• Coin & Banknote Fair Dates

• Numismatic Society of Ireland Lecture Diary

  • Website: http://www.numismaticsocietyofireland.com/

• New Coin Issues from the Central Bank of Ireland

  • 2024 Programme (dates to be announced)
    • To be confirmed

• • CBI Website: Collector’s Coins
  • CBI Archive: https://centralbank.ie/about/central-bank-archive

• Other Coin News & Miscellanea

  • Great news for Irish collectors!

  • Over €347,404,127 worth of old Irish banknotes and coins are MISSING !

_________________________________________________________________

If you have any queries regarding Irish banknotes, coins or tokens, or wish to advise us of any Irish numismatic news or events, please email us on

old.currency.exchange@gmail.com

_________________________________________________________________

There is an old saying among Irish coin dealers that:

• “You should never organize (or go to) a fair unless there’s an ‘R’ in the month.”
  • (Niall Murphy, R.I.P.)

2024 Coin Fairs

April 2023

Spring Stamp & Coin Fair

• RDS, Ballsbridge (Anglesea Road Entrance)
  • Sunday 21st April
  • 11am-5pm

March 2023

Dublin Stamp & Coin Fair

• RDS, Ballsbridge (Anglesea Road Entrance)
  • Industries Hall (Hall 4), in conjunction with The 50 Plus Show
  • Thursday, 14 and Friday, 15 March, 2024, 10am- 4pm

2023 Coin Fairs

Sadly, we were hit with the double whammy of Brexit and Covid19 which curtailed much of the usual numismatic activities from early 2020 to present. A much delayed, deferred and eagerly anticipated Irish International Coin Fair was held at the RDS recently, in conjunction with the Over 50s Expo and a philatelic fair, and it was a predictably ‘restrained’ affair with many collectors and dealers alike deciding to give it a miss.The Over 50s Expo was also a fraction of its pre-Covid size, occupying one hall, instead of the usual three.

Brexit has added a layer of ‘red tape’ and Customs & Excise implications, so travel (and the carriage of coins) for collectors and dealers is somewhat more complicated now. Covid has not gone away, so a lot of people didn’t travel to Dublin. We might be in for a few changes to the way we collect / do business in the future. It will be interesting to see what smaller Antiques & Collectibles fair organisers in Ireland do in the Autumn.

PS – do check with the fair organisers (or venue) before traveling to any of these locations.

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May 2023

Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2
  • Friday, 19th May 2023
  • Speakers on “Books and Catalogues” (To be confirmed)

April 2023

Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2
  • Friday, 21st April 2023
  • Alan Keogh [Member]  “Coinage of Ireland during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms”

March 2023

Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2
  • Friday, 24th March 2023
  • Greg Carley [Member]  “Brexit, O’Reilly’s, and eBay”

February 2023

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December 2022

Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2
  • Friday, 9th December 2022
• Annual Society Auction 
  • • No Guests / Strictly Members ONLY for this one

Arts/Crafts/Vintage Collectors’ Fair (Dublin Fairs)

• Westgrove Hotel, Clane, Co Kildare
  • Sunday, 4th December 2022
  • 11am to 5pm

November 2022

Arts, Crafts, Vintage & Vinyl Fair (Dublin Fairs)

• Artane-Beaumount Family Recreation Centre, Dublin
  • 27th November
  • 12 noon to 5:30pm

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2
  • Friday, 18th November 2022
• AGM, followed by a lecture by John Stafford Langan [Member]
  • The Untitled Crown or Anonymous Irish Issues under Edward IV in 1460-1461 
    • Guests welcome
      

Arts/Crafts/Vintage Collectors’ Fair (Dublin Fairs)

• Westgrove Hotel, Clane, Co Kildare
  • Sunday, 6th November 2022
  • 11am to 5pm

October 2022

October Coin Fair (RDS)

• RDS, Ballsbridge (Anglesea Road Entrance)
  • Sunday 23 October
  • 11am-6pm

Arts/Crafts/Vintage Collectors’ Fair (Dublin Fairs)

• Westgrove Hotel, Clane, Co Kildare
  • Sunday, 16th October 2022
  • 11am to 5pm

