Ireland, James II 1689 10-R Gunmoney Shilling for December 1689

James II (1688-91), Gunmoney Shilling, December with 10r 1689, large size, laureate head left, legend surrounding, IACOBVS. II. DEI. GRATIA, rev. struck en médaille, crown at centre over crossed sceptres, value XII above for twelve pence, J to left, R to right, r over 10 below, legend surrounding, date at top, MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB. REX. 1689., edge engrailed, weight 6.94g (Withers Dec 45 8seen; Timmins TB12G-2E; DF 420; S.6581F5). Toned very fine with a hint of Verdigris below bust, very rare with the numerical month.

The Latin legends translate as on obverse "James the Second, by the grace of God," continuing on the reverse as "King of Great Britain, France and Ireland"

The base metal Gunmoney coinage was produced uniquely on a month by month basis, principally in Dublin but also in Limerick to support the Irish cause in the campaign of James II. Produced on the old style dating system of the Julian calendar where the old year ends and the new year begins on March 25th, these coins have the month upon them as well as the year. They were produced on two coin presses, one nicknamed the "James" press based in Dublin and the other the "Duchess" press which found its way to Limerick. As time progressed and things became more desperate the earlier large size coins were called in to remint as smaller size versions with higher face values, now including a Crown which was struck over the large Halfcrowns as offered herewith.