made in Edinburgh
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'.
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