The Kerry Antiques, Art & Vintage Fair

• Ballygarry House Hotel, Leebrook, Tralee, Co Kerry
  • Sunday, 16th October 2022
  • 11am to 6pm

Arts, Crafts, Vintage & Vinyl Fair (Dublin Fairs)

• Artane-Beaumount Family Recreation Centre, Dublin
  • 9th October
  • 12 noon to 5:30pm

September 2022

North Leinster Antiques & Vintage Fair (Vintage Ireland)

• Pillo Hotel, Ashbourne, Co Meath
  • Sunday 11th September 2022
  • 11am to 6pm

National Antiques, Art & Vintage Fair

• Limerick Racecourse
  • Saturday & Sunday, 10th & 11th September 2022
  • 11am to 6pm (both days)

Antiques, Vintage & Collectibles Fair (Vintage Ireland)

• Amber Springs Hotel, Gorey, Co Wexford
  • Sunday, 4th September 2022
  • 12 noon to 6pm

Arts/Crafts/Vintage Collectors’ Fair (Dublin Fairs)

• Westgrove Hotel, Clane, Co Kildare
  • Sunday, 4th September 2022
  • 11am to 5pm

August 2022

Vintage, Antique & Crafts Fair

• The Milk Market, Limerick
  Sunday, 28th August 202211am to 4pm

Navan Antiques, Vintage & Collectibles Fair (Collect Ireland)

• Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, Co Meath
  • Sunday, 14th August 2022
  • 12 noon to 5:30pm

South Dublin Antiques, Vintage & Collectibles Fair (Collect Ireland)

• Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin
  • Sunday, 7th August 2022
  • 12 noon to 5:30pm

July 2022

Kilkenny Book Fair

• The Clubhouse Hotel, Lower Patrick Street, Kilkenny
  • Saturday, 30th July 2022
  • 11am to 5pm

April 2022

Stamp & Coin Fair (Over 50s Expo)

• RDS, Ballsbridge (Anglesea Road Entrance)
  • 22nd, 23rd & 24th Apr 2022
  • Friday-Sunday: 11am to 5pm

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2020 Coin Fairs

22nd May (Friday)

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Final Meeting of the 2018/19 Season:
  • Mini Quiz and Mini Auction:
    • Paid up members only!
• Venue: Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2

24th April (Friday)

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Lecture title to be confirmed
  • Peter O’Reilly [Member]
    • Guests welcome
• Venue: Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2

19th April (Sunday)

Irish Spring Stamp & Coin Fair HAS BEEN CANCELLED !

• RDS, Ballsbridge (Anglesea Road Entrance)
  • Sunday: 11am to 5pm

20th March (Friday)

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Lecture title to be confirmed
  • Sinéad McDonnell
  • Archives Manager, Central Bank of Ireland
    • Guests welcome
• Venue: Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2

22nd & 23rd February (Saturday & Sunday)

Irish International Coin Fair

• RDS, Ballsbridge (Anglesea Road Entrance)
  • Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 5pm
  • Coins, Banknotes & Medals

21st February (Friday)

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Emil Szauer Memorial Lecture
• New discoveries in Irish Coin Weights
  • Del Parker [Member]
    • Guests welcome
• Venue: Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2

17th January (Friday)

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Display Competition
• Cheese & Wine Reception
  • Paid up members only!
• Venue: Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2

11th & 12th January (Saturday & Sunday)

6th January

Great news for collectors!

• Over €347,404,127 worth of old Irish banknotes and coins are missing!

2019

1st December (Sunday)

30th November (Sunday)

27th November

• The Central Bank of Ireland is not a commercial enterprise and it issues commemorative coins for coin collectors and sometimes, due to demand from elsewhere (in this instance, Irish rock music fans), the demand greatly exceeds supply.
• This last happened when a limited edition coin was issued for Michael Collins in 2012 when only 8,000 were issued and secondary market prices surged to €300 each, before settling down to a more modest €75 each.
• Last year’s Rory Gallagher commemorative coin also sold out quickly. Like the Phil Lynott coin, the numismatic demand was greatly exceeded by demand from Irish rock fans. It was limited to a mintage of only 3,000 and currently sells on eBay for €300 + delivery charges.
  • One has to wonder what the demand will be like for next year’s Luke Kelly commemorative coin will be like and if the Central Bank will issue more than 3,000 pieces?
• It is very unlikely that the Central Bank of Ireland will issue more Lynott coins.
  • You can sign the petition here.

