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5 Guineas - James II 2nd bust
| Issuer | England |
|---|---|
| Year | 1687-1688 |
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| Reference(s) | Sp#3397A |
| Obverse description | Second laureate bust of King James II facing left, rendered in high relief with flowing curled hair and a laurel wreath, the truncation bare. The effigy exhibits a strong, classical profile characteristic of John Roettier's engraving style. The circumferential legend reads IACOBVS·II·DEI·GRATIA, separated by stops, running from the lower left around the upper field. The coin is struck on a broad flan with a milled edge visible at the rim. |
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| Reverse description | Four crowned cruciform shields bearing the arms of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland arranged symmetrically around a central ornamental cross, with sceptres adorned with national emblems placed in the angles between the shields. The divided date appears above the central cross, split across the upper two quadrants. The circumferential legend MAG·BR·FRA·ET·HIB REX· with the regnal year date runs around the periphery. The overall design reflects the elaborate heraldic composition typical of late Stuart large gold coinage. |
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| Additional information |
James II's reign produced two distinct bust varieties for the five guinea denomination, the second introduced in 1687 by engraver John Roettier, whose family dominated English medal and coin production through much of the later Stuart period. The five guinea piece was never a coin of everyday commerce — its value placed it firmly in the hands of merchants, goldsmiths, and the Crown itself, used for large settlements and gifts rather than trade.
James was deposed in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, making the production window for this second bust exceptionally narrow. Pieces dated 1688 are notably scarcer than the 1687 issue.