Description:
English silver crown, 1696
Diameter 40mm
The obverse features the draped and laureate bust of William III facing right with the inscription 'GULIELMUS III.DEI.GRATIA', Latin for 'William III By the Grace of God'. The reverse features four shields, representing Ireland (the harp), Great Britain (the three lions for England and the single lion for Scotland), and France (the three Fleur-de-lys). Each shield has a crown above and they surround a lion rampant which is worn on this example. The inscription reads 'MAG.BR.FRA.ET.HIB.REX.1696', Latin abbreviated meaning 'King of Great Britain, France and Ireland', although the writing is particularly worn on the left hand side.