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…
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: 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: George V’s reign was a turbulent one for Ireland and a very exciting for Irish numismatics – the highlight being a new Irish currency in 1928. After independence, Ireland continued to use GB & Ireland coins and banknotes. Despite the popularity of the new Irish currency, the coinage of GB & Northern Ireland persisted…
Background: George VI’s reign included the economically disastrous Word War II which culminated in his overseeing the dismantling of the British Empire to the point where it had to be transformed into a weaker / less cohesive British Commonwealth. The biggest loss was the independence and breakup of India into three nation states – India,…
Introduction: GB & Ireland copper halfpennies (1825-60) are very sought after by collectors. They are often found in attic clearances and car boot sales in Ireland. The comparatively soft metal results in few coins surviving in higher grades. Many varieties exist and the main ones have been listed below. Like his brother (George IV), William…
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. Prior to this date, no halfpennies were issued in the name of George IV, so his first copper halfpenny incorporated an Irish theme into the design, i.e. there is…
Introduction: The British gold sovereign is one of the most ‘collected’ gold coins in Ireland today. We used it when we were part of the UK and it would seem that we are still hoarding them. Named after the English gold sovereign, previously last minted in 1604, the name was revived with the Great Re-coinage…
The Old Currency Exchange is a specialist dealer and valuer of Irish & GB coins, tokens and banknotes 