ireland-1689-1690-specific-date-including-month-typically-inscribed-on-the-reverse-item
DenominationHalfcrown (2 shillings and 6 pence)
Country / EmpireIreland
Obverse DesignLaureate and draped bust of King James II facing left. Legend: IACOBVS . II . DEI . GRATIA . (James II by the Grace of God)
Reverse DesignA crown above two crossed sceptres. Below the crown, the value 'II 6' (for 2 shillings 6 pence). Below the sceptres, the month and year of issue (e.g., 'AUG: 1689'). Legend: MAG . BR . FRA . ET . HIB . REX . (King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland)
Historical Context
Issued by King James II in Ireland during the Williamite War (1689-1691) as a necessity coinage. Facing a severe shortage of precious metals to pay his troops and finance his campaign to regain the British throne from William III and Mary II, James II authorized the minting of these coins from base metals, primarily melted-down brass and bronze from old cannons, bells, and other scrap. The coins were intended to be redeemed for silver at their face value once James II was victorious, a promise that was never fulfilled after his defeat at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 and subsequent flight. Following William III's victory, these coins were largely demonetized, leading to significant financial hardship for those who held them.
