Date: c. 1190-1199 Description: John (as Lord of Ireland), Silver Farthing (10mm, 0.27 g). Second (‘DOMinus’) coinage, Group II, cross pommée. Waterford mint; Gefrei, moneyer. Struck circa 1198-1199. Withers VI p. 31; O’S, Earliest 4; SCBI 10 (Ulster), pl. XVI, 11 var. (arrangement of rev. legend); D&F 41; SCBC 6222. Near Very Fine (aVF) Toned,…
Date: c. 1195 Description: John De Courcy, Lord of Ulster (1177-1205), Farthing, anonymous issue, Downpatrick Mint, 0.36g (Withers Downpatrick 1; D.F. 47; S.6225). Very Fine (VF) Toned, nicely preserved specimen for type Extremely Rare Obverse: Processional cross within beaded circle +PATRICII Reverse: Short cross potent with crescents in angles, within beaded circle +DE DVNO Country:…
Introduction After Edward III, there was a gap in Irish coin production of over 120 years. What caused this? Was it an economic or political decision, or a combination of several different causal factors? Did the causal factors occur before and/or during the reign of Edward III ??? No coins would be minted in Ireland for…
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.…
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…
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…
Introduction In 1636, directions were given to Lord Maltravers and Sir Francis Crane “to make a new sort of farthing token which should have a little brass in the middle of the copper to distinguish the true farthings from forgeries.” The harp on the reverse was replaced by a rose, and hence these pieces are…
Introduction In 1634 another farthing patent was issued, to Henry Howard, (Lord Maltravers) and Sir Francis Crane, their issues being known as Maltravers Farthings. Howard had married Lady Elizabeth Stuart, daughter of Esme Stuart, 3rd Duke of Lennox in 1626, so this patent was ‘passed on’ to yet another member of the royal family. The other…
Introduction During the reign of Charles I, (1625–1649), farthings continued to be produced under the king’s licence. Towards the end of the reign of James I, in 1623 Ludovic, Duke of Lennox acquired the additional title of the Duke of Richmond, but died a few months later without an heir. The farthing patent passed to…
Introduction Strictly speaking, the Harington ‘patent’ Farthings are not part of the Irish coinage of James I but, since many turn up in Ireland (either as genuine finds, or as imports by collectors or dealers), they cause a lot of confusion due to their having a harp on the reverse. Also, this patent was carried…
The Old Currency Exchange is a specialist dealer and valuer of Irish & GB coins, tokens and banknotes 