© Spink and Son
© Spink and Son
½ Crown - William III 1st bust; large shields, ordinary harp
| Silver (.925) (Chester 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 |
| Years | 1696-1697 |
| Value | ½ Crown (⅛) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Silver (.925) (Chester mint) |
| Weight | 15.05 g |
| Diameter | 34 mm |
| Thickness | 1.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#174143 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Crowned cruciform shields around central Nassau lion, divided date above, legend around.
Note: large shields
Script: Latin
Lettering: MAG• BR•FRA• ET•HIB• REX•16 97•
Translation: King of Great Britain France and Ireland
Edge
Regnal year in Latin
Lettering: NONO
Translation: Ninth
Comment
The standard weight of this coin was 15/31 troy ounce or 232.3 grains.The specimen pictured below was from the wreck of HMS Association.
© Cuthwellis
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during a time of great change and turmoil in England. William III was the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1689 until his death in 1702, and during his reign, he faced several challenges, including the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw him ascend to the throne, and the Jacobite risings, which sought to restore the Stuart dynasty to power. Despite these challenges, William III was able to maintain stability and prosperity in England, and his reign marked the beginning of a new era of constitutional monarchy. This coin, minted during his reign, serves as a tangible reminder of this significant period in British history.
