Reproduction James II Halfcrown

Obverse: First laureate and draped bust of James II right. Text around IACOBVS II DEI GRATIA.

Reverse: Crowned cruciform shields, incorporating the Arms of Hanover, garter star at centre. Date 1686 split either side of crown. Text around MAG BR FRA ET HIB REX.

History: James was King of England and Ireland as James II, and King of Scotland as James VII. James only ruled from 1685 until 1688, when he was deposed in the ‘Glorious Revolution’. He lost control because of his religious beliefs and this is when the loyalist Tories invited his daughter Mary with husband William to be joint rulers. James II abdicated and went into exile in France.

Date: 1686

Diameter: 3.2cm