Description
Here is a very special 1689 silver half crown with the busts of King William and Queen Mary. The coin is dated from the first year of their reign after the Glorious Revolution of 1688. The obverse features the conjoined busts of William and Mary, laureate and draped, with William at the front.
The reverse shows the first crowned shield of arms. Pairs of frosted pearls, arranged vertically, appear on the crown band. FRA
William & Mary half Crown Edge Inscription:
The edge is inscribed in raised letters
DECUS ET TUTAMEN ANNO REGNI PRIMO
William & Mary half Crown Obverse:
Conjoined busts of King William III, and Queen Mary II facing right. First busts type, inverted V.
The obverse inscription reads:
GULIELMUS ET MARIA DEI GRATIA
William & Mary half Crown Reverse:
Large crown surmounting a quartered shield. The quarters contain a harp for Ireland, a lion rampant, three fleurs de lys and three lions.
In the centre is superimposed a shield-shaped inescutcheon, also bearing a lion rampart, being the arms of Orange.
The reverse legend reads:
MAG BR FRA ET HIB REX ET REGINA
William & Mary half Crown Specification:
Metal: Silver
Issuing Monarch: William III (1688 – 1702) & Mary II (1688 – 1694)
Country: United Kingdom
