IRELAND. James II. 1685-1691. ‘Proof’ AR Halfcrown (28mm, 11.34 g, 2h). ‘Gunmoney’ coinage. Dublin mint. Dated May 1690. VF.

CNG Feature Auction 133
Lot: 893. Estimated: $ 6 000

British, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 8 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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IRELAND. James II. 1685-1691. ‘Proof’ AR Halfcrown (28mm, 11.34 g, 2h). ‘Gunmoney’ coinage. Dublin mint. Dated May 1690. Withers 2s6d small May 90, 26/28 and p. 363 (this coin illustrated); D&F 400; SCBC 6580B9. Toned. VF. Extremely rare – these dies known only from five examples, all in silver.

From the Gasvoda Collection, purchased from Del Parker, August 2022. Ex John Rainey Collection (Dix Noonan Webb 250, 3 March 2022), lot 173, purchased from Baldwin’s, June 2013; Vecchi 2 (12 September 1996), lot 1494; H.M Lingford Collection.

In 1688, James II fled from England to France and the English crown passed to his daughter, Mary, and her husband, William of Orange. After drumming up Catholic support on the Continent, James launched an invasion of Ireland in March 1689 to regain his throne. Having insufficient funds to underwrite his war efforts, a plan was devised to issue official base metal token coins which would be exchanged for sterling silver once the war was won. Shortly after the coins' inception, months were added to the dates to facilitate a staggered redemption plan, once the war was won. The coins were made of brass from old cannon, bells and other scrap metal and later become known as 'Gunmoney' coins. William III seized the Dublin mint after the Battle of Boyne, the coins were demonetized.

A very small number of the ‘gunmoney’ coins were struck in silver. Some of these off-metal strikes were made contemporaneously at the Dublin mint and share dies with regular base metal issues, as with the following lot. Others, including this example, are struck from dies only known for silver pieces. These were likely made from dies captured in Dublin and then taken to England, were the they were used by William’s supporters to strike souvenir pieces.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 133 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 15-16 September 2026.

CNG Feature Auction 133 – Session Three – Lot 595-896 will be held Wednesday morning, 16 September 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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