Is this coin as rare as his seller says?

SYRACUSIAN

Best ever seen?

1690 Ireland Gun Money Halfcrown PCGS MS63


Ireland 1690-May James II Gun Money Halfcrown PCGS MS-63

Best Ever Seen!!

Is it copper? If yes, why not an RB grade?

JCMhouston

They are usually brass, not copper, although proofs are known in various metals. I don't collect these so keep in mind these are my uninformed opinions (which my wife says I am full of). An MS63 would seem to me to be a pretty tough coin, these circulated widely, and even after the defeat of James II they continued to circulate at a reduced value since they were never redeemed. A piece like this would probably have an interesting history if it could talk, given the conditions in Ireland at the time you wonder if perhaps it was presented to one of James leading supporters who put it away as a keepsake.

I don't know if it is worth the asking price, but I have seen high AU and low mint state pieces (60-61) sell at auctions in the $500 range in the past so perhaps a 63 is worth it.

SYRACUSIAN

Thank you Jeff.



keep in mind these are my uninformed opinions (which my wife says I am full of)


So does mine about me, but in not so elegant words....


I will nonetheless be happy to hear more informed or uninformed opinions. I admit that I know nothing about these coins, not even why they are called gun money and I don't have a Krause from the 1600s to educate myself.

JCMhouston

They were called gun money because they were supposed to be made from melted down cannon barrels, but in reality it is said they used anything made of brass they could melt.

SaorAlba

<< <i>They are usually brass, not copper, although proofs are known in various metals. I don't collect these so keep in mind these are my uninformed opinions (which my wife says I am full of). An MS63 would seem to me to be a pretty tough coin, these circulated widely, and even after the defeat of James II they continued to circulate at a reduced value since they were never redeemed. A piece like this would probably have an interesting history if it could talk, given the conditions in Ireland at the time you wonder if perhaps it was presented to one of James leading supporters who put it away as a keepsake.

I don't know if it is worth the asking price, but I have seen high AU and low mint state pieces (60-61) sell at auctions in the $500 range in the past so perhaps a 63 is worth it. >>



Let me just add that when they did circulate afterwards it was without sanction of the Crown - the latter would have preferred they just disappear. The only coins from the James II period in Ireland that did circulate with sanction were the 1691 Limerick halfpennies - which were struck on gunmoney! And yes, whether they really circulated or were just pocket pieces afterwards - the gunmoney coins are usually pretty well worn.

MacCrimmon

Pittman had a full denomination set of Gun Money (patterns/ proofs?) which were struck in silver, IIRC.

All were nice, but the large shilling piece was easily a superb gem specimen which I was tempted to purchase. Unfortunately, the coin hammered well north of $5k, at which point my temptations ceased.............but I still remember ol' beak-nosed J2 resplendent as a silver shilling.

Also, that halfcrown striking is as fine as I've seen in that alloy.