€15 Silver Proof (Phil Lynott)

This is the second coin in the three year series called ‘Modern Irish Musicians’ and commemorates the 70^th anniversary of Phil Lynott’s birth in 1949. The coin follows the Rory Gallagher coin which was issued in 2018, which sold out.

• €15 Silver Proof Coin
  • This 2019 proof silver coin has an issue limit of 3,000 pieces
    • Diameter = 38.61mm
    • Weight = 28.28g
    • The coin is struck in .925 Sterling Silver

17th November (Sunday)

15th November (Friday)

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Annual General Meeting
  • Followed by:
  • The Ormonde Pistole of 1646
    • Andy Fitzsimons [Member]
  • Paid up members only!
• Venue: Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2

10 November

Antiques, Art & Vintage Fair

• Clontarf Castle Hotel, Clontarf, Dublin 3
  
• Sunday, November 10, 2019
• 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

20 October 2019

Antiques, Vintage & More Fair

• Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin
• Sunday, October 20, 2019
• 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

18-19 October 2019

Dublin Autumn Coin & Banknote Fair

• RDS Ballsbridge, Anglesea Road, Dublin 4
• Friday & Saturday, 18-19 October, 2019
• 11am to 5pm

29 September 2019

North Dublin Antiques, Vintage & Collectables Fair

• Marine Hotel at Sutton, Sutton, Co Dublin
• Sunday, September 29, 2019
• 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

20th September (Friday)

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Member’s Night
  • Show & Tell
    • Paid up members only!
• Venue: Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2

30 August 2019 (Closing Date for entries)

Central Bank Silver Coin Design Competition 2020

In 2020, the Central Bank of Ireland will issue three €15 silver proof collector coins.

• The first silver coin will pay tribute to Irish musician and singer Luke Kelly. This is the final silver coin in the three coin series entitled ‘Modern Irish Musicians.
• The second coin will be issued as part of the Europa Star Series and will pay tribute to ‘Gothic Architecture’.
• The third and final coin to be issued in 2020 will commemorate Dr Kathleen Lynn and her political, medical and social achievements.
  • Dr Kathleen Lynn – The forgotten woman of Irish history

Artists and designers who would like to participate in this design competition are invited initially to submit their Curriculum Vitae and samples/evidence of previous medallic works (such as coinage) for consideration. Both electronic and hard copy submission is required.

June

€15 Silver Proof (100 Years since the First Transatlantic Flight)

This coin will be struck to commemorate the first transatlantic flight in history, flown by aviators John Alcock and Arthur Brown. The aircraft landed in Clifden Co. Galway on 15 June 1919. This was the first crossing of the Atlantic-Ocean by an aeroplane in less than 72 consecutive hours.

• €15 Silver Proof Coin
  • This 2019 proof silver coin has an issue limit of 3,000 pieces
    • Diameter = 38.61mm
    • Weight = 28.28g
    • The coin is struck in .925 Sterling Silver

June ?

BU Set 2019

The Annual Mint Set will pay tribute to the 100^th anniversary of Dáil Éireann. The two most significant buildings associated with the establishment of the new Irish Parliament (1919-1922) are the Mansion House and Leinster House.

• BU Set
  • This 2019 BU Set has an issue limit of 8,000
  • The set will include the €2 commemorative coin and the regular brilliant uncirculated €2 for 2019.

June ?

Proof Set 2019

This coin set will be of proof quality and will be presented in a rectangular coin box with a certificate of authenticity.

