1 Crown - William III (2nd bust) 1696 front 1 Crown - William III (2nd bust) 1696 back
1 Crown - William III (2nd bust) 1696 photo
© Spink and Son

1 Crown - William III 2nd bust

1696 year
Silver (.925) 30.1 g 38.6 mm
Description
Issuer
England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies)
King
William III (1694-1702)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
1696
Value
1 Crown
Currency
Pound sterling (1158-1970)
Composition
Silver (.925)
Weight
30.1 g
Diameter
38.6 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-08
References
Numista
N#12970
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Crowned cruciform shields around central Nassau lion, divided date above, legend around.

Note: second harp to left shield

Script: Latin

Lettering: MAG BR·FRA ET·HIB REX·16 96·

Translation: King of Great Britain France and Ireland

Engraver: John Roettier

Edge

Regnal year in Latin

Lettering: OCTAVO

Translation: Eighth

Comment

Spink Standard Catalogue of British Coins (52nd Ed. 2017) lists each of two varieties as being unique.

The standard weight of this coin was 30/31 troy ounce or 464.5 grains.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the 1696 William III 1 Crown coin is that it was minted during a time of great economic and political change in England. The coin was issued during the reign of William III, who ruled from 1689 until his death in 1702. During his reign, England was facing significant economic challenges, including a severe shortage of coinage and a growing national debt. To address these issues, William III introduced a new coinage system, which included the 1 Crown coin, to help stabilize the economy and promote trade. The coin was made of silver and had a standardized design, which helped to establish trust and confidence in the currency. Despite the challenges of the time, the 1696 William III 1 Crown coin remains a valuable and sought-after collector's item to this day.