Description
James II (1685-88), Shilling, 1688, laureate and draped bust left, legend surrounds IACOBVS II DEI GRATIA. Rev, crowned cruciform shields, garter star at centre, four strings to Irish harp, date flanking top crown, reads MAG BR FRA ET HIB REX (S.3410; Bull.771; ESC.1073). Cabinet toning with underlying amber bloom, fields free from any major markings, some hairlines. Portrait pleasing showing all the fundamental aspects of the Kings bust, some flatness in line with the grade. Reverse, noticeably clear fields with all the major details in place. Good fine, rare.
In more cases than others after consulting the auction archives, it appears the 1688/7 features at auction at a higher frequency when compared to the 1688. True 1688 types (without an overdate incorporated in the numeral date-line) are seemingly more elusive.
Ex Huddersfield coins, bought 1978