• This set will include the commemorative €2 circulating coin.
• This 2019 Proof Set has an issue limit of 1,000

17th May (Friday)

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Final Meeting of the 2018/19 Season:
  • Mini Quiz and Mini Auction:
    • Paid up members only!
• Venue: Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2

19th April (Friday)

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Lecture:
  • Irish Coins on the English Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS)
• Venue: Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2
  • Garry Byrne
    • NSI Secretary
      

14th April

Spring Coin & Stamp Fair

• RDS, Ballsbridge (Anglesea Road Entrance)
  • Sunday: 11am to 5pm
  • Coins, Banknotes, Medals, Postcards, Stamps & Postal History

22nd March (Friday)

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Lecture:
  • The Emergency Coinage of Germany after the First World War
• Venue: Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2
  • Alan Keogh
    • NSI Member

23rd & 24th February

Irish International Coin Fair

• RDS, Ballsbridge (Anglesea Road Entrance)
  • Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 5pm
  • Coins, Banknotes & Medals

22nd February (Friday)

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• The Emil Szauer Memorial Lecture
  • Numismatics in the 21st Century: What Comes Next?
• Venue: Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2
  • Philip Mussell
    • Director, Coin News Magazine

7th February

Central Bank of Ireland (€100 Proof Gold Coin)

The first meeting of the Dáil was held in the Mansion House in 1919 and this was the beginning of a long journey, which has shaped our country into the progressive democracy it is today. To celebrate this significant event in Irish history, the Central Bank of Ireland issued a €100 Gold Proof Coin on 07 February 2019.

• €100 Proof Gold Coin
  • This 2019 proof gold coin has an issue limit of ,000 pieces
    • Diameter = 28mm
    • Weight = 14.1748g  (½ ounce)
    • The coin is struck in .999 (24 carat) gold

16th January

Central Bank of Ireland (€2 Special Commemorative Coin)

The Central Bank of Ireland will mint one million €2 coins, for general circulation in 2019, to commemorate the centenary of the meeting of the First Dáil in the Mansion House on 21 January 1919.

• Governor Philip R. Lane launched this special €2 coin at the Mansion House on 16 January.
  • Designer: Emmet Mullins
  • Number Issued: 1,000,000 coins

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2018

15 December

Christmas Antique, Vintage & Collectibles Fair

• St Luke’s Parish Hall, Armagh Road, Newry, Co Down
  • 11:00am – 5:00pm
  • Admission: Adults £2 / Children FREE

9 December

AVA Antique & Collectibles Fair

• Leighinmohr Hotel, Leighinmohr Road, Ballymena, Co Antrim
  • 11:00am – 5:00pm
  • Admission: Adults £2 / Children FREE

24 November

Ormeau Road Antiques & Collectibles Fair

• Cooke Church Hall, 216 Ormeau Road, Belfast
  • 9:30am – 3:20pm
  • Admission: FREE

19 November

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Lecture: Pubs and Brewery Life in 19th Century Dublin
• Venue: Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2
  • Gerry Farrell
    • Member

14 November

DNW Auction, London

• The Michael Gietzelt Collection of British & Irish Milled Coins
  • 30 Irish lots

3 November

Medals Militaria & Collectibles Fair

• Knox Memorial Hall, Monkstown Village, Co Dubin
  • 11:00am – 4:00pm

27 October

Ormeau Road Antiques & Collectibles Fair

• Cooke Church Hall, 216 Ormeau Road, Belfast
  • 9:30am – 3:20pm
  • Admission: FREE

20 October

Antiques, Vintage & Collectibles Fair

• Raloo Presbyterian Church Hall, 39 Crosshill Road, Larne, Co Antrim
  • 10:00am – 4:00pm
  • Admission: Adults £2 / Children FREE

19-20-21 October

Dublin Autumn Coin Fair

• RDS, Ballsbridge (Anglesea Road Entrance)
  • 11am to 5pm each day
  • Coins, Banknotes, Medals, Postcards

19 October

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Lecture: St. Patrick medals – Only medal ever struck in Irish mined silver
• Venue: Ely House, 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2
  • Peadar Farrell
    • Member

Books on Irish Coins:

• A great Christmas present for ANY Irish coin collector !
• Order one direct from The Numismatic Society of Ireland here
• BOOK REVIEW

• Published by: The Numismatic Society of Ireland (2017)
• Written by NSI member Philip Timmins, this “must have” book is the culmination of years of study and beautifully illustrates the story of this uniquely Irish coinage.
• The story is told month by month, beginning with an account of the two kings’ campaigns, followed by details of Gunmoney production at each mint and its acceptance and use throughout Ireland.

