William and Mary Silver Penny 1692 Over 1, 1692

Description

Heading: William and Mary Silver Penny 1692 Over 1, 1692

Denomination: Silver penny

Period: House of Stuart

Date: 1692

Origin: London mint

Condition: VF, a rare piece, especially in such good condition

Obverse: Busts of William III and Mary II, right, legend around GVLIELMVS ET MARIA D G

Reverse: Crowned denominational ‘I’ date either side of crown, legend around MAG BR FR ET HIB REX ET REGINA

Size and Weight: 12mm, 0.51g

References: Spink 3345

Features and Provenance: Ex Bonham’s, detectorist find – found in Tytherington, Wiltshire, UK

When Mary heard she was to marry her cousin William, a stranger and a foreigner too, she is said to have cried for two days; despite this they married in 1677. William of Orange arrived on British shores from Holland to take action against James II; he succeeded in a bloodless ‘Glorious Revolution’ in 1688. A ‘Bill of Rights’ was then declared to restrict the power of the monarchy and by proclamation of parliament, William and Mary became joint rulers of Britain in 1689. They had no children and Mary died in 1694. William continued to rule on this own.

Although used in general circulation, the 4, 3, 2 and 1d coins have been known as Maundy money, given by the monarch’s 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