Description
James II (1685-88), Five Guineas, 1688, Qvarto edge, second laureate bust facing left, legend reads IACOBVS. II.•DEI.•GRATIA, toothed border both sides. Rev, crowned cruciform shields, sceptres in angles. Legend reads •MAG. BR.• FRA. ET.• HIB REX., date divided by top crown, edge reads in inscribed letters +.DECVS. ET. TVTAMEN. . ANNO. REGNI. QVARTO+ (MCE 119; S.3397A). Good very fine, some trivial surface marks and nicks, problem free around the edges with underlying lustre struck beneath both legends. Although this coin has seen a small amount of light superficial wear – all the main features are visible and it is really a very handsome piece with no problems. The first two figures of the date are weak as usual (as they correspond with the tip of James breast on the other side, where all the gold has gone into). A very attractive coin – issued for only for two years, so as a type rare anyway.
