© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
½ Penny - William and Mary
| Bimetallic: copper centre in tin ring (copper plug) | 10.8 g | - |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| Ruling authority | William III, Mary II (1689-1694) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1691-1692 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Bimetallic: copper centre in tin ring (copper plug) |
| Weight | 10.8 g |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#55819 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 88% |
Reverse
Seated figure of Britannia left with olive branch in raised right hand, spear in left, shield bearing the Union flag resting at left, legend around, date in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
BRITAN NIA
1692
Engraver: John Roettier
Edge
Date
Comment
House of Stuart restored (1660-1714), William and Mary (1689-94).The standard weight for these pieces was 42 to the pound avoirdupois (8/21 ounce or 166.7 grains each).
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 1691-1692 William and Mary ½ Penny coin is that it was one of the first coins 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 helped to revolutionize the production of coins and paved the way for the use of bi-metallic coins in the future.
