THE
COINAGE OF IRELAND
IN
COPPER, TIN, AND PEWTER,
1460-1826.
BY
PHILIP NELSON, M.D.
MEMBER OF THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.
LIVERPOOL:
W. M. MURPHY, 79, RENSHAW STREET.
1905.
cr
S550
TO
R. A. H.
AS A
TOKEN OF ESTEEM.
PREFACE.
IT is now some forty years since the Rev. Henry Christmas
published his brief review on the Copper Coins of Ireland.
During the interval which has elapsed since that event not a
few coins have been brought to notice, and additional information
has been discovered, both of which facts render a more complete
account of the Coinage of Ireland in the baser metals a necessity.
In placing this work in the hands of my fellow students in the
domain of Numismatics, I may say that I lay little claim to having
produced much that is original, but rather have I aggregated from
many sources all that is now known concerning this most interesting
subject and I trust that my efforts may bring into greater
prominence matter which has almost been lost to sight.
I cannot fail here to record my indebtedness to past writers on
the subject we are about to review. Foremost among these I
would instance, Simon, Lindsay, Christmas, and Aquilla Smith, the
last probably the most careful author and most indefatigable
worker on the coins of Ireland.
The larger proportion of the coins which illustrate this work
were most kindly provided by the Royal Irish Academy, the
British Museum, and Mr. R. A. Hoblyn, F.S.A., whilst the
remainder are from my own cabinet.
a 2
iv Preface.
I cannot here too gratefully acknowledge the assistance which
I have so liberally and unsparingly received from Mr. Richard A.
Hoblyn, F.S.A., and from Mr. Lionel Fletcher. Without this help
I should have hesitated to attempt so lengthy a subject, for,
incomplete as it may be, it would have been far more so if
deprived of their knowledge and of the results of their study.
At the same time I desire to record my thanks to all those,
too numerous to mention by name, who have at so much trouble
to themselves so willingly communicated information relative to the
Coinage of Ireland, and I must in addition thank Mr. W. J.
Andrew, F.S.A., for many valuable suggestions whilst this work
was passing through the press.
I also take this opportunity of expressing my indebtedness to
the President and Council of the British Numismatic Society for their
kind permission to reprint these pages from the Society's Journal.
The casts from which the illustrations were prepared were
made by the Messrs. Ready, both of whom are, I think, to be
congratulated upon the excellent results they have achieved.
PHILIP NELSON.
73, RODNEY STREET,
LIVERPOOL, W.
Table of Plates.
TABLE OF PLATES.
PLATE I.
No. DATE. PAGE
1 Half-farthing ... ... ... Henry VI. ... ... 1460 ... i
2 Half-farthing Henry VI 1460 ... i
3 Half-farthing Henry VI 1460 ... i
4 Farthing ... ... ... ... Edward IV. ... ... 1463 ... 2
5 Farthing Edward IV 1463 ... 2
6 Half-farthing Edward IV 1470 ... 3
7 Farthing ... ... ... ... Edward IV. ... ... 1467 ... 2
8 Halfpenny Elizabeth 1601 ... 3
9 Penny Elizabeth 1601 ... 3
10 Farthing ... ... ... ... James I. ... ... 1613 ... 6
11 Farthing ... ... ... ... James I. ... ... 1613 ... 6
12 Farthing ... ... ... ... James I. ... ... 1613 ... 7
13 Half-farthing James I. 1613 ... 7
14 Farthings... ... ... ... Charles I. ... ... 1626 ... 9
15 Farthing Charles I. 1626 ... 7
16 Farthing Charles I. 1626 ... 8
17 Farthing ... Charles I. 1626 ... 8
18 Farthing Charles I. 1635 ... 9
19 Farthing Charles I. 1635 ... 10
20 Farthing ... ... ... .. Charles I. ... ... 1635 10
2iA Farthing of Kilkenny Charles I. 1642 12
21 Halfpenny of Kilkenny Charles I. 1642 ... n
22 Halfpenny of Kilkenny Charles I. 1642 n
23 Halfpenny of Kilkenny Charles I. 1642 11
24 Halfpenny of Kilkenny ... ... Charles I. ... ... 1642 12
25 Copper coin of Bandon Charles I. ... ... 1646 12
26 Copper coin of Kinsale Charles I. 1646 ,.. 12
VI
The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
PLATE II.
No.
1 Farthing of Youghal
2 Farthing of Youghal
3 Farthing of Youghal
4 Farthing of Youghal
5 Farthing of Youghal
6 Farthing of Youghal
7 Farthing of Cork
8 Farthing of Cork
9 Penny of Cork . . .
i o Penny of Cork . . .
1 1 Armstrong farthing
12 St. Patrick farthing
13 St. Patrick farthing
14 St. Patrick halfpenny
15 Pattern halfpenny
1 6 Dublin halfpenny
1 7 Halfpenny
1 8 Halfpenny
19 Halfpenny
20 Halfpenny
21 Halfpenny
22 Halfpenny
DATE.
PAGE
Charles I.
1646
13
Charles I.
1646
13
Charles I.
1646
13
Charles I.
1646
13
... Charles I.
1646
13
... Charles I.
1646
13
Charles I.
... 1647
14
... Charles I.
... 1647
14
... Charles I.
... 1647
14
... Charles I.
... 1647
14
... Charles II.
1660
16
Charles II.
... 1678
17
Charles II.
... 1678
18
Charles II.
... 1678
i7
... Charles II.
... 1680
19
... Charles II.
... 1679
18
Charles II.
... 1681
18
... Charles II.
... 1682
i9
... James II.
... 1685
!9
... William and Mary
... 1693
32
William III. ...
1696
33
William III. ...
1696
32
PLATE III.
I
Gun-money sixpence
... January ...
1689
24
2
Gun-money sixpence
... 7ber
1689
24
3
Gun-money shilling
. . . August . . .
1689
25
4
Gun-money shilling
... gr
1689
25
5
Gun-money halfcrown ...
... July ...
1689
25
6
Gun-money halfcrown ...
August ...
