½ Merk - Charles II (1st Coinage, Type III) 1675 front ½ Merk - Charles II (1st Coinage, Type III) 1675 back
½ Merk - Charles II (1st Coinage, Type III) 1675 photo
© Dix Noonan Webb

½ Merk - Charles II 1st Coinage, Type III

1675 year
Silver - 24 mm
Description
Issuer
Scotland (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies)
King
Charles II (1660-1685)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
1675
Value
½ Merk (⅓)
Currency
Pound Scots (1136-1707)
Composition
Silver
Diameter
24 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-09
References
Numista
N#89745
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Arms arranged in a cross, conjoined Cs in each quarter, value in the centre.

Script: Latin

Lettering: · MAG · BRI · FRA · ET · HIB · REX · 1675

Translation: King of Great Britain, France and Ireland

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the ½ Merk - Charles II (1st Coinage, Type III) 1675 from Scotland is that it was minted during a time of great economic and political change in the country. The coin was issued during the reign of Charles II, who had recently been restored to the throne following a period of Commonwealth rule. The coinage of this period was characterized by a new standardized design, which included the introduction of the ½ Merk denomination. Additionally, the use of silver in the coin's minting was a significant departure from the previous coinage, which had been made of copper. This change in material was likely a response to the economic conditions of the time, as silver was seen as a more valuable and stable metal. Overall, the ½ Merk - Charles II (1st Coinage, Type III) 1675 from Scotland is a unique and interesting coin that provides a glimpse into the economic and political climate of the time.