© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
½ Penny - James II
| Bimetallic: copper centre in tin ring (copper plug) | 11.3 g | 29 mm |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | James II (1685-1688) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1685-1687 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Bimetallic: copper centre in tin ring (copper plug) |
| Weight | 11.3 g |
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Thickness | 3 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | 1971 |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#50870 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Seated figure of Britannia left, trident in left hand, olive branch in right, shield bearing the Union flag resting on left, legend around.
NOTE: Varieties exist.
Script: Latin
Lettering: BRITAN NIA
Engraver: John Roettier
Comment
House of Stuart restored (1660-1714), James II (1685-88).The standard weight of these coins was 40 to the pound avoirdupois (2/5 ounce or 175 grains each).
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the ½ Penny coin from James II's reign is that it was the first coin to feature a bi-metallic design, with a copper center surrounded by a tin ring. This unique design was a result of the need to reduce the cost of producing coins, as copper was becoming increasingly expensive at the time. The use of tin, which was a less expensive metal, allowed the mint to create coins that were still durable and of high quality, but at a lower cost. This innovative design change paved the way for the use of bi-metallic coins in the future, and it remains an interesting and notable feature of this particular coin.