1689
26
7
Gun-money halfcrown ...
... 8BER ...
1689
26
8
Gun-money halfcrown ...
... May
1690
26
9
Gun-money shilling
. . . April
... ... 1690
26
10
Gun-money shilling
. . . May
1690
26
1 1
Gun-money halfcrown
. . . April
1690
26
12
Gun-money halfcrown ...
May
1690
26
'3
Gun-money halfcrown ...
. . . October . . .
1690
26
14
Gun-money crown
1690
27
15
Gun-money crown
1600
/
27
16
Farthing of Limerick
7
1 60 1
/
31
Table of Plates. vii
PLATE IV.
No. DATE. PAGE
1 Pewter halfpenny ... ... James II. ... ... 1690 ... 30
2 Pewter halfpenny ... . James II. ... ... 1690 ... 31
3 Pewter penny ... ... ... James II. ... . 1690 ... 30
4 Pewter penny ... ... ... James II. ... ... 1690 ... 30
5 Pewter groat ... ... ... James II. ... ... 1689 ... 30
6 Pewter crown ... ... ... James II. ... ... 1689 ... 29
7 Pewter crown pattern ... ... James II. ... ... 1690 ... 29
8 Silver crown pattern ... ... James II. ... ... 1690 ... 29
9 Pattern halfpenny ... ... George I. ... ... 1722 .. 38
10 Pattern farthing ... ... ... George I. ... ... 1722 ... 38
11 Pattern halfpenny ... ... George I. ... ... 1722 ... 39
12 Pattern halfpenny ... ... George I. .... ... 1723 ... 40
13 Farthing ... ... ... ... George I. ... ... 1723 ... 40
14 Halfpenny . . ... ... George I. ... ... 1724 ... 41
PLATE V.
1 Pattern halfpenny ... ... George I. ... ... 1724 ... 41
2 Pattern halfpenny ... ... George I. ... ... 1724 ... 42
3A Pattern farthing ... .. ... George I. ... ... 1724 ... 43
3 Pattern farthing ... ... ... George I. ... ... 1724 ... 42
4 Pattern farthing George I. 1724 ... 41
5 Halfpenny ... ... ... George II. ... ... 1736 ... 44
6 Halfpenny ... ... ' ... George II. ... ... 1747 ... 44
7 Halfpenny ... ... ... George II. ... ... 1760 ... 45
8 Pattern halfpenny ... ... George II. ... ... 1742 ... 44
9 Voce Populi halfpenny ... ... ... ... 176.0 .. 46
10 Voce Populi halfpenny ... ... ... ... 1760 ... 47
11 Voce Populi halfpenny ... ... ... ... 1760 ... 46
12 Voce Populi halfpenny ... ... ... ... 1760 ... 47
13 Voce Populi halfpenny ... ... ... ... 1760 ... 47
14 Voce Populi halfpenny ... ... ... ... 1760 ... 47
15 Voce Populi farthing ... ... ... ... 1760 ... 49
16 Pattern Voce Populi farthing ... ... ... 1760 ... 49
PLATE VI.
Voce Populi halfpenny ... ... ... ... 1760 ... 46
Voce Populi halfpenny ... ... ... ... 1760 ... 46
Voce Populi halfpenny ... ,,. ,,. ,., ,.. ... 1760 .,. 47
viii The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
No. DATE. PAGE
4 Voce Populi halfpenny ... ... ... ... 1760 ... 47
5 Voce Populi halfpenny ... ... ... ... 1760 ... 48
6 Halfpenny ... ... ... George III. ... ... 1766 ... 49
7 Halfpenny ... ... ... George III. ... ... 1769 ... 50
8 Pattern halfpenny George III 1773 ... 50
9 Pattern halfpenny ... ... George III. ... ... 1774 ... 50
10 Pattern penny ... ... ... George III. ... ... 1789 ... 51
11 Pattern penny ... ... ... George III. ... ... 1813 ... 52
12 Pattern penny ... ... ... George III. ... ... 1813 ... 52
13 Halfpenny ... ... ... George III. ... ... 1805 ... 51
14 Pattern farthing ... ... ... George IV. ... ... 1822 ... 53
15 Pattern penny ... ... ... George IV. ... ... 1822 ... 53
THE COINAGE OF IRELAND IN COPPER, TIN,
AND PEWTER.
HE coinage of Ireland in the baser metals, began during
the reign of Henry VI., in the year 1460, and continued
through a period of nearly four hundred years, until the
reign of George IV., at which time the coinages of England
and Ireland were assimilated. From the above it will be seen that
the issue of pieces in copper for use in Ireland preceded the
corresponding coins for the sister kingdom by about one hundred
and forty years, since it was not until 1601 that patterns for a copper
currency were prepared for England. 1
HENRY VI., 1422-1461.
HALF-FARTHING.
Half-farthings were authorized in the year 1460, of which the
following is the description :
Obverse. PJKTRIK O, surrounding an open crown, within a circle of
pellets.
Reverse. A cross patte*e within a circle of pellets. Weight, 1 1 grains.
PI. I, i.
Varieties occur, with the crown closed, PI. I, 2 ; with a cross
following K, upon the reverse of which P is found in one quarter of
the cross. PI. I, 3.
1 All coins are struck in copper unless the contrary is expressed.
2 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
EDWARD IV., 1461-1483.
In the year 1463 an Act was passed confirming letters patent
granted to one Germyn Lynch, goldsmith of London, whereby he
was created warden and master worker of the mints at Dublin and
Trim. He was thereby empowered to issue pieces of the value of
farthings and half-farthings, struck in brass, for the use of his mint
workmen.
THE PATRICIVS FARTHING. 1463.
Obverse. PKTRICIVS A bishop's head, mitred, full face, on the right of
which is an eight-rayed sun, and on the left a six-leaved rose.
Reverse. S XL VX TOR A cross patte with roses and suns in
alternate angles, suns and roses alternately dividing the letters
in the legend. Weight, \2\ grains. PI. I, 4.
VARIETIES.
