Coin (obverse), 12 pound piece from reign of William II (III of England)

Add to album

This is the obverse of a gold 12 pound piece from the reign of William II (III of England). Also known as a 'pistole', it is one of the last Scottish gold coins to be minted.

The obverse depicts a bust of the king surrounded by the Latin inscription which translates as, 'William by the grace of God'. Underneath the King's head is a small sun rising from the sea - the crest of the Darien Company.

This coin was struck from gold dust brought back from Africa by the Darien Company's ship 'The African Merchant'.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-054-547-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C4095
• Date: 1701
  
• Material: Gold; slight scratching near edge on both sides; slight wear. Inscription: Obv. GVLIELMVS DEI . GRATIA .; head to left; below, sun rising above sea / Rev. MAG . BRIT . FRA . ET . HIB . REX . 1701 .; crowned shield between crowned W + R
  Coin, 12 pound piece
  
• Dimensions: 24.00 x 23.00 mm D / Die Axis: 12.0
  
• What: Coin, 12 pound piece
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: William II
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: William II gold 12-pound piece, Edinburgh, 1701
  
• References:
• Translations:
• Related Records: