William III Gold Five Guineas Coin

Coins from the reign of William III (1694–1702), following the death of Mary II, are highly significant due to the Great Recoinage of 1696. This massive effort to replace clipped and hammered silver with machine-made milled coins means that high-grade survivors, especially those with rare mint marks or errors, command significant premiums today.

Most Valuable William III Coins

The gold Five Guinea and rare silver error pieces are among the most valuable issues from this period.

Gold Five Guineas (1701 “Fine Work”): This is widely considered one of the most beautiful coins in British history, featuring the “second bust” with refined detailing.
Market Value: A “Choice Mint State” specimen was recently valued at £75,000. Mid-grade (VF/EF) examples are typically worth around £46,500.

Mintage Information: There are no officially recorded mintage figures for this specific design.
Gold Guinea (1701): The standard gold unit near the end of his reign.

Market Value: High-grade (MS62) examples can reach £12,950, while “Extremely Fine” (XF45) specimens are currently offered by The Royal Mint for £7,900.

Mintage Information: Exact figures are not publicly recorded for the 1701 guinea.
Silver Crown (1696 “GEI” Error): A rare error where “DEI” (God) was accidentally struck as “GEI”.
Market Value: Valued at approximately £850 in bold fine condition.
Silver Crown (1700 “Third Bust”): The final crown issue of his reign.
Market Value: A high-grade (MS62) example is priced at £2,950. Other Extremely Fine specimens can reach £4,750.
Mintage Information: Precise mintage is unrecorded, but it is considered a scarcer date than the 1695 or 1696 issues.