Charles II farthings dated 1685 are decidedly rare, in fact the existence of genuine specimens is sometimes questioned (e.g. Montagu, page 40), on the grounds that, as the king died on 6th February 1684 (o.s.), they must have been struck at least six weeks after this event, for by the old style of reckoning, the year 1685 did not commence until 25th March.

Obv: CAROLVS.A. CAROLO , laureate and cuirassed bust of Charles II left.
Rev: BRITAN NIA . , Britannia, seated, with shield, facing left, holding spray and spear.
Material: Tin with a central copper plug.
Edge: NVMMORVM FAMVLVS*1685* - The servant of the coinage 1685. Edge knock by "F", so "F" unclear, otherwise Good clear legend and date.
Weight: 5.48 grams. Maximum diameter: 23mm.
Fine, extremely rare, very few known examples.
Ex Gregory (A H F Baldwin), dispersed 2006. Ex N Clark.
As Peck 538 (ER) though no mullet after NVMMORVM. S 3395.

Sold May 2018