© Spink and Son
© Spink and Son
½ Penny - William and Mary cuirassed busts
1690 year| 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 |
| Year | 1690 |
| 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#162967 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 89% |
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.
Script: Latin
Lettering: BRITAN NIA
Edge
Date on edge
Lettering: 1690
Comment
House of Stuart restored (1660-1714), William and Mary (1689-94).The original 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 1690 William and Mary cuirassed busts 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 innovative design was a precursor to the modern bi-metallic coins that are commonly used today.
