William and Mary (1688-94), Silver Crown of Five Shillings, 1691. Conjoined draped busts right, legend and outer toothed border surrounding, GVLIELMVS. ET. MARIA. DEI. GRATIA, rev. crowned cruciform shields, eight strings to Irish harp, WM monogram in angles, date surrounding Lion of Nassau at centre, legend and outer toothed border surrounding, MAG. BR FR. ET. HI. REX. ET. REGINA., edge inscribed in raised letters and dated, +.DECVS. ET. TVTAMEN. ANNO. REGNI. TERTIO.+., weight 30.07g (Bull 820; ESC 82; KM.478; S.3433). Toned, extremely fine and rare to find so nicely preserved. Value $6,000 - UP
The conjoined profile busts of William and Mary together appear facing right on this the largest silver coin of the reign engraved by the Roettier brothers, James and Norbert. The silver coins of this reign are unusual in that the date reads around the central device of the reverse, being the Lion of Nassau relating to the lineage of William of Orange. This is the first date for the silver Crown in the reign which also features WM monogram in each of the angles of the reverse.
The Latin legends translate as on the obverse "William and Mary by the Grace of God," and abbreviated on the reverse as "King and Queen of Great Britain, France and Ireland," additionally on the edge "An ornament and a safeguard, in the third year of the reign."
Ex Roger Shuttlewood Collection of British Milled Silver, Spink Numismatic Circular, April 2001, MS0733.
Price realized | 14'500 USD |
Starting price | 4'750 USD |
Estimate | 6'000 USD |