Obverse. i. A sun to the left, a rose to the right of the mitre. 2. A cross
replacing the rose to the left of the mitre. PI. I, 5.
Reverse. The letters are divided by alternate mullets and roses, with a
cross patte"e, mullets and roses in alternate angles.
HALF-FARTHING. 1463.
Obverse A crown surrounded by roses and crowns.
Reverse. A cross extending to the edge of the coins with three pellets in
each angle. Weight, 6 grains.
FARTHING. 1467.
Obverse.-- -EDWKRDVS DNS HYBER. A shield bearing three crowns,
two and one, a small cross occurs above and on each side of the
shield. Mint mark, a rose.
Reverse. CIVITKS DVBLIN. A cross patte'e with a rose at the points
of junction of the limbs, dividing the coin to the outer circle; in
each of the quarters so formed are three rays extending to the
inner circle. Weight, g\ grains. PI. I, 7.
A variety occurs reading HYBERNI on the obverse, and DVBLINIE on
the reverse
Reign of Elizabeth. 3
HALF-FARTHING. 1470.
Obverse. Full-faced bust of king crowned, within a dotted circle.
Reverse. A cross, within a dotted circle, three pellets within each angle.
The legends on both sides are illegible. Weight, 3| grains.
PI. I, 6.
This coin corresponds with the sixth silver issue of this king.
During the period of the following one hundred and thirty years
no copper coinage was issued for Ireland, and it was not until 1601
that the next copper money appeared for use in that kingdom.
ELIZABETH, 1558-1603.
In the year 1601 it was proposed to strike pieces in copper of
the value of pence, halfpence and farthings, in order to maintain
the army at that time engaged in the suppression of O'Neill's
rebellion. We have of the years 1601-1602 pieces of the two
first values, but of the latter none are now known to exist. They
were struck at the rate of iQoJr pence to each pound of copper.
PENNY.
Obverse. ELIZABETH D : G : AH : FR I ET I HIBER : RE I
A shield bearing the arms of France (modern) and England
quarterly between E R. Mint mark, a star.
Reverse. POSVI DEV I ADIVTOREM. MEV : Irish harp, sur-
mounted by a crown, on either side of the harp is the date
1 6-0 1. Mint mark, a star. Weight, 30 grains. PI. I, 9.
On pence of the year 1601 we also find the trefoil and cross
as mint marks, whereas the martlet and crescent are the mint marks
on the pence of 1602.
HALFPENNY.
Obverse. ELIZABETH D : (T I AH : FR : ET \ HIB : RE I Type
as the penny. Mint mark, a star.
Reverse. Type as the penny. Mint mark, a star. Weight, 15 grains.
PI. I, 8.
The trefoil and cross also occur as mint marks for 1601, the
martlet alone for 1602.
4 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
JAMES I. 1603-1625.
On April loth, 1613, John, Lord Harington, of Exton in
Rutland, obtained a patent for a period of three years to coin pieces
of the value of a farthing, to be current in England, Ireland and
Wales, each of which was to weigh 6 grains, the profits from which
coinage he was to share with the King, and at the same time all
other tokens were declared to be illegal.
The want of coins of small value had at this time occasioned
the increase of a practice which greatly needed reformation. Private
traders, finding themselves unable to carry on their business without
smaller money than the legal coins, were driven by necessity to
provide something to supply the deficiency of the lawful currency ;
and accordingly they had, for some years past, struck farthing tokens,
as they were called, in lead.
Both the conveniences, and also the evils, which resulted from
this infringement of the royal prerogative, were fully stated in the
proclamation by which these illegitimate coins were abolished upon
the 1 9th May in the year 1613.
It commenced with an acknowledgment that in times past some
toleration had existed in the realm of tokens of lead, commonly
known by the name of farthing tokens, to pass between vintners,
tapsters, chandlers, bakers and other like tradesmen and their
customers ; whereby such small portions and quantities of things
vendible as the necessity and use, especially of the poorer sort of
people, oftentimes required, might be conveniently bought and sold
without enforcement to buy more ware than would serve for their use
and occasions. But it objected that the manner of issuing them and
the use of them, as they passed only between customers, did not that
good to the public which might by a more general use be effected.
That they were subject to counterfeiting, loss and deceit ; for some-
times they were refused as doubtful things, and sometimes by the
death or removal of those who gave them, were lost and discredited.
And also, that it was some derogation to the royal prerogative that
such tokens should be allowed to have currency in any degree with
the lawful money of the realm. Therefore notice was given by the
proclamation that His Majesty, being willing to continue to his subjects
the good arisftig from the use of such small monies under such
Proclamation of 1613. 5
directions and cautions as might restrain the abuse of them, had
given power and authority by letters patent to John, Lord Harrington
(sic), baron of Exton, and his executors, administrators, deputies and
assigns, to make such a competent quantity of farthing tokens of
copper as might be conveniently issued amongst his subjects within
the realms of England and Ireland, and the dominion of Wales,
during the term mentioned in the said letters patent. That it was not
his Majesty's intention thereby to make them monies, nor to force
his subjects to receive them in payments, otherwise than with their
own good liking, but only to give them licence and means to use them
according to their occasions, and that without any fee, charge, or
constraint in any wise imposed upon them.
The proclamation further declared, that the said farthing tokens
should be made exactly and artificially of copper by engines and
instruments, having on the one side two sceptres crossing under one
diadem, and on the other side a harp crowned with the king's title,
JACOBUS DEI GRATIA MAGN^E BRITANNIA FRANCIS
ET HIBERNI^: REX; with a privy mark to be set upon them,
from time to time, whereby to discern and distinguish them, and
to be altered according to occasion, for preventing the falsifying
and counterfeiting of the same. Such farthing tokens to pass for
the value of farthings within the king's realms and dominions, with
the liking and consent of his loving subjects.
And therefore it was commanded by the proclamation that, after
the feast of the nativity of St. John Baptist next following the date
thereof, no person should use, deliver, or receive any such leaden
tokens as were formerly tolerated, nor make or counterfeit such
farthing tokens of copper, or the engines or instruments by which they
should be made, nor utter any other farthing tokens whatsoever upon
such pains, penalties and imprisonments as might be inflicted by the
statutes of the realm of England, and by the king's prerogative royal.
