Introduction: This post is a continuation of the research work done by Derek Young and Prof. G.F. Mitchell – first published in the Irish Numismatics magazine. Sadly, this excellent magazine is no longer available and quite difficult to source. The information in this post relates to ‘minting errors’ on Irish pre-decimal florins. According to a…
Introduction: William IV re-introduced the groat as a coin for circulation in British Guiana but, towards the end of his short reign, it was proposed for general circulation in the UK by MP Joseph Hume – hence its nickname “the Joey” His reasoning was that the coin was convenient for paying cab fares. The coin…
Date: c. 1080 – 1085 Description: Hiberno-Norse coinage, silver penny mule, Phase V coinage. Diameter: 17mm Weight: c. 0.7g. Good very fine (gVF), with some surface cracks and flat areas Obverse: Crude bust left, trefoil of pellets to left (S.6139) Blundered and illegible legend around Reverse: Three birds around central pellet (S.6169) Blundered and illegible legend…
Introduction: In 1936, Edward VIII produced a stunning new set of designs for British coinage and, in addition to producing a new ‘brass’ threepence, his proposed silver threepence featured the three rings of St Edward on the reverse. Between the death of his father, George V, and his planned coronation King Edward VIII abdicated and…
Introduction: The silver threepences of George V are very popular amongst collectors and are readily available in coin dealers’ bulk boxes, and at coin fairs, exhibitions and car boot sales. There are four different types of George V threepence. Type 1: Sterling Silver issues (1911-1920) is dealt with separately. The three types dealt with in…
Introduction: The silver threepences of George V are very popular amongst collectors and are readily available in coin dealers’ bulk boxes, and at coin fairs, exhibitions and car boot sales. The first type (sterling issues) are much softer than their later (50% silver) counterparts and wear more easily, thus coins in the higher grades are…
Introduction: The silver threepences of Edward VII are very popular amongst collectors and a full set set is relatively easy to complete. There are no major varieties and even the silver proof of 1902 is readily available. Silver Threepence: Edward VII Alloy: Sterling Silver (92.5% silver) Weight: 1.41g Diameter: 16mm Edge: Plain Obverse: Bare head…
Introduction: Queen Victoria’s predecessor, William IV, issued a short run of silver threepences (minted in London) for use in the British West Indies, where the British Administration was trying to increase its influence by introducing a strong currency based on ‘good silver’ in British denominations. Silver threepences continued to be minted for the West Indies…
Background: Edward VII’s reign was short and, from a numismatic viewpoint, relatively uneventful. He embarked on a goodwill tour (Royal Visit) of Ireland in 1902 and, despite the good press he received, Irish nationalism continued to grow. His bronze halfpennies were a continuation of Victorian designs, although the numbers minted were considerably higher than in…
Background: Unlike the pennies of Elizabeth II, British trade & commerce demanded a constant production of halfpennies from 1953 forward. Production increased from approx. 9 million in 1953 to an average of c. 50 million per year by the 1960s. In preparation for decimalisation in 1971, 146 million halfpennies were minted in 1967. All of…
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