The Ireland 1692 William and Mary Halfpenny represents a pivotal moment in Irish and British numismatic heritage, encapsulating the earliest years of joint rule following the Glorious Revolution. Struck in copper by the Royal Mint for use in Ireland, this historic coin reflects the re-establishment of regal coinage after the turmoil of the Williamite Wars.
The obverse carries the conjoined right-facing busts of William III and Mary II, elegantly framed by the legend “GVLIELMVS. ET. MARIA. DEI. GRATIA,” asserting their sovereign authority by the grace of God. On the reverse, a crowned harp divides the date, a symbol deeply evocative of Ireland’s musical and national tradition, set within a toothed border and ringed by the legend “MAG. BR. FR. ET. HIB. REX. ET. REGINA.”
Issued during a period of postwar recovery and monetary reform, the William and Mary Halfpenny is far rarer in high grades due to the coin’s widespread circulation and the economic challenges of the era. The coin's survival today marks its resilience through centuries of history, standing as a tangible link to the foundation of constitutional monarchy and the legacy of Ireland under joint English rule. For the collector, the 1692 halfpenny embodies the artistry, tradition, and enduring significance of British and Irish coinage at the crossroads of change.
Specification
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Halfpenny |
| Alloy | Bronze |
| Weight | 6.70 g |
| Diameter | 25.00mm |
| Quality | Circulating |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Year | 1692 |