1689 James II Irish “Gunmoney” Shilling (January) – Emergency Issue

1689 James II Irish “Gunmoney” Shilling (January) – Emergency Issue

This is a classic Irish emergency copper/brass coin (often called “Gunmoney”) issued by King James II during his campaign in Ireland amid the Williamite War (1689–1691). These were struck from melted-down old cannon and church bells as a temporary currency to pay troops, with the promise they could later be redeemed for silver. Most circulated heavily and are now found in brass/copper tones.

Key Details:

•  Issuer: Kingdom of Ireland (under James II)

•  Ruler: James II

•  Date: 1689 (January issue) •  Catalog References: KM#93, Spink 6581 series, Seaby variants

•  Composition: Brass/Copper (Gunmoney alloy)

•  Weight: ~5.5–6.5 grams (varies by size/issue)

•  Diameter: ~25–27 mm (smaller shilling size)

•  Obverse: Laureate and draped bust of James II left. Legend: IACOBVS • II • DEI • GRATIA (“James II by the Grace of God”).

•  Reverse: Crowned crossed sceptres with value XII (12 pence = 1 Shilling) above, J R (Jacobus Rex) at sides. Legend: MAG • BR • FRA • ET • HIB • REX (“King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland”). Date 1689 above, with month Jan: (or similar) below the sceptres.

Gunmoney coins are famous for their monthly dating (a control feature) and historical ties to the Jacobite struggle. They were produced in large quantities but many were later counterstamped or devalued when James’s forces were defeated.

Edge: Plain or lightly filed (typical for these emergency issues).

This raw example displays decent circulated details for the type with a clear portrait and legends on the obverse, and identifiable crown/sceptres with XII on the reverse despite the typical Gunmoney wear and attractive old patina/toning. Solid representative of this popular historical type for collectors of British, Irish, or Jacobite coinage.

Coin pictured will be the exact one you will receive.