William III. 1694-1702. AR shilling. 5.79 gm. 25 mm. York. 1696 y. First bust; y (York) below / Shields in cruciform configuration. S. 3502. (£1850) ESC 1199 (1107) R2. Choice Extremely Fine; lustrous and fresh, light peripheral toning.

The Great Recoinage that was declared in 1695 called in all hammered coins-by then a worn out, clipped, ineffective currency. This was paid for by the infamous Window Tax that saw owners brick up windows that can still be seen in London. Isaac Newton oversaw the coining. In order to get coins to the public quickly mints were set up at Bristol, Chester, Norwich and York and a letter corresponding to the mint city was included in the design. This piece was minted in York. Choice examples are scarce.