Ireland, James II May 1690 small size Gunmoney Shilling struck in Dublin

James II (1688-91), Gunmoney Shilling, May 1690, small size, laureate head left, legend surrounding, IACOBVS. II. DEI. GRATIA, rev. struck en medaille, crown at centre over crossed sceptres, value XII above for twelve pence, fleuron type J to left, R to right, May. italic below with stop after, legend surrounding, date at top, MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB. REX. 1690., edge engrailed, weight 5.13g (Timmins TB12sM-1B; DF.438; S.6582D). Toned, with some flan flaws, a bold very fine.

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."