Charles I silver pattern unite dated 1630, estimated at £20,000-30,000 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’.
Estimate: £20,000-30,000.
