen Tower, and the spires of the Cathedral and of St. Mary's, are conspicuous objects. In a well-preserved specimen the drawbridge across the ditch, and the letter R, the initials of the artist's name (omitted in all the representations of the coin above refered to), are also very clearly visible. The mint mark is not accurately represented by Snelling or Ruding. It is a pellet with four flowers springing from it, and it occurs also on a groat of the same date. The reverse resembles in type the ordinary crowns struck at Oxford, but is ornamented and much better executed. Above and below the inscription, RELIG. PROT. LEG. ANG. LIBER. PARL., are scrolls adorned with leaves and flowers, and underneath is the date of the year and place, 1644-OXON.
It is difficult to account for the great rarity of this coin. The workmanship and general appearance are indeed so superior to those of other coins of the period, that it would probably have been hoarded, like the mediaeval crown of her present Majesty. It does not however bear the look of a pattern piece; and it was in all probability intended for ordinary circulation. It is somewhat singular that no specimen, so far as my observation has extended, has the whole of the outer legend fully struck up.'
Bergne's observations are very acute. The presence of the initial R is often overlooked today, though in early 20th century sale catalogues it is usually mentioned. Perhaps this is because it is not clear on most specimens. It would however explain why this coin has always so confidently been given to Rawlins, being refered to as the 'Rawlins' Crown' while the Pounds with the fine spirited horseman are usually only 'attributed' to him. What is not explained however is why Morrieson in his article in the British Numismatic Journal vol. XVI, 1921-22, locates the R 'behind the horses tail'.
Bergne gives the following description, 'The Oxford crown is executed with much neatness and spirit. The type is the usual one of the king on horseback. The horse is represented at a gentle amble or trot. Underneath is the word OXON, with a view of the city of Oxford, taken on the north side, outside of the then entrenchments. Magdalen Tower, and the spires of the Cathedral and of St. Mary's, are conspicuous objects. In a well-preserved specimen the drawbridge across the ditch, and the letter R, the initials of the artist's name (omitted in all the representations of the coin above refered to), are also very clearly visible. The mint mark is not accurately represented by Snelling or Ruding. It is a pellet with four flowers springing from it, and it occurs also on a groat of the same date. The reverse resembles in type the ordinary crowns struck at Oxford, but is ornamented and much better executed. Above and below the inscription, RELIG. PROT. LEG. ANG. LIBER. PARL., are scrolls adorned with leaves and flowers, and underneath is the date of the year and place, 1644-OXON.
It is difficult to account for the great rarity of this coin. The workmanship and general appearance are indeed so superior to those of other coins of the period, that it would probably have been hoarded, like the mediaeval crown of her present Majesty. It does not however bear the look of a pattern piece; and it was in all probability intended for ordinary circulation. It is somewhat singular that no specimen, so far as my observation has extended, has the whole of the outer legend fully struck up.'
Bergne's observations are very acute. The presence of the initial R is often overlooked today, though in early 20th century sale catalogues it is usually mentioned. Perhaps this is because it is not clear on most specimens. It would however explain why this coin has always so confidently been given to Rawlins, being refered to as the 'Rawlins' Crown' while the Pounds with the fine spirited horseman are usually only 'attributed' to him. What is not explained however is why Morrieson in his article in the British Numismatic Journal vol. XVI, 1921-22, locates the R 'behind the horses tail'.