Lot 680

Description

James II, gold touchpiece, (gold healing piece) (Farquhar BNJ 1922 'Royal Charities - Touchpieces for the King's Evil' p.174, M.5240). Nearly very fine and very Rare.

Ex H.P. Whittle Collection. Farquhar (p.174) states that James began to heal on March 4 (1685) and on his accession James as the new king was well aware of the 'touching for the Evil' insomuch as just before the death of Charles II a small medal priced at five shillings had taken the place of the larger version valued at nine shillings. The mint possessed 1905 pieces (probably of Charles II type) but a total of Å“250 or 1000 pieces were distributed for the Easter healing from a separate issue (these likely in James II's name). An additional sum of Å“500 was struck in July 1685, making a total of 3000 pieces struck for this type for both kings.