13 October

Antiques, Vintage & Collectibles Fair

• Lurgan Town Hall, 2-6 Union Street, Lurgan, Co Armagh
  • 10:00am – 4:00pm
  • Admission: Adults £2 / Children FREE

7 October

Tallow Antiques & Collectibles Fair

• The Community Centre, Tallow, Co Waterford
  • 10:30am – 5:00pm
  • Admission: Adults €5 (incl. Tea & Cake)

Omagh Antiques & Collectibles Fair

• The Mellon Country Inn Hotel, Beltany Road, Omagh, Co Tyrone
  • 9:30am – 5:00pm
  • Admission: Adults £2 / Children FREE

6 October

Antiques & Collectibles Fair

• Windsor Presbyterian Church Hall, Lisburn Road, Belfast
  • 9:30am – 4:00pm
  • Admission: FREE

1 & 2 October

DNW Auction, London

• British & Irish Banknotes
  • 172 Irish lots

30 September

 Antiques, Vintage & & Collectibles Fair

• The Marine Hotel, Sutton Cross, Dublin 3
  • 11:00am – 6:00pm
  • Admission: €3.50

29 September

Leeside Collectors’ Club Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Fair

• Imperial Hotel, South Mall, Cork
  • 10:00am – 4:00pm
  • Admission: FREE

Ormeau Road Antiques & Collectibles Fair

• Cooke Church Hall, 216 Ormeau Road, Belfast
  • 9:30am – 3:20pm
  • Admission: FREE

22-23 September

Dublin International Coin & Banknote Fair

• Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan, Co Dublin
  • Admission: €3 Euro (Family ticket: €5 Euro)
  • Free car parking

20 May

Coin collectors visiting Northern Ireland should check their change for the latest Royal Mint error… worth a staggering GBP £200 at auction. As we know, the new 12-sided bi-metallic coin replaced the old ’round pound’ last November. It has been reported that a few ‘new’ pound coin have been found struck on an ‘old round pound’ flan.

20th April

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Lecture: The National Museum & the Formation of a National Collection
  • Raghnall O’Floinn
    • Director, National Museum of Ireland

8th April

Spring Coin & Stamp Fair

• RDS, Ballsbridge (Anglesea Road Entrance)
  • Sunday: 11am to 5pm
  • Coins, Banknotes, Medals, Postcards, Stamps & Postal History

23rd March

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Lecture: The Plague of the Brass Money
  • Phil Timmons
    • Member

23rd February

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Emil Szauer Memorial Lecture

  • Leaden Hearts & Other Stories
    • Tim Millet [Guest speaker]

17th & 18th February

Irish International Coin Fair 2018

• Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan, Co Dublin
  • Saturday & Sunday
  • 10:00am to 5:00pm

2017

18 September

Cork Stamp & Coin Exhibition

• Imperial Hotel, South Mall, Cork
  • 10.00am to 4.00pm
  • Getting There:
    • Hotel Location Map
    • Cork International Airport
      • Direct flights from Boston / Providence
      • 21 routes to/from Europe
      • 13 routes to/from the UK
    • Cork via Rail
    • Cork via Bus
  • All enquiries to Padraig O Shea
  • Email: ravenstamps3@gmail.com

01 September

Exiting times ahead for students of Irish Numismatic History, as the Central Bank of Ireland opens its archives.

The bank says the archives can now be used for public research purposes for the first time. They include a range of materials created and acquired by the bank – such as objects, documents and ledgers dating from 1786 to 1986.

For more info, click the links below:

• Review: Central Bank of Ireland Visitor Centre
• Review: Central Bank of Ireland Archive Reading Room

18-19 February

Irish International Coin Fair at the RDS, Dublin

• Hall 3, RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin
  • Saturday & Sunday
  • Doors open at 11.00am

Issue date yet to be announced

2017 €15 Silver Proof Coin (Charles Algernon Parsons)

• Sir Charles Algernon Parsons (1854-1931)
  • Youngest son of the famous astronomer William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse
  • Parsons was home-schooled in Birr by private tutors, and later read mathematics at Trinity College, Dublin & St. John’s College, Cambridge
  • In 1919, his wife (Katharine) and daughter (Rachel) co-founded the Women’s Engineering Society, which is still in existence today
  • Parsons was an Electrical Engineer and is best known for
    • Parsons Steam Power Turbine ( a forerunner of turbo-electric generators)
    • He set up the Newcastle and District Electric Lighting Company
    • He also founded the Parsons Marine Steam Turbine Company

