© Baldwins of St James Ltd
© Baldwins of St James Ltd
½ Merk - Charles II 1st Coinage, Type II
| Silver | - | 24 mm |
| Issuer | Scotland (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | Charles II (1660-1685) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1664-1673 |
| Value | ½ Merk (⅓) |
| Currency | Pound Scots (1136-1707) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#89744 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Arms arranged in a cross, conjoined Cs in each quarter, value in the centre.
Script: Latin
Lettering: MAG BRI FRA ET HIB REX 1669
Translation: King of Great Britain, France and Ireland
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the ½ Merk coin is that it was minted during a time of great change and turmoil in Scotland. Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660, after a period of republican rule, and he sought to re-establish the Scottish monarchy and stabilize the country's economy. The ½ Merk coin was introduced as part of a new coinage system, which aimed to replace the older, debased currency and promote trade and commerce. Despite the challenges of the time, the coin remains a testament to Scotland's resilience and determination to thrive.
