Introduction: In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, there were hundreds of small banks issuing their own paper money. Due to the monopoly enjoyed by the Bank of Ireland (a quasi-central bank), they tended to stay small and under-capitalised. Beresford’s Bank, however, grew to be one of the largest and, by 1803, circulated an…
Introduction: The GB & Ireland “Edward VII” pennies are an easy series to collect as there is only one major variety (the 1902 low tide) and that too is not exactly scarce. As with all of the earlier GB & Ireland bronzes, the highest grades command a significant premium and the coins in the lower…
Date: 1009-1011 Hiberno-Norse, Phase I, Class C Imitation Penny in the name of Aethelred, Helmet type, 0.92g, perforated in a few places and cracked, otherwise very fine and very rare. (S.6115) Obverse: Armoured bust left with radiate helmet FAEREMIN (moneyer) Reverse: Long cross voided, each limb terminating in three crescents over square with trefoil…
Background: Victoria, at that time, was the longest serving British monarch in history, so her son Edward was an old man by the time he succeeded her. Not a lot happened in terms of numismatic innovation during his short reign but it is, perhaps, worth mentioning that James Joyce had a few things to say…
Background Victoria was the daughter of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn, the fourth son of King George III. Both the Duke of Kent and King George III died in 1820. She inherited the British throne at the age of 18, after her father’s three elder brothers had all died, leaving no surviving legitimate…
Background William IV was the third son of George III, William succeeded his elder brother George IV, as the last king and penultimate monarch of Britain’s House of Hanover. Since his two older brothers died without leaving legitimate issue, he inherited the throne when he was 64 years old. King of the United Kingdom King…
Background In 1825, in the middle of the reign of King George IV, the long-planned “customs and monetary” union of Great Britain and Ireland was enacted. From a numismatic viewpoint, the farthings of 1826 changed design – from “draped bust laureat” to The Irish pound was thence tied to sterling and almost “free trade” conditions…
Date: 1927 Description: Country: Ireland Category: Irish Free State / Saorstát Éireann Pattern Notes: This is a ‘pattern’ coin entered by the Roman sculptor Publio Morbiducci (1889-1963) for the competition to design Ireland’s new money in 1928. Although unsuccessful, Morbiducci’s designs are considered to be some of the finest in terms of their classical Italianate…
Upon hearing the news that “The Central Bank of Ireland has opened its archives to the public” I just had to book an appointment for a quick, initial visit … and I was not disappointed ! The Central Bank of Ireland has employed a professional archivist and the fruits of this investment can be seen…
The Central Bank of Ireland moved from its old HQ in Dame Street, Dublin to a new premises in North Wall Quay earlier this year. One of the exciting features (for coin and banknote collectors) is their new Visitor Centre. It has wheelchair ramps and it very family friendly, with plenty of room to amble…
The Old Currency Exchange is a specialist dealer and valuer of Irish & GB coins, tokens and banknotes 