© Spink and Son
© Spink and Son
½ Crown - William III 1st bust; small shields
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 | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#127381 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Crowned cruciform shields around central Nassau lion, divided date above, legend around.
NOTE: small shields
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: OCTAVO
Translation: Eighth
Comment
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 unique design element known as the "small shields" on the reverse side of the coin. This design features four small shields, each bearing the cross of St. George, St. Andrew, St. Patrick, and the fleur-de-lis of France, which represent the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Ireland, and France. This design was only used on coins minted during William III's reign, making it a distinctive feature of this particular coin.
