© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
½ Guinea - William and Mary 1st busts
1689 year| Gold (.917) | 4.19 g | - |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| Ruling authority | William III, Mary II (1689-1694) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1689 |
| Value | ½ Guinea |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Gold (.917) |
| Weight | 4.19 g |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#60338 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
First crowned quartered shield of arms, divided date above, legend around.
Script: Latin
Lettering: MAG·BR·FR·ET·HIB·REX·ET·REGINA·16 89·
Translation: King and Queen of Great Britain France and Ireland
Comment
These coins were struck at 89 to the pound troy, giving a standard weight of 12/89 troy ounce (64.7 grains).Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 1689 William and Mary ½ Guinea coin is that it was the first coin to feature the joint effigies of the monarchs, William III and Mary II, on the same side. This was a departure from the traditional practice of featuring the monarch's effigy alone on the obverse (front) side of the coin. This design change was a nod to the joint rule of the couple, who were the first co-monarchs in English history.
