James II Coins (1685 - 1688)
| Discover King James II Coins from 1685 to 1688, featuring all official British coinage issued during the reign of King James II. This category includes circulating and ceremonial coins from The Royal Mint struck during the final Catholic monarchy in Britain, covering gold, silver, tin, Maundy, proof, specimen, and certified graded issues. From classic gold Guineas and silver Crowns to rare tin Farthings and Halfpennies, King James II coins represent one of the shortest yet most historically significant reigns in British numismatic history. Britain’s Final Catholic Monarch Coinage EraKing James II ascended to the throne in 1685 following the death of his brother, King Charles II. His short reign ended with the Glorious Revolution of 1688, one of the defining constitutional events in British history, which led to the accession of William and Mary and permanently reshaped the British monarchy. This category includes all British coins issued under King James II between 1685 and 1688, including circulation strikes, Maundy money, gold and silver coinage, and rare collector issues. Denominations produced during the reign included the farthing, halfpenny, sixpence, shilling, half crown, crown, guinea, half guinea, two guineas, and five guineas. Collectors can explore coins featuring the portrait of King James II engraved by John Roettier, one of the most important engravers of the late Stuart period. The reign is especially notable for being the first in British history in which all circulating coins were fully machine-struck milled coinage, completing the transition away from traditional hammered coins. Gold Guineas from the reign remain particularly desirable, struck in 22-carat gold with crowned cruciform shields and sceptres on the reverse. Some examples feature the famous elephant or elephant-and-castle mark associated with gold supplied by the Royal African Company along the Guinea Coast of West Africa. Silver coinage from the reign includes Crowns, Half Crowns, Shillings, and Maundy issues featuring simplified crowned numeral reverses. Maundy sets dated 1688 are especially sought after because of the king’s brief reign and the political turmoil surrounding his overthrow. The reign is also famous for its unusual base-metal coinage. James II issued tin Halfpennies and Farthings with small copper plugs inserted into the centre to discourage counterfeiting and support the struggling English tin industry. These coins are highly collectable today due to their poor long-term survival rate and distinctive appearance. Following his deposition, James II later authorised the striking of famous Irish “Gun Money” coinage during his Jacobite campaign in Ireland between 1689 and 1691. Although technically post-reign issues, these emergency base-metal coins remain closely associated with James II and are widely collected alongside his official British coinage. Why Collect King James II Coins?King James II Coins (1685–1688) remain highly sought after because of:
Explore King James II CoinageThis category includes a wide range of British coin issues such as:
Buy King James II Coins with ConfidenceAt The London Coin Company , all King James II Coins are carefully sourced and authenticated for quality, rarity, and collectability. Whether you are building a Stuart coin collection, collecting historic Guineas and Maundy issues, or researching Britain’s Glorious Revolution and Jacobite era, King James II Coins offer a unique combination of royal heritage, political history, and enduring numismatic appeal. |
