Duke of Ormonde’s gold coinage of 1646-7, Pistole, Dublin, undated, stamped 4dwt 7grs both sides

Difficulties in grading old coins

For many collectors the topic of coin grading is a vexing one – it often seems so subjective and inconsistent. Of course, the most common and obvious targets for their ire are the dealers and auctioneers who, by way of describing their wares, are forced to commit their opinions of grade to paper. No ‘absolute’…

O’Brien Coin Price Guide: Irish Pre-Decimal Halfpenny

2018 Market Values Irish Free State (Saorstát Éireann) US Grades G VF 20 XF40 AU50 MS61RB YEAR Mintage Good Fine Very Fine Ex. Fine Uncirculated 1928 2,880,000 face €1.00 €2.00 €5.00 €15.00 6,001 proofs €35.00 re-strike €60.00 1933 720,000 face €3.50 €18.00 €75.00 €200.00 1935 960,000 face €2.00 €8.00 €50.00 €150.00 1937 960,000 face €1.25…

O’Brien Coin Price Guide: Irish Pre-Decimal Farthing

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…