Ireland, James II June 1690 Gunmoney small Shilling, variety not in Timmins

James II (1688-91), Gunmoney Shilling, June 1690, small size, laureate head left, legend surrounding, IACOBVS. II. DEI. GRATIA, rev. 11 o'clock die axis, crown at centre over crossed sceptres, value XII above for twelve pence, fleuron type J to left, R to right, June. italic below with stop after, legend surrounding, date at top, MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB. REX. 1690., edge engrailed, weight 5.18g (Timmins -; DF.443; S.6582G). Toned, with some flan flaws, a bold very fine, the obverse and reverse variety not recorded in Timmins.

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 25^th, 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. This coin was struck on the "James" press in Dublin.

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.

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

The obverse is unusual in that the head is off-set somewhat to the left of the field with a larger field gap on the right side than usual.