These guineas were struck in the years immediately following the Acts of Union, which merged the kingdoms of England and Scotland into Great Britain in May 1707. The second bust — by John Croker — replaced the earlier Roettier-derived portrait as part of a broader recoinage effort that accompanied the political restructuring. Scottish mint operations at Edinburgh were wound down as London assumed sole striking authority for the unified kingdom.
Spink lists two varieties under 3572/3, distinguished primarily by minor shield differences reflecting the heraldic adjustments made after Union.
These guineas were struck in the years immediately following the Acts of Union, which merged the kingdoms of England and Scotland into Great Britain in May 1707. The second bust — by John Croker — replaced the earlier Roettier-derived portrait as part of a broader recoinage effort that accompanied the political restructuring. Scottish mint operations at Edinburgh were wound down as London assumed sole striking authority for the unified kingdom.
Spink lists two varieties under 3572/3, distinguished primarily by minor shield differences reflecting the heraldic adjustments made after Union.