© Spink and Son
© Spink and Son
½ Crown - William III 1st bust; large shields, early harp
1696 year| Silver (.925) (Exeter mint) | 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) (Exeter mint) |
| Weight | 15.05 g |
| Diameter | 34 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | 31 December 1969 |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#224957 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
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
Incuse legend amd year of reign 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, Exeter mint.In 1696 a great re-coinage was undertaken to replace the hammered silver that made up mpst of the coinage in circulation, much of it being clipped and badly worn. Branch mints were set up at Bristol, Chester, Exeter, Norwich and York to help with the re-coinage.
The standard weight of this coin was 15/31 troy ounce or 232.3 grains.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a rare early harp design on the reverse side, which was only used on coins minted in Exeter in 1696. This design is considered a variation in the standard circulation coin design and is highly sought after by collectors.
