1664 Charles II Gold Two Guineas, Elephant Mint Mark

The 1664 Charles II gold Two Guineas coin features the first laureate head of Charles II facing right, with a distinctive elephant below the bust. The obverse inscription reads "CAROLVS. II. DEI. GRATIA" (Charles II by the Grace of God), while the reverse displays crowned cruciform shields with emblematic sceptres in the angles.

The elephant mark on this coin is particularly noteworthy, as it indicates that the gold used to strike it was sourced from West Africa by the Royal African Company (RAC). The RAC, originally chartered by Charles II in 1660 as the Company of Royal Adventurers Trading to Africa, had a monopoly on British trade in the region.

This Two Guineas coin was part of a new currency system introduced by Charles II in 1663. The name "guinea" itself derives from the West African region where much of the gold originated.

The coin's reverse features the abbreviated Latin legend "MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB. REX." (King of Great Britain, France and Ireland). It's worth noting that 1664 was a tumultuous year for the RAC, marked by aggressive expansion attempts against Dutch trading posts, which led to financial difficulties for the company.

This particular specimen has been graded AU53 by NGC, indicating it's in About Uncirculated condition with some light wear on the high points and minor surface marks. Its provenance can be traced to the Ezen Collection, sold at a Heritage auction on May 8, 2024.

The 1664 Two Guineas with the elephant mark is a historically significant coin, representing the intersection of British monetary policy, colonial trade, and the early stages of the transatlantic slave trade.

NGC Certification 4862771-001