Sale: CNG 61, Lot: 2653. Estimate $200.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 25 September 2002.  Sold For $200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Charles II . 1665. AR 24mm Pattern Farthing (5.79 gm). Short hair type. Dies by John Rottier. CAROLVS •A• CAROLO., laureate and cuirassed bust left / QVATVOR•MA-RIA•VINDICO, Britannia seated left on globe, holding laurel and sceptre, garnished arms at side; BRITANNIA in exergue. Grained edge. Peck 407; North -; Lobel C2PTM-090. Toned VF, light reverse graffiti. Graining removed from edge. Scarce. ($200)

The legend is altered by the graffiti to read "Qvatvor Ma Furia Vindico." The transition of -RIA to "furia" may merely be an opportunistic modification, but perhaps could have a more patterned meaning. The direct translations of the four words thus created are "four," ma = the first utterance of a child, "frenzy" or "obsession," and "I lay claim." Whatever sense the reader contrives to make of the inscription surely does not reflect well upon king Charles.