James II 1687 Guinea, second bust, AU58

James II (1685-88), gold Guinea, 1687, second laureate head left, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding both sides, IACOBVS. II. DEI. GRATIA, rev. crowned cruciform shields, emblematic sceptres in angles, date either side of top crown, .MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB REX. weight 8.17g (Schneider 457; Farey 290; MCE 128; Bull EGC 329; S.3402). Light red copper tone, a couple of flecks on obverse and one dark blemish on reverse, has been slabbed and graded by NGC as AU58.

NGC certification 5880291-017.

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

We are often asked how to tell the difference quickly between first and second bust gold Guineas of James II as it is difficult to the inexperienced eye. The overall look of the bust is most obvious to the trained eye, but what gives it away easiest is to look at the nostril on the nose. A more open bean shaped nostril, oval in shape indicates first bust. A nostril that thins out towards a point towards the tip of the nose is indicative of the second bust.

The total output of gold across all four denominations for the calendar year of 1687 was £401,301.

We note that as of September 2021 NGC have graded only twelve pieces of which only three are finer, PCGS have graded a total of eight pieces of which only two are finer.

Provenance:

Ex Chalaza Collection, Spink Coin Auction, 15^th September 2020, lot 75.