Rare 1746 British “Lima” Half Crown PCGS AU-55 Toned!
Item #CC-0620 | 1746 British “Lima” Half Crown PCGS AU-55 Toned!
Mint: London
Ruler/Period: King George II (1683-1760)
Grade: AU-55
For details and population on this coin from PCGS, click on the serial number here: 50916781
Description: This is a superb and beautifully toned example of a rare 1746 British half crown. What makes this particular specimen special is that the obverse displays the word “Lima” under the portrait of King George II. This means that the silver used to make this coin came from Spanish pieces of eight that were captured by the British during famous sea battles. For an in-depth look into the history of this coin, read our article titled “Rare British Coins Commemorating Victories over the Spanish” here: https://commodorecoins.com/treasure-blog/british-silver-coins-commemorating-victory-at-sea/
The obverse of the coin was designed by engraver John Tanner (1705-1775) and displays a portrait of King George II facing left and the legend around the rim in Latin reads “GEORGIVS.II.DEI.GRATIA.”, which means “George the Second by The Grace of God”. Directly underneath the bust of King George is the word “Lima”, which is a privy mark that indicates that the silver used for this coin was Spanish silver captured by the Royal Navy and British privateers!
The reverse of the coin was designed by engraver Johann Ochs (1673-1749) and displays crowned cruciform shields representing Great Britain’s domains, a central garter star, and the date of either 1745 or 1746. The abbreviated Latin legend continues from the obverse around the rim reads: “M.B.F. ET H. REX.FD.B.ET.L.D.SRI.A.T.ET.E”. In Latin, this is: “Magnae Britannieae, Franciae Et Hiberniae Rex Fidei Defensor Brunsviciensis Et Luneburgensis Dux, Sacri Romani Imperii Archi-Thesaurarius Et Elector”. The translation in English is: “King of Great Britain, France (Normandy) and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Duke of Brunswick and Luneburg, Arch Treasurer and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire”
The four crowned shields represents different parts of the British realm:
- England is represented by three lions passant guardant.
- Scotland is represented by a single lion rampant.
- Ireland is represented by a harp.
- France is represented by three fleurs-de-lis, reflecting the historical claim of the English monarchy to the French throne.
In the center of the cruciform arrangement is the Garter Star, symbolizing the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the highest order of chivalry in Britain that was founded by King Edward III in 1348.
The inscription around the outer edge of the coin on half crowns and crowns reads in Latin: DECUS ET TUTAMEN ANNO REGNI DECIMO NONO. The translation in English is: “An Ornament and a Safeguard in the Nineteenth Year of His Reign”.
This is the perfect coin for anyone interested in 18th century British naval victories over the Spanish or collectors of British coins that have an amazing history!
In stock
$2,150.00
