1689 Irish Gun Money

Description

Gun money
was an issue of coins made by the forces of
James II
during the
Williamite War in Ireland
between 1689 and 1691. They were minted in
base metal
(copper, brass or pewter), and were designed to be redeemed for silver coins following a victory by James II and consequently bore the date in months to allow a gradual replacement. As James lost the war, that replacement never took place, although the coins were allowed to circulate at much reduced values before the copper coinage was resumed. They were mostly withdrawn from circulation in the early 18th century.
This copper example is dark chocolate and olive with fine porosity and light pitting. There is a planchet void on the rim under the shoulder, with full legends and excellent details, AU sharpness.
Year - 1689