James II & his Gunmoney: August 1689 (timeline)
The gunmoney of James II: August 1689 (timeline)
James II & his Gunmoney: July 1689 (timeline)
The introduction of the new ‘gunmoney’ sixpence in June was a qualified success for deposed King James II and he quickly moved to cash in even more when he ordered the issue of shillings and halfcrowns for July. The coin presses in Capel Street were in production 24 hours a day, with mint workers employed…
James II & his Gunmoney: June 1689 (timeline)
This was never going to be enough and the answer to James’s financial predicament came from a Protestant – William Bromfield, an English Quaker and one time surgeon who invented the world’s first ‘fiat’ currency based upon a promise to pay at a later date
What Irish banknotes & coins are most popular with collectors?
Please help ! First ever global survey on Irish coins and banknotes ! I am currently doing a post-grad diploma in digital marketing (NFQ, Level 9) research project and need feedback from Irish coin and banknote collectors. This is an academic research project It will not be used for commercial purposes The survey is 100%…
Coin Forgery Alert: Ireland 1937 Halfcrown
Caveat emptor According to a recent report by the Numismatic Society of Ireland, several examples of this scarce (key date) halfcrown have appeared on the market, so buyers need to be extra vigilant when offered what may look like a bargain from an unusual source. Needless to say, an eBay seller “with little of no…
Coin Forgery Alert: Ireland 1943 Halfcrown
Caveat emptor Coin forgers have been with us for over a thousand years but this crime is no longer punishable in the medieval way, e.g. in the “Purge of the Moneyers” by Henry I at Christmas 1124, all of the English moneyers were summoned to Winchester, where most of them were castrated and had the…
O’Brien Coin Price Guide 2016: The Irish Coinage of George III
2016 Market Values The coinage of George II is reasonably easy to find in the lower grades but a substantial premium is paid for higher grade coins – which are not easy to obtain. Last year, we saw steep price increases at auction for proofs and regular issues in Extremely Fine (EF) and Uncirculated grades.…
O’Brien Banknote Price Guide 2016: Ploughman £1 notes
2016 Market Values Last year (2015) saw a vibrant market for Ploughman £1 notes with many new collectors entering an already crowded field. The one pound Ploughman is the most affordable of the Consolidated Banks series and is, therefore the most popular starting point for this most elusive of modern Irish banknotes . Increased demand…
O’Brien Coin Price Guide 2016: The Irish Coinage of George IV
2016 Market Values Copper Penny Copper Halfpenny Copper Farthing <no image> No farthings were circulated.
O’Brien Coin Guide: The Irish ‘Regal’ Coinage of George IV
Introduction The short reign George IV was of huge numismatic importance to Ireland. George III’s Act of Union in 1801 had abolished the Irish Parliament in Dublin and extended direct rule over Ireland by the English Parliament in London. George IV went further :- The Assimilation of Currencies Act, 1825 provided for the abolition of the separate…
The Old Currency Exchange is a specialist dealer and valuer of Irish & GB coins, tokens and banknotes 