In order for the better distributing and dispersing these farthing
tokens, the Lord Harrington was bound to deliver at the rate of one
and twenty shillings in farthing tokens for every twenty shillings in
sterling money ; and also for the space of one year, until the said
tokens should have grown into more general use and were well
dispersed, to deliver to any person who should find himself surcharged
with more of them than he could conveniently utter for his use and
occasions, the sum of twenty shillings in sterling money, for every
sum of one and twenty shillings in farthing tokens, and after that
rate for lesser sums where any tradesman should require the same.
All magistrates etc., were commanded to assist Lord Harrington in
circulating them. Ruding t Vol. I, p. 369.
V
6 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
As Lord Harington, and his son also, died shortly afterwards,
the patent was re-granted to Ann Lady Harington, and subsequently
to the Duke of Lennox. The original contractors for this coinage
were Gerard Malynes and William Cockayne.
The coinage may be described as follows :
FARTHING.
Obverse. I ACQ : D : G : MAG : BRIT : (BRI : ). A crown with two
sceptres in saltire.
Reverse. FRA : ET : HIB : REX. A harp, above which is a crown.
Weight, 6 grains. PI. I, 10.
The mint mark usually occurs on the obverse only, but on some
few examples it is found on both sides. In such cases the following
mint marks occur, viz. :
Cross, Fusil, Flower and Rose.
The mint marks which are found on the obverse only, are
Quatrcfoil.
Rose.
Serpent.
Star.
Spur-rowel.
Stirrup.
Sword.
Thistle head.
Tower.
Trefoil.
Two ditto inverted.
Triangle.
Tun.
Woolpack.
Varieties are found with mint marks on the reverse only, viz.,
a cinquefoil, martlet, and fleur de lys. PI. I, 11.
There is a variety on which the legend, instead of reading from
the top, as on the previous examples, reads from the left lower
Annulet.
Eagle's head er
Ball.
Ermine spot,
Bell.
Fleur de lys.
Boar's head.
Three ditto.
Cinquefoil.
Flower.
Comet.
Fret.
Coronet.
Fusil.
Crescent.
Grapes.
Cross.
Key.
fitch^e.
Lion passant.
St. George's Cross imposed
rampant.
upon St. Andrew's.
Lozenge.
Crown.
Martlet.
Dagger.
Mullet pierced.
inverted.
Pellet.
Reign of Charles I. 7
quadrant, and on this the mint mark Cross occurs on both sides.
PI. I, 12.
A very small piece, weighing about 5 grains, has been thought
to have been intended for a half- farthing, of which the design is
similar to the first farthing described. PI. I, 13. The mint mark,
a fret clou^e, occurs only on the reverse, and is described as the
" Harington Knot." Immediately beneath the crown between the
lower ends of the sceptres may be found one of the following capital
letters :
A, B, C, D, E, F, or the figures o, 1,2.
CHARLES I. 1625-1649.
On July iith, 1626, the previous patent was confirmed to Sir
Francis Crane, and Frances, Dowager Duchess of Richmond, for the
coining of farthing tokens for a period of seventeen years, for which
privilege they were to pay an annual rent of 100 marks to the Crown,
and the tokens were to be changed at the rate of 2 is. to the pound
sterling.
No. i. Obverse. CARO : D : G : MAG : BRIT : (BRI : ). Above two
sceptres in saltire, a crown.
Reverse. FRA : ET : HIB : REX : A harp surmounted by a
crown. Weight, 7 grains. PI. I, 15.
The mint marks, of which the following are found, occur on
the obverse only-
Annulet.
with pellets.
beneath cross.
Ball.
Battle axe.
Bell.
Bellflower.
Billet.
Cannon.
Castle.
Cinquefoil.
Comet.
Coronet.
Crescent.
with mullet
Cross.
pellets in angles.
on steps.
fitchee.
fleury.
pattee.
on pellet.
Crown.
Dagger.
Dagger inverted.
Eye.
Fetter lock.
Figure I.
Fleur de lys.
Two ditto.
Three ditto.
Fleur de lys horizontal.
Fusil.
Two ditto.
Hand.
Heart.
The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
Helmet.
Martlet.
Shield.
Hook.
Mascle.
Star.
Horseshoe.
Nautilus.
Star-fish.
Key.
crowned.
Leaf.
Negro's head.
Omega.
Pear.
Tower.
Tree.
Trefoil.
Leopard's head.
Lion crowned.
rampant.
Lozenge.
Pheon.
Quatrefoil.
Rose.
Serpent.
Triangle.
Tun.
Vase.
Woolpack.
In the Imperial cabinet at Vienna there is a silver proof reading
on the obverse BRI. Mint mark, cross.
An example occurs with mint mark lozenge, reading CARO,
struck over IACO.
No. 2. Obverse. CARO : D : G : MAG : (MA : ) BR : (BRI : or BRIT : )
Surmounting two sceptres in saltire, a crown.
The legend reads from the left lower quadrant, whilst the mint
mark is found below
Reverse. FRA : ET : HIB : REX. A harp, above which is a
crown. Weight, 6'5 grains. PI. I, 16.
The following mint marks occur, always on the obverse, but
sometimes also on the reverse :
Crescent. Fleurs de lys. Fret.
Small cross. Three fleurs de lys. Rose.
Cross pattee.
A variety reads :
Obverse. CAROLVS D : G : MAG : BRI '.
Reverse. FRAN : ET : HIB : REX. Mint mark, fleur de lys.
PI. I, 1 6.
No. 3. Obverse CAROLVS . D : G ! MAG : BRIT. Within a dotted
circle, above two sceptres in saltire, a crown.
Reverse. FRAN . ET . HIB . REX. Within a dotted circle a
harp, above which is a crown. Weight, 12 grains.
PI. I, 17.
Reign of Charles L 9
The following mint marks occur on both obverse and reverse :
Bell. Eye. Harp. Nautilus. Shield.
