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British Sterling Currency - Numismatics,
Half Penny
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Half Penny
![](images/WilliamIIIA1699.jpg)
![](images/WilliamIIIB1699.jpg)
![](images/WilliamIII1699.jpg)
William III 1694 - 1702 AD
From 1685 to 1692 halfpence were minted in tin with a copper plug at the centre, in the same manner as the US trial silver centre cent. The coins had no date on the obverse or reverse - you have to look on the edge, and with worn examples the date can become unreadable.
In addition the coins tended to corrode readily. This is due to two main effects, the first being the presence of two dissimilar metals which has an electrochemical effect, and the other due to the fact that the metallic form of tin is in fact unstable at low temperatures, turning into a non-metallic form known as grey tin. This latter process is accelerated the lower the temperature.
The metal was used to deter counterfeiting (a problem with copper) and to encourage the tin industry.
In 1694 the decision was made to revert to copper for the halfpenny, and an attractive pattern of that date is known . The issued coins had a similar design to the earlier tin issues, but with the date on the reverse in the exergue. During the reign of William III the quality of these coins deteriorated, with some being cast rather than struck. So many of these coins were in circulation that none were struck during the reign of Queen Anne (1701-1714), although an undated pattern halfpenny is known, with the Queen portrayed as Britannia on the reverse.
Obverse
Laureate bust of William III facing right
GULIELMUS TERTIUS
1699
Reverse:
The reverse features Britannia, seated left, holding a branch and spear, her left arm rests on a Union Flag decorated shield.
The legend reads:-
BRITANNIA 1699
Royal Monarchy
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