© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
1 Guinea - James II 1st bust
| Gold (.917) | 8.39 g | 26 mm |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | James II (1685-1688) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1685-1686 |
| Value | 1 Guinea (43⁄40) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Gold (.917) |
| Weight | 8.39 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#12946 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Crowned cruciform shields of arms with sceptres bearing national emblems in angles, divided date above, legend around.
Script: Latin
Lettering: MAG· BR·FRA· ET·HIB· REX·16 85·
Translation: King of Great Britain France and Ireland
Engraver: John Roettier
Edge
Milled
Comment
These coins were struck at 44½ to the pound troy, giving a standard weight of 24/89 troy ounce (129.4 grains).Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 1 Guinea - James II (1st bust) 1685-1686 coin is that it was minted during a time of great turmoil in England. James II was the last Catholic monarch to rule England, and his reign was marked by conflicts with Parliament and the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which led to his overthrow and the ascension of William III and Mary II to the throne. Despite these political upheavals, the coinage of the time remained consistent, with the 1 Guinea coin being introduced in 1685 and remaining in circulation until 1686. This coin is a testament to the resilience and stability of the English monetary system during a period of significant political change.
