English Coinage of the Stuarts Post-Commonwealth

[Deeman]

Recoinage Silver 1695-97

Crown issues 1695-97

There are two unique crowns dated 1696 that were not adopted as current coin. These pieces are easily distinguishable from the ordinary currency by the profusion of hair, which is brought entirely across the breast in two distinct ringlets. They differ from each other chiefly in the workmanship, one having the hair in smaller more numerous curls and a more aquiline nose. Both have the second harp.

There are three versions of the Irish harp used on the crowns.



The crown was 39mm diameter, current for 5/-. Struck 1695-96 first bust, 1696 second bust (unique) and 1696-97 third bust.

The obverse depicts a laureate draped and cuirassed bust right with either a rounded or straight breast plate and a circumscription, divided by the head, of 'William III, by the Grace of God'. The reverse depicts the crowned cruciform arrangement of the Arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland around a central Lion of Orange-Nassau surrounded by small billets and encased in a frame of four wavy cords, date flanking crown above English shield, with a circumscription, divided by crowns and continuing the king's titles, translating to 'Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'.




1695 dated silver crown, first bust.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops, rounded breast plate.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, pointed shields, first harp.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) then ANNO REGNI SEPTIMO or OCTAVO (7th or 8th regnal year).




1696 dated silver crown, second bust. Unique
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops, rounded breast plate, hair across breast.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, pointed shields, second harp.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) then ANNO REGNI OCTAVO (8th regnal year).




1696 dated silver crown, third bust.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops, straight breast plate.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, pointed shields, first harp.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) then ANNO REGNI OCTAVO or TRICESIMO (8th or 9th regnal year).




1697 dated silver crown, third bust. Extremely rare.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops, straight breast plate.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, indented shields, second harp.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) then ANNO REGNI NONO (9th regnal year).

[Deeman]

Halfcrown issues 1696-97

There is a unique second bust halfcrown that was not adopted as a current coin. It is easily distinguishable from the ordinary currency by the profusion of hair, which is brought entirely across the breast in two distinct ringlets. It is akin to the 1696 second bust crown and no image is available.

The halfcrown was 33mm diameter, current for 2/6. Struck 1695-97 first bust and 1696 second bust (unique).

All the halfcrowns have an obverse depicting a laureate draped and cuirassed bust right with a circumscription, divided by the head, of 'William III, by the Grace of God'. The reverse depicts the crowned cruciform arrangement of the Arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland around a central Lion of Orange-Nassau surrounded by small billets and encased in a frame of four wavy cords, date flanking crown above English shield, with a circumscription, divided by crowns and continuing the king's titles, translating to 'Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'.

First recoinage group

First recoinage group dated 1696, first bust with small pointed shields and harp in the style of the second harp of the crown coin. Struck by the Tower, Bristol (B), Chester (C), Exeter (E), Norwich (N) and York (y) mints.



1696 dated silver halfcrown, first bust, Tower mint.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, small pointed shields.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) then ANNO REGNI OCTAVO (8th regnal year).




Second recoinage group

Second recoinage group dated 1696, first bust with large indented shields and early harp. Struck by the Tower, Bristol (B), Chester (C), Exeter (E), Norwich (N) and York (y) mints.



1696 dated silver halfcrown, first bust, Tower mint.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, large indented shields, early harp.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) then ANNO REGNI OCTAVO (8th regnal year).




Third recoinage group

Third recoinage group dated 1696-97, first bust with large indented shields and ordinary harp. Struck by the Tower, Bristol (B), Chester (C), Exeter (E), Norwich (N) and York (y) mints.



1697 dated silver halfcrown, first bust, Tower mint.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, large indented shields, ordinary harp.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) then ANNO REGNI NONO (9th regnal year).

[Deeman]

Shilling issues 1696-97

There is a unique second bust shilling that was not adopted as a current coin. It is easily distinguishable from the ordinary currency by the profusion of hair, which is brought entirely across the breast in two distinct ringlets. It is akin to the 1696 second bust crown and no image is available.
 
The shilling was 25mm diameter. Struck 1695-97 first bust, 1696 second bust (unique), 1696-97 third bust and 1697 third bust variety.