Cross. Fleur de lys. Martlet. Rose. Woolpack.
There also exist the following mint marks differing on obverse
from reverse :
Obverse. Fleur de lys = Reverse. Portcullis.
Fret = Fleur de lys.
Harp = Bell.
Harp = Woolpack.
Martlet = Bell.
Portcullis = Woolpack.
Woolpack = ,, Portcullis.
= Rose.
Examples are known with the following mint marks on the
obverse only :
Harp. Woolpack. Fleur de lys.
The specimens of this type are of excellent workmanship and
design.
All these coins were impressed upon thin sheets of copper and
subsequently cut out with a punch, PI. I, 14 ; but examples have
survived to our time, on which as many as nine coins occur on one
strip of metal. 'Weightman Cabinet. Mr. Baldwin informs me that
he once saw an undivided plate bearing about eighty-one coins.
On account of the abuses developed in connection with the
above described tokens, a new farthing, called the rose or royal
farthing, was issued in 1635, and of this there exist three distinct
varieties.
No. 4. Obverse. GAROLV : D : G : MA : (MAG : ) BR . (BRI : ) Above
two sceptres, in saltire horizontally, a single-arched
crown.
Reverse. FR : ET HIB : REX : Above a rose a single-arched
crown, mint mark on both sides, a mullet. Weight,
15 grains. PI. I, 18.
io The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
No. 5. CAROLVS (CAROLV) D : G : MA : (MAG : ) BR (BRI or
BRIT). Above two sceptres in saltire perpendicularly,
a crown.
Reverse. FR. (FRA or FRAN) ET . HI . (HIB) REX, rose under
crown. Weight, 13 grains. PI. I, 19.
The following are the mint marks found :
Obverse. Mullet = Reverse. Mullet.
Crescent = Crescent.
Mullet =
Crescent = Mullet.
Fleur de lys = Crescent.
Crescent (obverse only).
These coins have a splash of brass inserted in them and are
on thick flans.
A silver proof is known with the mint mark fleur de lys :
No. 6. Obverse. CAROLVS . D ! G . MAG I BRI (BRIT.) Surmounting
two sceptres in saltire placed perpendicularly, a double-
arched crown.
Reverse. FRAN . ET . HIB . REX. Above a double rose, a
double arched crown. Weight, 18 grains. PI. I, 20.
Three mint marks occur on both obverse and reverse, viz.,
fleur de lys, mullet, and crescent, whilst the following mint marks
appear thus :
Obverse. Mullet = Reverse. Crescent.
Fleur de lys =
Crescent = Mullet.
Fleur de lys =
Mullet = Fleur de lys.
Mullet (obverse only).
Varieties occur reading FRAN : ET : HI BE : REX and FRA : ET :
HIBER : REX.
There are two patterns in copper doubtless struck as being
improvements upon the Richmond farthings ; they are as follows :
Reign of Charles I. 1 1
FARTHING.
Obverse. CAROLVS D G MAG BRITANN. A double-
arched crown and sceptres within an inner circle.
Reverse. FRAN ET HIBER REX B. A harp beneath a
crown within an inner circle.
The " B " on the reverse is the initial of the engraver, Briot.
FARTHING.
Obverse. CARQ D : G : MA : BRI : A crown with single arch.
Reverse. FRA : ET . HIB : REX. Two sceptres in saltire.
The mint mark occurs on both sides. Weight, 15 grains.
Hoblyn Collection.
Money of necessity was issued during the wars in Ireland, at
five places, viz., Bandon, Cork, Kilkenny, Kinsale and Youghal.
The coins struck at Kilkenny were issued in 1642 by " The Confeder-
ated Catholics," those at the remaining towns by the " Malignants "
or adherents of the king, 1646-1647. The Proclamation of the
" Confederated Catholics" at Kilkenny, November i5th, 1642, ordered
" that there shall be 4,000 Ibs. of red copper coyned to farthings and
half-pence with the harp and the crown on one side and two scepters
on the other."
KILKENNY, 1642.
HALFPENNY.
Obverse. CAROLVS : D : G : MAG : BRI. Within a circle, two
sceptres in saltire through a crown.
Reverse. FRAN : ET : HIBER : REX. Within a circle, a
crowned harp between C. R. Weight, 75 grains.
This coin also occurs reading FRA ET HIB REX, omitting C. R. PI. I, 21.
The mint mark, which is found on both sides, is a harp. These
coins were very extensively fabricated and we frequently find pieces
variously countermarked, in order to distinguish the genuine coins
from the false. The following countermarks occur, K, a shield
bearing a castle and K, and five castles, arranged in a circle.
PI. I, 22, 23.
b 2
1 2 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
FARTHING.
Obverse. CARO : D : G : MAG : BRI : Two sceptres in saltire
through a crown.
Reverse. FRA ET : HIB : REX. A crowned harp between C. R.
No mint mark. Weight, 34 grains. PI. I, 21 A.
The majority of these coins are very ill-struck ; and it is
extremely difficult to meet with examples showing the complete
design. 1
A copper piece also exists which is quite plain except that
KILKENNY is struck upon it within an oblong indent. Hoblyn
Cabinet. PI. I, 24.
BANDON.
COPPER COIN.
Obverse. B. B, within a circle of small lozenges.
Reverse. Three castles within a circle of small lozenges. PI. I, 25.
This coin, which is struck upon an octagonal flan of copper,
weighs 30 grains and is of rude execution. The letters B B
doubtless represent Bandon Bridge, which was the original name
of the town.
KINSALE.
FARTHING.
No. I. Obverse. K. S, enclosed within a dotted circle.
Reverse. A chequered shield. PI. I, 26.
This piece is struck on a rectangular flan, and weighs 35 grains.
No. 2. Obverse. K. S, within a dotted circle.
Reverse. A shield bearing fourteen pellets.
This coin is also struck upon a rectangular flan, and weighs
55 grains.
1 In the collection of Mr. Hoblyn, however, are three specimens of the halfpenny
(two octagonal and on^ circular), containing the whole design, with full margins, and in
excellent preservation.
