Shilling, noodmunt van Jacobus II, koning van Engeland, uit maart 1690 1690 - 1693

This is a copper shilling, a so-called 'noodmunt' or emergency coin, of James II, King of England, made in March 1690. But what can a humble coin tell us about the social and political conditions of its time? The very fact that this is an emergency coin is highly revealing. It was produced in Dublin during a period of crisis, part of what is known as the Williamite War in Ireland. The image of James II is a visual statement of contested authority, a claim to power in a time of conflict. Historians can study such objects alongside official documents and personal accounts to better understand the complexities of this period. The coin is a reminder that even the smallest artifacts can offer insights into the grand narratives of history.