Queen Mary II 1668-1694

Mary II was born in 1662, the daughter of James II and Anne Hyde. For political reasons she was married at the age of 15 and lived in Holland until her father was overthrown in 1688.

Although it was intended that Mary should rule alone, William of Orange, her husband, had other ideas; thus they were eventually declared joint Sovereigns by Parliament. Their coronation ceremony in 1689 is unique in that is was the only one for joint sovereigns in British history and necessitated the making of a duplicate set of the regalia.

Despite her modes and retiring nature, Mary was very popular, taking an active interest in hospitals, charities and other good causes. Her death in 1694 was due to smallpox and this popular Queen was sadly missed by William who continued to do much for England and Europe until his own death eight years later.

The obverse of the coin features the famous Arnold Machin portrait of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II, celebrating her Silver Jubilee in 1977.

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