Reign of Charles L 13
YOUGHAL, 1645-1646.
FARTHINGS.
No. i. Obverse. Y. T, beneath which is the date 1646, and above a bird ;
the whole within a double linear circle. Weight,
14 grains.
Reverse. A galley, enclosed within a double linear circle. PI. II, 2.
No. 2. Obverse, Y. T, above which is a bird within a double linear circle.
Weight, 15 grains.
Reverse. A galley enclosed by a double dotted circle. PI. II, 3.
No. 3. Obverse. Y. T, beneath which is the date 1646. Weight, 54 grains.
Reverse. A galley enclosed by double linear circles. PI. II, 4.
No. 4. Obverse. Y. T, beneath which is the date 1646, and above a branch.
Weight, 23 grains.
Reverse. A galley surrounded by a double linear circle. PI. II, I.
No. 5. Obverse. Y. T, within a dotted circle. Weight, 9 grains.
Reverse. A fish surrounded by a dotted circle. PI. II, 6.
No. 6. Obverse. Y. T, within two circles of pellets. Weight, 20 grains.
Reverse. A galley on shield enclosed by a circle of triangular dots.
PI. II, 5-
No. 7. Obverse. Y. T, in an elaborated circle enclosed by a circle of small
triangles. Weight, 25 grains.
Reverse. A shield bearing a galley, within a circle of triangles.
With the exception of the last all the preceding coins are of
rough execution, and are, as is also the last, struck upon square
brass flans.
TWOPENCE.
Obverse.-^
Reverse. A galley enclosed within a double circle.
This coin is struck upon a square brass flan.
THREEPENCE.
Obverse. jr., within a circle of dots.
CR
Reverse. ^ ^ enclosed by dotted circle.
This piece is struck in pewter.
UNCERTAIN COPPER COIN.
Obverse. Within a circular indent C ' R beneath a crown.
Reverse. Blank.
1 4 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
This is counter-stamped upon a foreign copper coin which is too
worn to decipher. I have classed it with the Youghal pieces on
account of its resemblance to the coin described above. It is very
similar to the silver money of necessity issued by James, Marquis of
Ormonde, in 1643.
CORK, 1647.
FARTHINGS.
No. i. Obverse. CORK within a dotted circle.
Reverse. A castle within a dotted circle.
This is struck on a square flan. Weight, 35 grains. PI. II, 7.
No. 2. Obverse. CORK within a beaded circle.
Reverse. A ship issuing from between two towers.
This coin is struck upon a square flan. Weight, 41 grains.
No. 3. Obverse. CORKE under the head of a lion, whilst beneath are
two branches, all within a dotted circle.
Reverse. Blank. PI. II, 8.
This piece, which is struck in brass, weighs 57 grains.
HALFPENNY.
Obverse. CORK, within a dotted, enclosing a linear circle.
Reverse. A castle.
This coin, which is upon a square flan of copper, weighs 84 grains.
Fletcher Collection.
We also find contemporary foreign coins overstruck CORK or
CORKE : they were no doubt so countermarked for currency
during the siege in 1647. PI- 1 1, 9, 10.
THE COMMONWEALTH. 1649-1660.
During the interregnum, coins would appear to have been issued
at only two towns in Ireland, viz., Cork and Kerry ; and they may
be thus described :
The Commonwealth. 15
CORK.
FARTHINGS.
No. i. Obverse. V A V CORKE v FARTHING surrounding a shield
bearing the cross of St. George.
Reverse. V A v CORKE V FARTHING enclosing a shield
bearing a harp. Weight, 66 grains. A variety occurs of
smaller size.
No. 2. Obverse. ' A ' CCJRKE FARTHING around an ornamental
shield bearing the cross of St. George.
Reverse. ' A CORKE FARTHING surrounding ornate shield
bearing a harp. Mint mark on both sides, a mullet.
This coin, apparently a pattern, weighs 27 grains, and is in the
Fletcher Collection.
No. 3. Obverse. A CORKE FARTHIN enclosing the cross of
St. George upon a shield.
Reverse. A CORKE FARTHIN surrounding a shield bearing a
harp. Weight, 14 grains.
No. 4. Obverse. As No. 3.
Reverse. As No. i. Fletcher Collection.
The majority of these coins are very ill-struck ; and not a few
are found over-struck upon the double-tournois of Louis XIII.
KERRY.
FARTHING.
Obverse. A shield bearing per pale, cross of St. George and harp.
Reverse. KER.
This is struck upon a square flan of brass.
CHARLES II. 1660-1685.
The first coin to appear in this reign was a farthing issued under
a patent granted December I4th, 1660, to Sir Thomas Armstrong.
It is almost identical in design with the Harington farthings
previously described, and from the occurrence of a capital R, on the
jewelled band of the crown, on the obverse, it would appear that the
dies from which it was struck were the work of the famous engraver,
1 6 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
Thomas Rawlins. Owing to the opposition of the Lord Lieutenant,
James, Duke of Ormonde, the piece did not have a large circulation,
and this possibly accounts for its comparative rarity.
FARTHING.
Obverse CAROLVS . II. D G. M. B. Within a dotted circle, two
sceptres in saltire through a crown.
Reverse. FRA. ET. HIB. REX. Mint mark, plume. Within a dotted
circle, a harp surmounted by a crown. Weight, 30 grains.
PI. II, ii.
A silver proof exists of this coin, which is possibly unique. Hoblyn
Cabinet.
ST. PATRICK'S MONEY.
During the year 1678, were issued, in all probability, the coins
known as St. Patrick's money.