All the shillings have an obverse depicting a laureate draped and cuirassed bust right with a circumscription, divided by the head, of 'William III, by the Grace of God'. The reverse depicts the crowned cruciform arrangement of the Arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland around a central Lion of Orange-Nassau surrounded by small billets and encased in a frame of four wavy cords, date flanking crown above English shield, with a circumscription, divided by crowns and continuing the king's titles, translating to 'Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'.

First recoinage group

First recoinage group dated 1696-97 has the first bust. Struck by the Tower, Bristol (B), Chester (C), Exeter (E), Norwich (N) and York (y & Y) mints.



1696 dated silver shilling, first bust, Tower Mint.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, indented shields.




Second recoinage group

Second recoinage group dated 1696-97 has the third bust. Struck by the Tower, Bristol (B), Chester (C), Exeter (E), Norwich (N) and York (y) mints. Hair on third bust is similar to the first bust but turns downwards and inwards at the back on the crown of the head. Hair on the first bust turns outwards.



1697 dated silver shilling, third bust, Tower Mint.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, indented shields.




Third recoinage group

Third recoinage group dated 1697 has a third bust variety with a more aquiline profile. Struck by the Tower, Bristol (B) and Chester (C). Provincial mint strikes are only dated 1697.



1697 dated silver shilling, third bust variety, Tower Mint.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, indented shields.

[Deeman]

Sixpence issues 1696-97

There are two versions of the Irish harp used on the sixpences.



The sixpence was 21mm diameter. Struck 1695-97 first bust, 1696-97 second bust (Tower only) and 1696-97 third bust.

All the shillings have an obverse depicting a laureate draped and cuirassed bust right with a circumscription, divided by the head, of 'William III, by the Grace of God'. The reverse depicts the crowned cruciform arrangement of the Arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland around a central Lion of Orange-Nassau surrounded by small billets and encased in a frame of four wavy cords, date flanking crown above English shield, with a circumscription, divided by crowns and continuing the king's titles, translating to 'Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'.

First recoinage group

First recoinage group with provincial issues dated 1695-96, first bust with large crowns and early harp. Struck by the Tower, Bristol (B), Chester (C), Exeter (E), Norwich (N) and York (y & Y) mints. 1695 date applies only to the Tower.



1695 dated sixpence, first bust, Tower mint.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, pointed shields, large crowns, early harp.





1696 dated sixpence, first bust, Tower mint.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, pointed shields, large crowns, early harp, Scottish Arms at date.


Second recoinage group

Second recoinage group with provincial issues dated 1696-97, first bust with large crowns and later harp. Struck by the Tower in 1696 and provincial mints Bristol (B), Chester (C) and Exeter (E) in 1697. No image for Tower Mint.



1697 dated sixpence, first bust, Exeter mint.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, pointed shields, large crowns, later harp.




Third recoinage group

Third recoinage group with provincial issues dated 1696-97, first bust with small crowns and later harp. Struck by the Tower, Bristol (B), Chester (C), Exeter (E), Norwich (N) and York (y) mints.



1697 dated sixpence, first bust, Tower mint.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, pointed shields, small crowns, later harp.





1697 dated sixpence, first bust, Chester mint.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, pointed shields, small crowns, later harp, Irish Arms at date.


Second bust, Tower issue

Second bust, Tower mint only. Struck 1696-97.



1696 and 1697 dated sixpences, second bust, Tower mint.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, pointed shields, small crowns, later harp.



1696 dated sixpence, second bust, Tower mint, finer work. Extremely rare, akin to 1696 second bust crown.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, pointed shields, small crowns, later harp.


Fourth recoinage group

Fourth recoinage group with provincial issues dated 1696, third bust with large crowns and early harp. Struck by the Exeter (E) and York (Y) mints only. No Tower strikes. Hair on third bust is similar to the first bust but turns downwards and inwards at the back on the crown of the head. Hair on the first bust turns outwards.



1696 dated sixpence, third bust, Exeter and York mints.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, pointed shields, large crowns, early harp.


