James II Irish Halfpenny
Ireland
1686–1688
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$0.11
Based on Copper spot price ($6.06/oz) · 95.0% purity · 8.5g
Updated 4:51 AM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Ireland |
| Years Minted | 1686–1688 |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 8.5 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
Bust of James II facing right.
Reverse
Crowned harp with the date below.
History & Notable Facts
These halfpennies were struck in Ireland to pay James II's troops during his desperate stand against William of Orange, turning copper into currency for a lost cause.
The coins feature a laureate bust of James II on the obverse and a crowned harp on the reverse, both crudely executed on thin planchets. Mintage figures remain uncertain; records likely perished in various upheavals, including the 1922 Irish Civil War fires. Variations exist, such as differences in die alignment, but they're not common enough to excite the average collector.
Some specimens show edge lettering, a detail that hints at rushed production. As for rarity, later dates like 1688 fetch higher prices in decent condition. You might quip that these coins, like James II himself, didn't stick around long.
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