Description
Denomination: Copper shilling
Period: Stuart
Date: November 1689
Origin: Irish mint
Condition: Very fine+ for type. some light pitting. a lovely example
Obverse: Profile. laureate and draped bust with IACOBVS II DEI GRATIA legend
Reverse: Crown over crossed sceptres with XII over. J and R at sides and year above. month Nov. below. MAG BR HIB REX
Size and Weight: 13.07g. 32mm
References: S6581H
Features and Provenance: James came to the throne in 1685 and only reigned for three years after which he was deposed during the ‘Glorious Revolution’ in 1688.
A combination of the lack of low denomination coinage and unrest in Ireland. made it necessary to produce base metal emergency coins from copper. brass and pewter. The so called ‘gunmoney’ came about as it was said that they were made from melted down guns but this is unlikely. however. they were made from any metal that was available and church bells were certainly used.
In order for James’s mercenaries to be paid after the ‘Williamite Wars.’ the coins were dated with the month as well as year such that interest would be paid when James was victorious. returned to power. and the tokens were to be exchanged for legitimate coins of the realm. However. James. the focus of ‘the cause’ that was Jacobitism. died in exile in France and no interest was ever paid.
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
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