Fifth recoinage group

Fifth recoinage group with provincial issues dated 1697, third bust with large crowns and later harp. Struck by the Tower, Bristol (B), Chester (C) and Exeter (E) mints. (The Tower continued to produce this type post recoinage each year to 1701.)



1697 dated sixpence, third bust, Tower mint.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, pointed shields, large crowns, later harp.




Sixth recoinage group

Sixth recoinage group with provincial issues dated 1697, third bust with small crowns and later harp. Struck by the Tower, Bristol (B), Exeter (E) and York (Y) mints.



1697 dated sixpence, third bust, Tower mint.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, pointed shields, small crowns, later harp.

[Deeman]

Post-Recoinage Silver 1698-1702

The 1702 date only applies to a fourpence piece and incorrectly since the year commenced on 25 Mar and William died on the 8th of that month.

Crown issue 1700

The crown was 39mm diameter, current for 5/-. Struck 1700 with third bust variety and third harp (scroll front and back). The design followed on from the recoinage issues. The third bust variety differs from the third bust type by having minor changes to the hair and the tie is slightly longer and thinner.



1700 dated silver crown, third bust variety.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops, straight breast plate.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, indented shields, third harp.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) then ANNO REGNI DVODECIMO or DECIMO TERTIO (12th or 13th regnal year).

[Deeman]

Halfcrown issues 1698-1701

The halfcrown was 33mm diameter, current for 2/6. Post recoinage issues from the Tower mint are first bust with modified large shields and ordinary harps. The design followed on from the recoinage issues.




1700 dated silver halfcrown, first bust.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, modified large indented shields.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) then ANNO REGNI DVODECIMO or DECIMO TERTIO (12th or 13th regnal year).




1701 dated silver halfcrown, first bust.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops, elephant and castle below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, modified large indented shields.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) then ANNO REGNI DECIMO TERTIO (13th regnal year).




1701 dated silver halfcrown, first bust.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, modified large indented shields, plumes in angles.
Edge inscription is DECVS ET TVTAMEN (An Ornament and a Safeguard) then ANNO REGNI DECIMO TERTIO (13th regnal year).

[Deeman]

Shilling issues 1698-1701

The shilling was 25mm diameter. Post recoinage issues from the Tower mint are 1698 third bust variety (no image), 1698-99 fourth bust and 1699-1701 fifth bust. The design followed on from the recoinage issues.




1698 dated shilling, fourth bust (flaming hair).
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, indented shields.




1699 dated shilling, fifth bust (high hair).
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, indented shields, plumes in angles.
There was also a third bust variety 1698 issue with plumes in the angles.




1699 dated shilling, fifth bust (high hair).
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, indented shields, roses in angles.




1700 dated shilling, fifth bust (high hair), surfaces dented, Welsh silver. Extremely rare.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops, plume below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, indented shields.




1701 dated shilling, fifth bust (high hair).
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, indented shields.

[Deeman]

Sixpence issues 1698-1701

The sixpence was 21mm diameter. Post recoinage issues from the Tower mint are third bust with large crowns and later harp. The design followed on from the recoinage issues.




1699 dated sixpence, third bust.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, pointed shields, large crowns, later harp, plumes in angles.




1699 dated sixpence, third bust.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, pointed shields, large crowns, later harp, roses in angles.




1700 dated sixpence, third bust, Welsh silver. Extremely rare.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops, plume below bust.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, pointed shields, large crowns, later harp.

[Deeman]

Small silver issues

The denominations of fourpence, threepence, twopence and penny were struck for currency as well as for Maundy money. Fourpence 19mm dia; threepence 17mm dia; twopence 14mm dia; penny 12mm dia. Each denomination struck 1698-1701 with a unique fourpence piece struck in 1697 and an error strike dated 1702.

The obverse depicts a laureate draped and cuirassed bust right with a circumscription, divided by the head, of 'William III, by the Grace of God'. The reverse depicts a crowned mark of value in Arabic numerals, date divided by the crown, with a circumscription continuing the king's titles, translating to 'Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'.



1698 dated Maundy and currency set.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops.




1702 dated fourpence error, dated the year after William's death.

