Introduction The first phase of the Hiberno-Norse coinages were imitations of contemporary Anglo-Saxon coins. They were produced in Dublin but closely copied the style of the silver pennies of Aethelred II of England and his successor Cnut. Since the English coin designs changed periodically, the dating and sequence of their Hiberno-Norse equivalents can be identified…
Bandon in 1641 The rural counties of Leinster, Munster and Ulster were sparsely populated by Protestant settlers that had been given land in recent plantations. In many places, the Catholic tenants that had previously worked the farms were still in the locality and subsisted as landless outlaws (woodkerne, or tories). When rebellion broke out, some…
2018 Market Values Irish Free State (Saorstát Éireann) US Grades G VF 20 XF40 AU50 MS61 YEAR Mintage Good Fine Very Fine Ex. Fine Uncirculated 1928 3,201,000 face €0.50 €2.50 €5.00 €15.00 proof €75.00 1934 600,000 face €0.75 €3.25 €25.00 €75.00 1935 520,000 face €1.00 €4.00 €50.00…
2018 Market Values Irish Free State (Saorstát Éireann) YEAR VF 20 XF40 AU50 MS61 RB PF66 R Mintage Fine Very Fine Ex. Fine Uncirculated Proof (FDC) 1928 300,000 €2.25 €4.00 €7.00 €14.00 €30.00 1930 288,000 €3.50 €6.00 €15.00 €25.00 1931 192,000 €4.00 €7.50 €20.00 €35.00 €500.00 1932 192,000 €4.00 €8.00 €20.00 €35.00 1933 480,000…
The British gold sovereign is one of the most ‘collected’ gold coins in Ireland today. We used it when we were part of the UK and it would seem that we are still hoarding them. Named after the English gold sovereign, previously last minted in 1604, the name was revived with the Great Re-coinage of…
There are 4 gold coins currently minted by the US Mint – 1 oz., 1/2 oz., 1/4 oz. and 1/10th oz. They are sold by the US Mint at a premium over the gold market spot price. They are not proofs, nor are they limited edition commemorative issues. They are sold as an investment and…
It is every metal detector’s dream to find something worth a million, although most of them do it for the exercise, the fresh air and the fun they have in researching their smaller finds. Its about the history. I was very surprised and impressed to discover that most detectorists donate their finds to local museums…
Introduction On 23rd October 1680, letters patent were granted to Sir Thomas Armstrong and Colonel George Legge) to manufacture copper halfpennies for use in Ireland for a period of 21 years. They were to be dated 1680, 1681, 1682, 1683, 1684 and 1685 but, since Charles II died in 1684, no coins dated 1685 have…
Although Armstrong & Legge’s patent to produce copper halfpennies for use in Ireland was confirmed by James II, these coins were actually minted by Sir John Knox, the Lord Mayor of Dublin. On the 17th June 1685, they transferred this patent by deed of appointment to Sir John Knox for the remainder of the time…
In 1694 Queen Mary II died of smallpox and William continued to rule alone. In 1694 William set up the Bank of England in order to fund his war against Louis XIV The revolution of 1688, which brought William and Mary to the throne, gave England a measure of political stability and commerce flourished, but the…
The Old Currency Exchange is a specialist dealer and valuer of Irish & GB coins, tokens and banknotes 