Superbly Toned 1745 British Shilling “Lima” NGC AU-58
Item #CC-0707 | Superbly Toned 1745 British Shilling “Lima” NGC AU-58
Mint: London, England
Ruler: King George II
Period: Minted during The War of Jenkins Ear
Grade: AU-58
For details and population on this coin from NGC, click on the serial number here: 8371893-002
Description: This is a rare and superbly preserved 1745 British Shilling. If you look closely, you will notice that the word “Lima” appears under the portrait of King George II. The word “Lima” was only included on British coins dating from 1745 to 1746. It was included to commemorate British naval victories over the Spanish, including Commodore George Anson’s capture of the Spanish Manilla trade galleon Nuestra Señora de Covadonga, which held an estimated $80,000,000 in treasure. At the time of the capture, it was discovered that much of the silver originated from the Spanish Colonial mint located in Lima, Peru.
Shortly after Anson’s famous victory, two British privateers, Captains James Talbot and John Morecock captured three more ships, which yielded staggering amounts of Spanish Pieces of Eight, gold doubloons, and other treasure from the Spanish. The amount of silver taken in these actions was so significant, that the King of England ordered the word “Lima” to be engraved on Crowns, Half Crowns, Shillings, and Six Pence as well as British gold Guineas and Half Guineas. This served as a major morale booster for the English as well as a political slap in the face to King Philip V of Spain since all of this treasure was captured during the War of Jenkins’ Ear, which was a conflict between Britain and Spain that raged from 1739 to 1748.
Elements of The Coin Design
The obverse of the coin was designed by engraver John Tanner (1705-1775) and displays a portrait of King George II facing left wearing armor with the face of a lion on the shoulder epaulette. The legend around the rim in Latin reads “GEORGIVS.II.DEI.GRATIA.”, which means “George the Second by The Grace of God”.
The reverse of the coin was designed by another engraver, Johann Ochs (1673-1749) and displays crowned cruciform shields representing Great Britain’s domains, a central garter star, and the date 1745. The abbreviated Latin legend continues from the obverse around the rim, which 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.
What makes this particular specimen special, is its overall level of preservation, toning, and eye appeal. Precious few of these coins have survived in grades higher than very fine and this one has achieved the highest grade for about uncirculated coins. As far as value, this coin offers just about everything you would expect from a high grade mint state coin without the hefty price tag. Held in the light, you can see the original mint luster bathed in lilac and peach toning, golden hues, and very sharp details.
Given its relatively high state of preservation, it is possible that this coin could have come from a presentation set once owned by Commodore Anson or one of his crew members. Several sets were given by the Royal Mint on behalf of the King around the time they were minted as testaments to the capture of the Covadonga off the Philippines.
For an in-depth look into the fascinating story behind the British coins from this year that include the word “Lima“, check out our article titled “Rare British “Lima” Coins Commemorating Victories over the Spanish!” at https://commodorecoins.com/treasure-blog/british-silver-coins-commemorating-victory-at-sea/
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