King William IV Halfcrown.

This enamelled silver half-crown coin was given to me by my grandfather. It was made into a brooch for my grandmother when she was young. The extra is the reverse side, showing the King's portrait. William IV reigned from 1830 - 1837 and was the third son of George III and not expected to become King. He was sent off to join the Navy aged 13 and saw service at the Battle of St Vincent against the Spanish in1780 and was in New York during the War of Independence. He was later stationed in the West Indies under Horatio Nelson, left active service in 1790 as a Rear Admiral, and was created Duke Of Clarence. He lived with an Irish actress Dorothea Bland for 20 years and they had 10 illegitimate children, who were given the name Fitzclarence. His 'suitable' Protestant legal wife produced no children and he was succeeded by his niece Victoria.