The William III halfpenny, issued between 1695 and 1701 during the reign of William III of England, is a substantial copper coin struck at a pivotal moment in British history following the Glorious Revolution. Practical in everyday commerce yet rich in symbolism, it carries bold Latin inscriptions that affirm royal authority.
 
Location found: Norfolk
 
The obverse features a laureate and draped bust of the king facing right, surrounded by the inscription GVLIELMVS III DEI GRA, translated as “William the Third, by the Grace of God.” GVLIELMVS is the Latin form of William, III denotes “the Third,” and DEI GRA abbreviates Dei Gratia, meaning “by the Grace of God,” reinforcing the doctrine of divinely sanctioned rule.
On the reverse appears the seated figure of Britannia holding a spear and olive branch, with a shield bearing the Union flag, accompanied by the inscription BRITANNIA — simply “Britannia.” The date is shown in the exergue beneath the figure. This enduring national emblem symbolised maritime strength and stability at a time of war with France and growing parliamentary power.
Today, the William III halfpenny is valued not only as an early milled copper coin but as a tangible relic from a reign that helped shape Britain’s constitutional monarchy.
 
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