Description
James II (1685-88), Five Guineas, 1688, second laureate head facing left, toothed border both sides, legend reads IACOBVS. II. DEI. GRATIA. Rev, crowned cruciform shields, sceptres in angles, date either side of top crown, legend surrounds MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB REX., edge, inscribed +.DECVS. ET. TVTAMEN. ANNO. REGNI. QVARTO.+.,41.74g (MCE 119; S.3397A). Nearer to extremely fine than very fine, a bold problem free example with much underlying brilliance.
Five Guineas were the largest denomination issued from the reigns of Charles II all the way up to George III, replaced in the 1817 currency reform by the lighter gold Five Pound piece. Only the wealthiest and most privileged members of society would ever have handled such a large gold coin. The essence of each king and queen is superbly captured in the intricately engraved details of the struck portraits of these remarkable and imposing coins. This 1687 James II is no exception; the portrait displays James in wonderful detail and captures his true image. There is little wonder why the five guinea market has continued to go from strength to strength over the last 20 years.
Ruling from 1685 to 88, James was never as popular as his brother Charles II and in hindsight it was inevitable he would not have a long accomplished reign. His reign will always be remembered for conflicts over religious tolerance and his increasing support and promotion of Catholicism. His overthrowing end eventual refuge in France brought to an end a century of political and civil contention by confirming the position of Parliament over Crown and the supremacy of the Protestant Faith.
The year of 1688 will always be most notable for the The Glorious Revolution permanently establishing Parliament as the ruling power of England—and, later, the United Kingdom—representing a shift from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.
