The reign of Charles II saw a rise of colonisation and trade in commodities such as tobacco, sugar and gold across India, the East Indies, North America and Africa. The dowry Charles received from his marriage to Catherine of Braganza, the king of Portugal’s sister, included ports in Africa as well as Bombay in India. In North America, Charles granted various territories including Pennsylvania and Carolina to his supporters and in 1664, the British captured the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam and renamed it New York. This period also saw the establishment of trading companies such as the Royal African Company (1660) and Hudson’s Bay Company (1670). The power of the East India Company was also strengthened.

Silver rupee

Silver rupee issued in Bombay by the East India Company.

See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/silver-rupee-of-charles-ii/bAHc9twALJnqYg

Guinea coin of Charles II

British guinea coin of Charles II, made from African gold.

See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/5-guinea-coin-of-charles-ii/ygHqkTHPbVrz_w

Seal impression

Seal impression of the Royal African Company.

See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=32313&partId=1&searchText=royal+african+company&images=true&from=ad&fromDate=1660&to=ad&toDate=1700&page=1

Gold medal of Charles II

Gold medal of Charles II with an inscription supporting the expansion of the navy during the second Anglo-Dutch war.

See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/struck-gold-medal-of-charles-ii-by-john-roettier-the-increase-of-the-navy/ZQHccbh-2KaY9Q

Dutch propaganda image

Dutch propaganda image suggesting that Britain would be better off with the United Provinces as an ally instead of France.

See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=3068677&partId=1&searchText=Charles+II&images=true&from=ad&fromDate=1660&to=ad&toDate=1685&subject=16312&page=1>