Charles 1st Silver half crown

A rare Charles 1st silver half-crown minted at Hartlebury Castle in Worcestershire during the Civil War. The siege of Worcester in 1646 prevented the free circulation of money and so a mint was set up in the home of the Bishop of Worcester to provide currency to pay the garrison and local tradesmen (though how much the tradesmen actually saw is dubious!). The silver used was not bullion and it is likely the coins were made from silver plate taken from the chapel. Only a few examples are known to exist.