Introduction: In numismatic terms ‘unknown’ means that none have been found – therefore asking the question “did they ever exist?” There are many instances where we know of a king commanding that coinage be produced but none have been found. Ironically, when ‘one’ is found, we begin to ask another set of questions: Is it…
Introduction: James Swift registered his bank in Dublin in 1721 but he was operating in Dublin beforehand, probably as a Goldsmith notory or banker of some description – as can be seen by this ‘sight note’ from Sir Francis Child (a London Goldsmith and banker). Sight note, 14 May 1713, ‘At three days sight pay…
Introduction: The short-lived Gibbons & Williams Bank issued some of the most attractive banknotes of the period – being printed on both sides and featuring many beautiful vignettes of Dublin and agricultural themes. As such, they are highly sought after by collectors. Their one pound, thirty shilling and three pound notes were payable in Dublin…
Date: c. 1020-1035 Hiberno-Norse Phase II Long Cross Penny, Sihtric of Dublin, with Dublin mint signature of Færemin (Moneyer of Dublin) – the most common moneyer of this phase. Weight: 1.37 g Diameter: 18mm Near Extremely Fine (nEF) A bold and attractive example of this variety References: SCBI Hiberno-Norse 64-66 var. (no pellets behind bust…
Gibbons & Williams Bank: Gibbons & Williams was one of the last private banks to be founded in Ireland. Founded in 1833, it spectacularly collapsed in 1835 when the senior partner, Hutchins Thomas Williams, was found to have been embezzling client funds. James Gibbons had parted company with him in 1834 and wasn’t involved in…
Date: c. 1016-1020 Hiberno-Norse. Phase I, Class E silver penny, c.995-1020, imitating the Quatrefoil type of Cnut, in the name of Sihtric (Silkenbeard) Anlafsson, with a Dublin mint signature. Also known as: Sihtric, Sitric and Sitrick in Irish texts Sigtryg and Sigtryggr in Scandinavian texts Of around twenty known Irish Quatrefoil copies (ten are recorded in SCBI), four…
Gibbons & Williams Bank: Gibbons & Williams was one of the last private banks to be founded in Ireland. Founded in 1833, it spectacularly collapsed in 1835 when the senior partner, Hutchins Thomas Williams, was found to have been embezzling client funds. James Gibbons had parted company with him in 1834 and wasn’t involved in…
Date: c. 1000-1010 Hiberno-Norse, Phase I Silver Penny in the name of ‘Ogsen’, Silver Penny in imitation of the English, Aethelred II Long Cross type. Blemish free and choice mint state / no peck marks Otherwise practically as struck Superb grey and gold tones Good extremely fine (gEF) Extremely rare References: O’Sullivan 11, S.6110. Obverse:…
Gibbons & Williams Bank: Gibbons & Williams was one of the last private banks to be founded in Ireland. Founded in 1833, it spectacularly collapsed in 1835 when the senior partner, Hutchins Thomas Williams, was found to have been embezzling client funds. James Gibbons had parted company with him in 1834 and wasn’t involved in…
Date: c. 1015-1035 Hiberno-Norse Phase II Long Cross Penny, Sihtric of Dublin (Difelin) and signature; (Faeremin) moneyer of Dublin. Weight: 1.16 g Diameter: 18mm Toned Good VF (gVF) References: SCBI 8 (BM), 75 (for type); SCBI 32 (Ulster), 71 (same dies); SCBC 6125 Obverse: Draped bust left; cross pattée behind neck and two pellets in…
The Old Currency Exchange is a specialist dealer and valuer of Irish & GB coins, tokens and banknotes 