These coins, which are of copper, were struck in the city of Dublin,
and for many years were a numismatic puzzle, as will be seen from the
opinions expressed by various authorities in time past. Simon, in his
Irish Coins, classes them among the Irish siege-money, and states that
they were struck in Dublin in 1643, which was likewise the opinion of
the Rev. H. Christmas, whilst Dr. Aquilla Smith and Evelyn con-
sidered them to have been issued within the period of 1660-1680. For
the following reasons, the view which I myself hold is that they were
struck in Dublin in 1678. These coins were specifically mentioned in
a Tynwald Act of the Isle of Man, June 24th, 1679, m which Act it is
declared that they shall cease to be current within the island on and
after the first of January following. Likewise, in 1682, we find the
State of New Jersey authorizing these pieces for currency, a large
quantity having been imported, during the previous November, by one
Mark Newby, when his party emigrated thither from Ireland. It
would appear from the large number in circulation in 1679, that they
must have been issued shortly before, and from the occurrence upon a
St. Patrick's farthing, of the figure 8, beneath the kneeling figure of
David, I would suggest the year 1678 as the most probable solution of
the difficulty.
Reign of Charles II. 17
HALFPENNY.
Obverse. FLOREAT REX. Mint mark, star. Figure of King David
kneeling and playing the harp, above which is a crown.
Reverse. ECCE GREX. Figure of St. Patrick standing, mitred, bearing
a crozier in his left hand and a trefoil in his right hand,
which he holds extended over a group of seven people,
standing before him. The arms of Dublin, viz., a shield
bearing three castles, are supported by two figures ; edge
engrailed. Weight, 142 grains. PI. II, 14.
FARTHING.
Obverse. As on the halfpenny, omitting the mint mark.
Reverse. QVIESCAT. PLEBS. St. Patrick standing, holding in his left
hand a metropolitan cross, whilst with his right hand he drives
out the reptiles ; behind and to the right is a church. Edge
engrailed vertically. Weight, 77-105 grains. PI. II, 12.
The halfpenny and farthing exist in copper, with a plug of brass
impressed with a crown upon the obverse.
Many dies were evidently used, as the legends both on obverse
and reverse differ in punctuation, as well as in the size and formation
of the letters, as will be seen from the list below.
HALFPENCE.
FLORE AT REX ECCE GREX 2 dies.
FLORE 'AT REX ECCE GREX 2 dies.
FLOREAT * REX . ECCE : GREX I die.
FLOREAT * REX : ECCE GREX i die.
FLOREAT # : REX .
FARTHINGS.
FLOREAT : REX i die. QVIESCAT PLEBS . I die.
FLOREAT REX : 3 dies. QVIESCAT PLEBS . i die.
FLOREAT : REX : 13 dies. QVIESCAT : PLEBS 2 dies.
FLOREAT : REX : i die. QVIESCAT PLEBS : 3 dies.
FLOREAT : REX : 3 dies. QVIESCAT : PLEBS : i die.
FLOREAT # REX * * * * QVIESCAT PLEBS : 2 dies,
i die. QVIESCAT : PLEBS : i die.
QVIESCAT PLEBS 9 dies. QVIESCAT * PLEBS *
QVIESCAT PLEBS . 2 dies. i die.
1 8 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
There exist proofs in silver both of the farthing and halfpenny,
that of the halfpenny being of extreme rarity ; an example of the latter
coin, much worn, was in the cabinet of Dr. Aquilla Smith, its weight
being i76'5 grains.
The silver proof of the farthing, though less rare, is seldom met
with, and weighs 114 grains, whilst a proof of this piece is also known
in lead.
I have met with an ill-executed contemporary forgery of the
farthing in copper, in which the plug of brass on the obverse is
wanting. Nelson Collection. An example of a farthing struck in
silver is in the Caldecott Collection, on which the head of St. Patrick
occurs surrounded by a nimbus ; this piece is unique. PI. II, 13.
In the year 1679, there was issued the following piece, which is
now very rare :
HALFPENNY.
Obverse. LONG . LIVE . THE . KING. A harp surmounted by a crown.
Reverse. THE DVBLIN. HALFPENNIE. A shield bearing the arms
of Dublin, viz., three castles (two and one), above which is the
date, 1679, mint mark a cross. Weight, 168 grains. PI. II, 16.
This coin was probably coined by the Dublin Corporation. A
specimen is in the Wallers Cabinet.
In the next year, 1680, a patent was granted to Sir Thomas
Armstrong and Col. George Legg, for the coinage of halfpence for
Ireland, each of which was to weigh 107 grains, and for such right of
coinage the patentees were to pay to the crown the annual sum
of ,16 135-. ^d. in equal halves, on June 24th and December 25th,
being liable to receive back their own coin at the rate of 2 is. to
the \.
HALFPENNY.
-. CAROL VS . II . DEI . GRATIA. Laureated and draped bust
of the King to right.
Reverse. MAG . BR . FRA . ET . HIB . REX. A harp surmounted by a
crown, on either side of .which is the date j6-8o. Edge
engrailed. Weight, no grains. PI. II, 17.
The following dates are found : 1680 large letters, 1681 large and
Reign of James II. 19
small letters, 1682, 1683, 1684, all with small lettering. PI. II, 1 8.
The bust on the pieces with small letters differs from the earlier coins ;
and the date 1684 is very rare. Silver proofs occur of 1680 and
1 68 1, the latter with small lettering.
In or about the year 1680 was struck the following coin, which
appears to be a pattern for a halfpenny ; it is struck in copper, the
design being as follows :
Obverse. CAROLVS . II . DEI . GRATIA. C R in double monogram
beneath a crown.
Reverse. . MAG . BR . FRA . ET . HIB . REX. A harp beneath a
crown. Weight, 82 grains. PL II, 15.
This piece is also found struck in pewter, and in either metal is
of extreme rarity.
JAMES II. 1685-1688.
In the year 1685 we find the unexpired patent of Charles II. to
Sir Thomas Armstrong, renewed on the same terms by James II. in
favour of Sir John Knox.
HALFPENNY.
O&verse.IACOBVS . II . DEI . GRATIA . Laureated and draped
bust of the king to left.
Reverse. MAG . BR . FRA . ET . HIB . REX. A harp, above which is
a crown dividing the date 1685. Weight, 125 grains.
PI. II, 19.
The following dates occur : 1685, 1686, 1687 and 1688, whilst of
1685 there is a proof in pewter. The date 1687 is of extreme
rarity.
