Ireland. – James II – Gunmoney crown – 1690, with ‘WT’ countermarks (No reserve price)

Ireland – James II – Gunmoney crown – 1690, with ‘WT’ countermarks

Obverse

James II in armour riding left on horseback, holding an upright sword. Partly legible surrounding legend, corresponding to: Iac · II · Dei · Gra · Mag · Bri · Fra · Et · Hib · Rex.

A deeply impressed WT countermark appears across the centre.

Reverse

Four crowned shields bearing the arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, arranged cruciformly around a central crown, partly obscured by a second WT countermark.

Anno Domini and the date 1690 are distributed across the angles. Partly legible surrounding legend: Christo victore triumpho.

The issuer and purpose of the WT countermarks remain unidentified.

References

Reference: Spink 6578. Specific die pairing not confirmed.

Specifications

Metal: Copper alloy
Weight: 14.95 g
Diameter: 34 mm
Mint: Dublin, attribution for this type
Date: 1690
Issue: Irish gunmoney coinage
Countermarks: WT on both sides