Shilling, octagonal, large crown with HANC DEVS DEDIT 1648, in three lines below, rev. CAROL'II DG MAG B F ET H REX around castle gateway, P-C at sides of central tower, OBS to left, P XI C to right, 1648 below (N.2649; S.3151), extremely fine for issue, toned, slightly double struck above castle, extremely rare in this condition

Pontefract Castle in the West Riding of Yorkshire served as the prison for the deposd Richard II. It was besieged by Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War from 2 June 1648 until 22 March 1648/9, thus holding out after the execution of Charles I on 30 January 1648 o.s. Between February and March, the castle garrison continued to strike obsidional coins from melted silver plate, first using a Charles I motto, DUM SPIRO SPERO (while I live, I hope), on the obverse, and then HANC DEUS DEDIT (God has given this, i.e. the crown to Charles II).