[Deeman]

Copper Coinage 1695-1701

Halfpenny

The copper halfpenny was 30-31mm diameter. Struck in three issues; first 1695-98, second 1698-99 and third 1699-1701.

The obverse depicts a laureate and cuirassed bust right with a circumscription, divided by the head, of 'William the Third'. The reverse depicts Britannia facing left seated on a globe with ornamented shield behind, clothed in clinging drapery, right hand either raised or extended out holding an olive branch, left hand holding spear, left leg extended, circumscribed by BRITANNIA divided by the design, date either in exergue or with inscription.




1698 dated copper halfpenny, first issue.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / TERTIVS, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is BRITAN / NIA, pellet stop, right hand raised, date in exergue.




1699 dated copper halfpenny, second issue.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / TERTIVS, no stops.
Reverse inscription is BRITAN / N / I / A 1699, no stops, right hand raised.




1700 dated copper halfpenny, third issue.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / TERTIVS, pellet stop.
Reverse inscription is BRITAN / NIA, pellet stop, right hand extended, date in exergue.




1699 dated copper halfpenny mule, first issue obverse, third issue reverse.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / TERTIVS, pellet stop.
Reverse inscription is BRITAN / NIA, pellet stop, right hand extended, date in exergue.

[Deeman]

Farthing

The copper farthing was 24mm diameter. Struck in two issues; first 1695-1700 and second 1698-99.

The obverse depicts a laureate and cuirassed bust right with a circumscription, divided by the head, of 'William the Third'. The reverse depicts Britannia facing left seated on a globe with ornamented shield behind, clothed in clinging drapery, right hand raised holding an olive branch, left hand holding spear, right leg extended, circumscribed by BRITANNIA divided by the design, date either in exergue or with inscription.




1695 dated copper farthing, first issue.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / TERTIVS, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is BRITAN / NIA, pellet stop, date in exergue.




1698 dated copper farthing, second issue.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / TERTIVS, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is BRITAN / NIA 1698, pellet stops.

[Deeman]

Patterns

Half-guinea

Second bust pattern half-guinea struck in silver in Feb or Mar 1696/7.

The obverse depicts a laureate bust of the king right with a circumscription, divided by the head, of 'William III, by the Grace of God'. The reverse depicts the crowned cruciform arrangement of the Arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, emblem-adorned sceptres (orb, thistle, lis, harp) in angles to right of their respective shields, central Lion of Orange-Nassau surrounded by small billets and encased in a frame of four wavy cords, date flanking crown above English shield, with a circumscription, divided by crowns and continuing the king's titles, translating to 'Great Britain, France and Ireland, King'.



1696 dated pattern silver half-guinea.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / III DEI GRA, pellet stops, lock of hair across truncation.
Reverse inscription is MAG / BR FRA / ET HIB / REX, pellet stops, plain sceptres, later harp.

[Deeman]

Halfpenny

Laureate and cuirassed bust right with a circumscription, divided by the head, of 'William the Third'.



Double obverse trial copper halfpenny, third issue.

[Deeman]

Farthing

The obverse depicts a laureate and cuirassed bust right with a circumscription, divided by the head, of 'William the Third'. The reverse depicts Britannia facing left seated on a globe with ornamented shield behind, clothed in clinging drapery, right hand raised holding an olive branch, left hand holding spear, right leg extended, circumscribed by BRITANNIA divided by the design, date either in exergue or with inscription.




1695 dated pattern silver farthing, first issue.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / TERTIVS, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is BRITAN / NIA, pellet stop, date in exergue.




1698 and 99 dated pattern silver farthings, second issue.
Obverse inscription is GVLIELMVS / TERTIVS, pellet stops.
Reverse inscription is BRITAN / NIA 1698[9], pellet stop.

[Deeman]

Brockage

The term brockage refers to a type of error coin in which one side of the coin has the normal design and the other side has a mirror image of the same design impressed upon it.




1695-97 sixpence obverse, first bust.




1695-97 sixpence obverse, first bust, Bristol Mint.




1699-1701 halfpenny obverse, third issue.