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2016

30 November

2016 €10 Silver Proof Coin (Eileen Gray)

• €10 Silver Proof Coin
  • This 2016 proof silver coin has an issue limit of 6,000 pieces
    • Diameter = 38.61mm
    • Weight = 28.28g
    • The coin is struck in .925 Sterling Silver

• The 2016 €10 silver proof coin is the first in a new five-year Europa Star silver coin programme commemorating the ‘Ages of Europe’.
  • The 2016 theme is ‘Modern 20th Century Europe’ and is inspired by the architectural designs as featured on the €500 banknote.
  • This coin is also the Central Bank of Ireland’s first collector coin to commemorate the achievements of an Irish woman.
• Eileen Gray was born in Enniscorthy in 1878 but lived the majority of her life in France. She became a pre-eminent figure within the Modernist movement and was initially acclaimed for her work with lacquer.
  • Her notable later works include the modernist villa E-1027, the accompanying ‘E-1027 table’ and her armchair ‘Fauteuil aux dragons’, which sold at auction in 2009 for €22m. Gray’s designs were often praised for their functionality in addition to their aesthetic form.
  • Gray lived to see a resurgence of interest in her work in the 1970s and her famous Brick Screen has become an icon of modernist design.
• This silver proof coin was designed by Sandra Deiana.
  • Sandra says she was ‘immediately struck by the idea of designing a coin to pay tribute to a female artist who worked in a period when it was still difficult to succeed in the world of work, especially in the arts […]  
  • I wanted to emphasize Gray’s great contribution to the “International Style” of twentieth century Europe […]
  • Among her many works, I find “Screen” to be emblematic of her entire artistic career and therefore ideally represents the best of her artistic potential‘.

21-23 October

Irish Autumn Coin Fair

• Friday – Sunday, 11am to 6pm
• Irish International Convention & Exhibition Centre
• RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin

1 June

At last … a fully illustrated book on Irish hammered coinage!

• The Irish Coinage of Henry III (Dublin Mint), by Gerry Slevin
• Superb narrative, profusely illustrated and clearly explains how to identify the eight distinctive classes of Henry III’s Irish silver pennies.
  • Adds to our understanding of the Dublin Mint, the Dublin Dies and the methodology behind the classification of the Irish coinage of Henry III
  • Henry III coins frequently turn up at auction and are, in my opinion, a great introduction to Irish hammered coins for a novice collector.
  •  This book is a “must have” for all Irish coin collectors

Market Research Project 2016

• What type of Irish banknotes & coins are most popular with collectors?

4 April

2016 Gold and Silver Coins

Silver and gold commemorative proof coins designed by Michael Guilfoyle. Both coins commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic which was read by Patrick Pearse outside the GPO on 24 April 1916. The coins depict the statue of Hibernia in front of an arrangement of key words and phrases from the Proclamation of the Irish Republic.

• €50 Gold Proof Coin
  • This 2016 proof gold coin has an issue limit of 5,500 pieces

• €15 Silver Proof Coin
  • This 2016 proof silver coin has an issue limit of 18,000 pieces

• €15 and €50 ‘double set’ of Proof Coins
  • This 2016 proof set has an issue limit of 2,000 pieces

27/28 February

Irish International Coin Fair

• Saturday – Sunday, 11am to 5pm
• Serpentine Hall (Hall 3), Anglesea Road Entrance
• RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin

20 January

The Central Bank of Ireland will release 4.5 million of commemorative €2 coins into general circulation from Wednesday, 20th January – the coins celebrate the memory of the 1916 Easter Rising and the Proclamation of the Irish Republic.

• The design by Emmet Mullins beat submissions from 52 Irish and international designers to be chosen for the project.

• It shows a representation of the statue of Hibernia (the historic personification of Ireland) on top of the GPO with the centenary dates.

• It is the first time Ireland has issued its own €2 commemorative coin into circulation.

20 January

2016 Proof Coin Set (Proclamation of the Irish Republic)

This limited edition proof coin set includes the new commemorative €2 coin, in addition to the eight standard circulating coins, also in proof quality. The set is completed by a certificate of authenticity and illustrated booklet tracing the historic events of 1916.

