1668 Charles II Silver Shilling

Second Bust – NGC VF 25

Early Milled Restoration Coinage

A beautifully preserved example of the early milled coinage of King Charles II (1660–1685), struck in 1668 at the Tower Mint.

This certified Second Bust shilling represents one of the most historically important transitions in British numismatics — the move from hammered coinage to fully machine-struck silver under the restored monarchy.

Coin Details

Date: 1668
Denomination: Shilling (1s)
Metal: Sterling Silver (.925)
Mint: Tower Mint, London
Edge: Milled
Grading Service: NGC
Grade: VF 25
Certification Number: 6029332-003

Obverse

Laureate and draped bust of Charles II facing right.

Legend:
CAROLVS II DEI GRATIA
(Charles II, by the Grace of God)

The portrait displays clear facial definition, strong hair detail for the grade, and well-preserved lettering throughout.

Reverse

Crowned cruciform shields representing England, Scotland, Ireland, and France, with interlinked C’s in the angles. Date 1668 divided above.

Legend:
MAG BR FRA ET HIB REX
(King of Great Britain, France and Ireland)

The shields remain bold with clear crown definition and attractive natural tone.

Condition & Eye Appeal

Graded Very Fine 25 by NGC, this coin shows:

• Honest, even circulation wear

• Strong central devices

• Clear and complete legends

• No cleaning, tooling, or damage

• Attractive original toning

For a 358-year-old silver issue, this is a highly respectable and collectable grade — especially slabbed and authenticated.

Historical Significance

Following the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Charles II reintroduced stability to English coinage. The 1668 shilling belongs to the early fully milled series — technologically superior to the earlier hammered coins and far more difficult to counterfeit.

The Second Bust type is scarcer than later bust varieties and is increasingly sought after by:

• Restoration series collectors

• Early milled specialists

• Certified British type set builders

• Investors favouring historical silver

Why This Coin?

✔ Certified and authenticated by NGC
✔ Desirable Second Bust variety
✔ Early machine-struck British silver
✔ Nearly 360 years old
✔ Strong mid-grade collector appeal

A solid, historically rich piece of Restoration silver — ideal for a serious British milled collection.