© Spink and Son
© Spink and Son
½ Crown - William III 1st bust; large shields, early harp
1696 year| Silver (.925) | 15.05 g | 34 mm |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | William III (1694-1702) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1696 |
| Value | ½ Crown (⅛) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Silver (.925) |
| Weight | 15.05 g |
| Diameter | 34 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#127638 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 87% |
Reverse
Crowned cruciform shields around central Nassau lion, divided date above, legend around.
Note: large shields, early harp
Script: Latin
Lettering: MAG BR·FRA ET·HIB REX·16 96·
Translation: King of Great Britain France and Ireland
Edge
Regnal year in Latin
Lettering: DECVS.ET.TVTAMEN.ANNO.REGNI.OCTAVO.+.+.+.+.
Translation: An ornament and a safeguard, eighth year of reign
Comment
House of Stuart Restored (1660-1714), William III (1694-1702), first bust issue, early harp type.The standard weight of this coin was 15/31 troy ounce or 232.3 grains.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 1696 William III ½ Crown coin is that it features a rare design error, known as the "clipped harp" variety. The harp on the coin's reverse side appears to be clipped or cut off at the top, creating a unique and distinctive feature that sets it apart from other coins of the same era. This error was likely caused by a mis-strike or a problem during the minting process, and it has become a sought-after characteristic among collectors.
