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5 Guineas - James II 2nd bust
| Issuer | England |
|---|---|
| Year | 1687-1688 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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|---|---|
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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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| Reverse lettering | MAG· BR·FRA· ET·HIB REX·16 88· (Translation: King of Great Britain France and Ireland) |
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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.