1745 United Kingdom Half Crown, Lima Mint

This 1745 George II Silver Half Crown is a significant artifact of British naval and economic history. Most silver coins struck in 1745 feature the hallmark "LIMA" beneath the King’s bust, indicating the bullion was captured from the Spanish treasure fleet by Admiral Anson during his circumnavigation of the globe. This issue was intentionally marked to celebrate the British victory and to replenish the Royal Mint during the fiscal strain of the War of the Austrian Succession.

The obverse displays the "Old Head" portrait of George II, while the reverse features the crowned cruciform shields of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland. Minted during the height of the Jacobite Rising of 1745, these coins circulated while Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces were marching through Scotland and Northern England. For the specialist, this coin represents both a commemorative of maritime conquest and a witness to the final domestic threat to the Hanoverian throne.

• Country: United Kingdom
• Year: 1745
• Denomination: Half Crown
• Composition: Silver (92.5%)
• Size: 34 mm
• Weight: 15.05 g (approximate)
• Grade: vg-fine
  

“Fine” indicates clear major design details remain visible with moderate wear on high points; the coin remains attractive.