Queen Anne Silver Penny Post Scottish Union 1709

Description

Heading: Queen Anne silver penny – post Scottish Union 1709

Denomination: Silver penny

Period: Stuart family

Date: 1709

Origin: London mint

Condition: VF+ for type

Obverse: Draped bust of Anne, left, legend around ANNA DEI GRATIA

Reverse: Crowned denominational ‘I’ date either side of crown, legend around MAG BRI FR ET HIB REG

Size and Weight: 12mm, 0.46g

References: S 3598

Features and Provenance: Ex Bonham’s, previously Andrew Howitt

Anne came to the throne of England. Scotland and Ireland in 1702 on the death of William III. Under the Acts of Union. Scotland joined England to form Great Britain in 1707.  She was already married to the Prince of Denmark but sadly due to ill health she had many miscarriages and none of her children survived her. The one bright spark in her life was her great friendship with Sarah Churchill (Duchess of Marlborough). she even gave her the much esteemed position as the Groom of the Stool! But this friendship was later soured and Sarah took revenge by being more than disparaging about Anne in her memoirs; Anne died at the age of 49 in 1714.

Although used in general circulation, the 4,  3, 2 and 1d coins came to be known as ‘Maundy’ money, given by the monarchs to the needy once a year. Later, special coins were mint for this purpose.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible