Lot 3806
Great Britain. Crown, 1687. S.3407; ESC-78; Dav-3779. James II, 1685-1688. Obverse, second laureate draped bust left. Reverse, crowned cruciform shields, inverted die axis. Edge TERTIO in raised letters. A beautiful mint state coin, well struck up overall, although the top of the hair just slightly weak. 'English Silver Coinage' (page 11) notes that James II Crowns with the second bust are very often found with 'the hair above the forehead not properly struck up,' and yet this is better struck than most examples. The coin has tremendous eye appeal and a rich golden-green tone over glistening and practically flawless surfaces. Exceptional. NGC graded MS-62.
* James II was over 50 years old when he succeeded to the throne upon the death of his brother Charles II in 1685 - quite an age for a new king in the 17th century! James had become a Catholic in 1671. This reduced his popularity and led firstly to attempts to exclude him from the succession, then to the rebellions of Monmouth and Argyll and finally to Parliament's invitation to his daughter and son-in-law, William and Mary to take the throne. James fled to Ireland, rallied his supporters, but was defeated at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, choosing to go into exile in France.
His reign was brief and his coins are scarce- especially so in high grade. During this period the coinage dies continued to be engraved by John Roettier (1631-1700).
Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000.
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