Help Classifying William III Exeter Sixpence 1696

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

Author	Replies: 4 / Views: 1,153
Sap Moderator Australia 16857 Posts	Posted 05/06/2021 10:11 am Hi all, I've recently acquired a rather drab William III 1696 sixpence, mintmarked E for Exeter. Now, Spink lists a dozen or more varieties for this coin, and isn't entirely clear about telling them apart. The condition of this coin isn't helping much either. But, as near as I can tell, this is a "third bust, early harp, large crowns on shields" type (Spink number 3537A), which is a scarcer variety. AM I ont he right track here, or missing somethign obvious? Any further hints or opinions welcomed. Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis Report this Post to the Staff

PaddyB Pillar of the Community United Kingdom 945 Posts	Posted 05/06/2021 11:37 am Not really anything I have looked at that closely before, but I think I would put it down as First Bust, not third. The proximity of the forelock to the numeral III and the lack of a tight knot in the hair-tie at the back of the head looks more first bust than third to me. But as you say, the condition does not help! This would make it S3523, which is relatively common. Report this Post to the Staff
Hogarth Pillar of the Community United Kingdom 735 Posts	Posted 05/06/2021 1:44 pm I was thinking the same Paddy but, looking again, I note the continuous curve to the back of the head which is indicative of the third, while the first has an obvious angled shape. The toppersmost of King Billy's bouffant also resembles the third variety but, to be honest, condition is so poor, I'd not want to be quoted one way or the other. However, definitely early harp, wide crowns. Edited by Hogarth 05/06/2021 4:57 pm Report this Post to the Staff
Gainn Valued Member United Kingdom 218 Posts	Posted 05/06/2021 8:01 pm I'd say first bust because the wreath (if that's what it's called.. I've always called it that) sits almost level with the top bun, and the third bust ribbon ties are thinner and splay more. overlaid and 'cheese-sliced' on a first bust. A little perspective correction, but less than a 2 degree shift. Report this Post to the Staff
Sap Moderator Australia 16857 Posts	Posted 05/08/2021 04:32 am Thanks everyone for their input. I'd go with consensus and label it first bust, then. Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 4 / Views: 1,153

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

All Forums Category: World Coins and Currency Forums Forum: United Kingdom (Great Britain) Coins

Silver Gold Bull US is the United States leading bullion dealer. We deliver gold coins, gold bars, silver coins, silver bars and precious metals to your door. Order today!

The First Dollar, your premier source for bullion and rare coins. See our bullion list on the site and the coin inventory on ebay.

View Last 100 New Topics

View Last 100 Active Topics

Disclaimer: While a tremendous amount of effort goes into ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in this site, Coin Community assumes no liability for errors. Copyright 2005 - 2026 Coin Community Family- all rights reserved worldwide. Use of any images or content on this website without prior written permission of Coin Community or the original lender is strictly prohibited.
Contact Us | Advertise Here | Privacy Policy / Terms of Use

Coin Community Forum

It took 0.25 seconds to rattle this change.