• This 2016 proof coin set has an issue limit of 4,000 pieces.
• Price: €80.00
• Order date: 20 January 2016 

2016 €2 Proof Coin (Proclamation of the Irish Republic)

This limited edition €2 proof quality collector coin is issued in its own presentation case and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

• This €2 proof coin has an issue limit of 20,000 pieces.
• Price: €15.00   
• Order date: 20 January 2016

2016 Annual Mint Set (Proclamation of the Irish Republic)

The Ireland Annual Mint Set for 2016 commemorates in text and pictures the events around the Easter Rising and the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. This set contains the 2016 €2 commemorative coin in addition to the eight standard circulating coins.

• The 2016 Annual Mint Set has an issue limit of 50,000 pieces.
• Price: €25.00
• Order date: 20 January 2016

January 13

The Oireachtas Petitions Committee received a call looking for the UFC star to be featured on a 1 euro coin. However, even if the petition were to be accepted, Ireland would need to get approval from every other EU member state in order to issue a special coin that could be accepted as legal tender.

• The petition was submitted to the Oireachtas Petitions Committee’s website by Patrick O’Leary on 15 December, days after McGregor’s emphatic 13-second win over long-time champion José Aldo on 12 December in Las Vegas.

• Speaking on Wednesday, 13th January on Oireachtas TV, chairman of the Committee Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said that the committee had no choice but to declare the petition inadmissable as they had been unable to contact the petitioner.
  • Deputy Mac Lochlainn said that the committee would urge petitioners in the future to contact the Central Bank regarding EU guidelines relating to commemorative coins and normal EU coinage which “may have restrictions which would negate the proposal made in the petition.”

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2015

December 4

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Annual Christmas Auction
• Venue: 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2
  • viewing starts @ 5pm
  • auction starts @ 7pm
    • members only may bid
    • new members are more than welcome to join, annual subs only €25
    • email: mkennyagencies@eircom.net for further details and a membership application form

November 13

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Lecture: Napoleon’s Euro
• Venue: 8 Ely Place, Dublin 2 @ 7pm

October 31

Irish 1c and 2c coins to be withdrawn from circulation

• O’Brien Rare Coin Review: Will the Irish 1c and 2c coins ever be scarce ?

Ireland 1c coin (2002-2015)

October 27

Central Bank of Ireland will be releasing a new commemorative €10 silver proof coin. This coin, which bears the Europa Symbol, is part of the European Silver Programme. The theme for 2015 is ’70th Anniversary of Peace in Europe’. It also commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the end of World War II.

• 2015 €10 Silver Proof Coin (70th Anniversary of Peace in Europe)
• This coin has an issue limit of 8,000 pieces and is struck in .925 sterling silver.
• The diameter of this coin is 38.61 mm and the coin weighs 28.28 grammes.

October 16 – 18

October Coin Fair, RDS, Dublin 11:00am to 5:30pm daily

• 40 coin dealers
• 20 banknote dealers
• Central Bank of Ireland (commemorative proof coins & BU sets)

October ?

In October 2015, the Central Bank will issue 1,000,000 pieces of a commemorative €2 coin to celebrate ’30 Years of the EU Flag’.

• This coin is being issued this year by all 19 euro-issuing member states.
• This is the fourth time that Eurozone nations will participate in a joint circulating commemorative €2 coin programme, following similar programs in 2007, 2009 and 2012.
• The Central Bank will issue 1,000 proof sets containing the commemorative €2 coin
  • The issue date has yet to be confirmed.

October 8

Emmet Mullins’ design for Ireland’s first ever commemorative two euro coin has been released by the Central Bank today. The €2 coin will come into circulation in January 2016. The design is inspired by the 100 year anniversary of the Easter Rising and shows the statue of Hibernia stood afoot the GPO in Dublin, home of the provisional Irish government during the 1916 Rising.

September 15 – 18

One of the world’s rarest and most desirable gold coins is the Irish “Ormonde Money” pistole dating from 1646 – only two are available to collectors, as the other 9 out of the 11 survivors known are in museums. This exceptionally rare coin will be auctioned by Dix Noonan Webb as part of their Sept. 15-18 sale in London.

