Controversy follows 1927 Irish coin design competition results

In 1922 Ireland won its independence from Britain after a two-year War of Independence and protracted negotiations in London.  The team, authorized to negotiate on behalf of Dáil Eireann, signed a treaty and, after ratification by ‘simple majority’ in the Dáil and by a referendum vote by the Irish people, the Irish Free State was…

O’Brien Rare Coin Review: Why is the 1938 Irish Penny so valuable?

In 1937, a new constitution declaring Ireland a free state was established and the old designs for the coins of Ireland that featured the legend “Saorstat Eireann” or Irish Free State were changed to “Eire” to reflect the new constitution. The only known 1938 coins to feature that revised legend are: one halfcrown (currently unique…