English Sixpence

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Date:1758

Description:

English silver sixpence, 1758

Diameter 20mm

The obverse features the cuirassed laureate bust of George II facing left. The inscription reads 'GEORGIUS.II.DEI.GRATIA.', Latin for 'George II By the Grace of God. The reverse features four shields topped by crowns and surrounding the Garter Star. The left hand shield bears the coat of arms of the Royal House of Hanover combined with those of England and Scotland. The top shield bears the three lions of England with the single lion rampant of Scotland. The right hand shield bears the three fleur-de-lys to represent France and the bottom shield, obscured on this example, bears the harp of Ireland. The inscription reads 'M.B.F.ET/ H.REX.FD.BR/ ET.L.D.SRI./ A.T.ET.E.1758', representing the Latin legend 'Magnae Britanniae, Franciae et Hiberniae Rex Fidei Defensor Brunsviciensis et Luneburgen-sis Dux, Sacri Romani Imperii Archi-Thesaurarius et Elector', meaning 'King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Duke of Brunswick and Luneburg, High Treasurer and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire'. There is a hole pierced in the top of the coin which is not part of the original design and was possibly used to suspend the coin from a chain.

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Donor ref:LEAMG : M995.1926.350 (66/16845)

Source: Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum

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