1689 James II Gun Money Replica Medal – Irish Jacobite Historical Token Repro

1689 James II Irish “Gun Money” Replica Medal – Historical Commemorative

This is a finely made replica commemorative medal of the famous 1689 Irish “Gun Money,” originally issued under King James II during the Williamite War in Ireland (1689–1691).

The historic “Gun Money” coins/medals were struck in base metals such as copper and brass, often using melted-down cannons, church bells, and household metal objects. They were intended as emergency currency to pay soldiers, with the promise of later redemption in silver. Each piece carried both the year and the month of issue so that soldiers could claim back pay with interest once James II regained power. Since James lost the war, that redemption never happened, and the tokens circulated only briefly at reduced value before being withdrawn in the early 18th century.

⚔️ Details of This Replica

• Material: Copper

• Diameter: 33 mm (≈ 1.30 in)

• Weight: 16.1 g (≈ 0.57 oz)

• Obverse: Portrait of King James II on horseback with Latin legend IAC • II • DEI • GRA • MAG • BRIT • FRA • ET • HIB • REX (“James II by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland”)

• Reverse: Cross of crowned shields with date and motto CHRISTO VICTORE TRIVMPHO (“Triumph through Christ the Victor”)

• Finish: Antiqued copper style

• Condition: Brand new reproduction

🎖️ Collector Value

• Represents a turbulent moment in Irish and British history

• Perfect for collectors of Jacobite memorabilia, Irish exonumia, or 17th-century tokens

• Great as a teaching aid, display piece, or historical conversation item