For further information see:

• O’Brien Rare Coin Review: The Ormonde Gold ‘Pistole’ of 1646
• ‘The only Gold Coins issued in Ireland 1646’, William O’Sullivan, BNJ XXXIII, 1964, pp.141-150;
• ‘A note on the Weight and Fineness of the Ormonde Pistole’, R.H.M. Dolley, BNJ XXXV, 1966, pp.152-4;
• ‘The extant Ormonde Pistoles and Double Pistoles of 1646’, W.A. Seaby and G. Brady, BNJ XLIII, 1973, pp.80-95 and pl. ii

September 15 – 18

Fifty two Irish coins from the collection of the Late Harrington Manville were sold by Dix Noonan Webb as part of their Sept. 15-17 sale in London. Harrington Manville was one of the best known collectors of Irish coins up until his passing. In particular, he was interested in the Irish emergency issues of Charles II, unofficial tokens of the 17th C (the so-called Trade Farthings), and the gunmoney of James II – many of his coins are considered “important” and some are unique.

After the buyers’ premiums and VAT were added to the hammer prices, the 52 lots were sold for almost a quarter of a million pounds sterling – a great result for DNW.

GBP £228,292.02

Euro €313,266.88

USD $354,231.60

June 15

Ireland set to scrap 1c and 2c coins

June 4

On the 3rd of June the Central Bank of Ireland, in conjunction with the Department of Finance, will issue a €15 Silver Proof coin to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of William Butler Yeats, the Irish poet and Nobel Laureate.

• The design, by Irish artist Mary Gregoriy, tries to make a visual poem with rhythm and beat. Not with words but with pictures.
• The coin, with an issue limit of 8,000 pieces, is struck in .925 sterling silver
  • Diameter = 38.61 mm
  • Weight    = 28.28 grammes
• The price of the coin is €44 and will go on sale from the 4th June 2015
• Contact the Central Bank of Ireland and order your coins now – W.B. Yeats is sure to sell out quickly !

May 28

The 2015 commemorative €2 coin competition has come to an end.

• More than 100,000 Euro Zone citizens voted for their favourite coin
• Finally the voters have decided. THE WINNER IS DESIGN N°4
• It was created by George Stamatopoulos, designer at the Bank of Greece
  • Marking the 30th anniversary of the EU flag, Stamatopoulos’ entry depicts 12 people forming a human chain around that flag with the 12 gold stars on a blue background

  • 

    2015 $2 commemorative coin competition winner – the design was chosen by 30% of the 100,000 voters in an online competition by the European Commission

May 27

In July 2015, the nineteen ‘full members’ of the Euro Zone area will jointly issue a commemorative euro coin to celebrate 30 years of the EU flag. Regardless of which country issues the coin, it will bear the same design on the national side, normally reserved for a motif specific to that country.

• Ireland will be one of the 19 countries issuing a special €2 commemorative coin in 2015.

• A professional jury selected five coin designs among the 62 designs submitted by Euro area mints.
• Euro-area citizens and residents are invited to select the winning design by public web-voting until 27 May 2015
• Voting has now closed !

April 23

Belfast Telegraph

• The four 14th century silver coins found by amateur treasure hunter Tom Crawford on land close to Banbridge, Co Down
• They will be sent to the British Museum in London for valuation
  • The money will be split between the land owner, Harold McClements, and Mr Crawford
  • Link to full article

April 17

The Numismatic Society of Ireland

• Last meeting of the 2014/15 calendar for the Numismatic Society of Ireland
• Venue: 8 Ely place Dublin 2
  • Contact: Michael E. Kenny
    • Chairman NSI Dublin
    • Phone:    087 257 2843

April 10-12

The British Association of Numismatic Societies, Annual Spring Congress 2015

• Hosted by The Numismatic Society of Ireland (Northern Branch)
• To be held in The Europa Hotel, Belfast
  • Full details of the Congress, including final costs and programme, available from:
    • Neil McCormick
    • 6 Tennyson Avenue, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 3SS
    • Email:    numsocirelandnb@aol.com
    • Phone:   028 9146 6743 / 077 2030 4667

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If you have an event, lecture, meeting or fair that involves Irish numismatics, notophily or exonumia, and you would like it included here, please contact me at

• old.currency.exchange@gmail.com

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