1/2 Penny - William and Mary draped busts

Đơn vị phát hành England
Năm 1689
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá 1/2 Penny (1⁄480)
Tiền tệ Pound sterling (1158-1970)
Chất liệu Bimetallic: copper centre in tin ring (copper plug)
Trọng lượng 10.8 g
Đường kính
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round
Kỹ thuật
Hướng Coin alignment ↑↓
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo Sp#3447, KM#467
Mô tả mặt trước Small laureate and draped conjoined busts of King William and Queen Mary right, legend around.
Chữ viết mặt trước Latin
Chữ khắc mặt trước GVLIELMVS ET MARIA.
(Translation: William and Mary)
Mô tả mặt sau Seated figure of Britannia left with olive branch in raised right hand, spear in left, shield bearing the Union flag resting at left, legend around.
Chữ viết mặt sau Latin
Chữ khắc mặt sau BRITAN NIA
Cạnh Date on edge
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc 1689 - -
ID Numisquare 2253039190
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This 1689 1/2 Penny marks the inaugural year of William III and Mary II's joint reign, following the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Their ascension fundamentally reshaped English monarchy. The coin's innovative bimetallic composition, a copper centre in a tin ring, was a direct governmental response to the severe shortage of small change and rampant counterfeiting. It represents a significant, albeit short-lived, monetary experiment to stabilize the economy.

Artistry: The design is attributed to John Roettiers, Master Engraver at the Royal Mint, reflecting the late Baroque stylistic school. The obverse features the conjoined, draped busts of William and Mary, facing right, with William in front. Their classical drapery and regal bearing convey authority, a common artistic convention of the period. The reverse typically depicts Britannia, a standard motif for English minor coinage.

Technical/Grading: The coin's bimetallic construction is its defining technical characteristic. High-points for wear include William's hair and laurel wreath, Mary's coiffure, and drapery folds. Due to the complex manufacturing process, examples often show imperfect plug centering, uneven strikes, or metal separation. The inherent softness of tin makes these coins highly susceptible to surface corrosion and damage, rendering well-preserved, strongly struck examples with intact rings particularly prized.

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