Summary

Silver coin; Denomination: Halfcrown
Tower Mint, London
William and Mary (1688-1694)

Second crowned shield, caul frosted, interior plain, no pearls

Mary was the daughter of James II. For reasons of politics she had married William of Orange, James II nephew and left England to live with him in the Netherlands. When James II lost support, William was invited to invade England and to take over the throne jointly with his wife. James II escaped to France and live there in exile until his death.

A halfcrown is a 2 shilling and 6 pence coin (30 pence)

Obverse Description

The laureate conjoined busts of William and Mary facing right; around, GVLIELMVS ET MARIA DEI GRATIA.

Reverse Description

The second type crowned Royal shield (first and fourth quarters quartered with the arms of England and France), caul frosted, interior frosted, no pearls; around, MAG BR FR ET HIB REX ET REGINA; the crown divides the date 1789

Edge Description

The raised legend, + DECVS ET TVTAMEN ANNO REGNI PRIMO

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