MONEY OF NECESSITY, 1689-1691, INCLUDING
THE "GUN-MONEY."
James II. having abdicated the English throne, retired to France
in December, 1688; but in the following year, sailing for Ireland, he
landed at Kinsale, March I2th, I688, 1 and made his entry into
Dublin on March 24th. On the twenty-fifth James raised, by
1 To correspond with the coinage the "old style " is here followed.
2o The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin. and Pewler.
proclamation, the value of English and foreign gold and silver coins,
English gold being enhanced 20 per cent., and English silver 8J per
cent. In the May following, the King, by a separate order, authorized
the French three-and-a-half sous-piece, the original value of which
was one penny and three-fifths, to be current at the rate of three pence
halfpenny. Apparently, this method of providing supplies failed to
MB
IOH laic
tin ; , HIE
iiQSft . QIIB
SDH .". HB
w; ' -;
KingJaines II? Mint Houfe.Nfz/.Capel St.
i
relieve the King's pressing necessities, since, on June the i8th, 1689,
we find James issuing regal tokens of the value of sixpence, struck in
brass and bearing the value and date of manufacture. The king for
his own purposes set aside the patent granted by him to Sir John Knox
in 1685, and, seizing upon his coining apparatus, established two mints,
the one at 27, Capel Street, Dublin, the other at the Deanery, Limerick.
Reign of James II. 21
At the Dublin mint there were two presses at work called the
" James " and the " Duchess " respectively. Various officers were
appointed, namely, six commissioners, divided into first and second
classes, two secretaries, one for each class, four comptrollers, two
wardens, one treasurer, four tellers, four feeders, eight labourers at
the fly, two porters, a me'ssenger, two door keepers, and a storekeeper.
The presses were continually at work day and night, the staff being
double, and each party working twelve hours at a time. At Dublin,
the commissioners were John Trinder, Chief Commissioner, Francis
Rice, William Brinfield, Edward Fox, Thomas Goddard and William
Talbot, the secretaries, John Tringer and Samuel Clark, the
treasurer, Hewlet, and the Comptrollers, Holland, Dempsey, Osborn
and Morgan ; whilst at Limerick, Walter Plunket was the com-
missioner. It would appear that within a very short time the supply
of metal for this coinage began to fail, since we find, in the following
month, the commissioners of the mint engaged in active correspon-
dence with their representatives throughout the country, respecting
the purchase of metal, for the purposes of this issue.
In July were struck shillings and half-crowns of large size, the
proclamation authorizing their issue having appeared during the
previous month, and at the same time we find the commissioners
authorized, as an inducement to the people to exchange their gold
and silver for tokens of brass, to allow twenty shillings and sixpence
in gun-money for every twenty shillings so tendered.
In the following March, 1689, pewter coins of the value of pence
and halfpence were authorized for currency, which pieces we likewise
find dated 1690. On April 2ist, 1690, crown pieces struck in white
metal were declared to be legal tender, but it would appear, from the
rarity of these pieces, that but few, if any, can have found their way
into circulation, though some five thousand were discovered in the mint
at Dublin on the capture of that city in July, 1690. There are,
however, specimens which show signs of considerable wear.
It is evident that at this time the amount of metal for the coinage
of the gun-money pieces must have been greatly reduced, since we
find that shillings and half-crowns were now issued of smaller size and
2 2 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
weight, and two months later, June, 1690, the large half-crowns, i.e.
the pieces issued prior to May, 1690, were recalled and subsequently
reissued as crowns, " surfrappe"." The new design was stamped on
the coins so recalled, and nearly all the examples show traces of their
previous state. The material from which these gun-money coins
were struck was largely composed of old church bells, kitchen utensils
and disused cannon, whence their name. They were now, however,
to become more harmful to friend than to foe, and they forcibly recall
to mind the conversion of swords into ploughshares. Gun-metal was
at this period (1689-90) worth from three pence to four pence per Ib.
but now by the necessities of the time, was forced into circulation at a
greatly enhanced value. The principal losers by this nominal coinage
were the Monarch's unfortunate adherents, who upon the reduction in
value under the Acts of William and Mary, found themselves suddenly
fined in proportion to their holdings ; for by the first Act the crown and
halfcrown were reduced in value to a penny each, the small halfcrown
to three farthings, the large shilling to a halfpenny, whilst the small
shilling and sixpence were only estimated at a farthing apiece. At
the same time the pewter penny and halfpenny were reduced to a
moiety of their original value.
That the quantity of gun-metal pieces struck was enormous will
be apparent from the subjoined table :
Ibs. ozs. were made into s. d.
Sixpences ... 14,080 3 49>4 2 6 6
Large shillings 62,422 2^5 245,879 17 o
halfcrowns 111,308 15 443,498 10 o
Small shillings... 8,914 n'75 41,800 o o
halfcrowns 21,267 '75 127,200 o o
Total ... 216,993 J 3 ^97>42o 13 6
The intrinsic value of the metal at 4^. a pound amounted to
.3,616 55. 6d. only, but it was nevertheless declared current at the
sum of "907,420 13.?. 6d. To this we must also add the increased
value of the large halfcrowns which were reissued as crowns, say
440,000 6s. 6d, making in all "1,347,421. Practically the whole of
Reign of James II. 23
this sum must have found its way into currency, since there remained
in the mint only the following pieces when it fell into the hands of the
adherents of William and Mary :
s. d. Value each at s. d.
6000 gun-money sixpences ... 150 o o \d. 650
9043 shillings, large 452 3 o \d. 18 16 9
126503 halfcrowns ... 15,812 17 6 id. 527 i n
4757 shillings, small 237 17 o \d. 4 19 \\
2489 ,, halfcrowns,, ... 311 2 6 \d. 7 15 6
17292 ,, crowns... ... 4,323 o o \d. 72 i o
tin crowns... ... ... 1,202 o o \d. 502
^22,489 o o ,641 19 5!
Finally, in the year 1691, under the Act of William and Mary,
all the above coins ceased to be current.
The dies for all the " money of necessity " of this monarch were
engraved by Roettier, one of a family of medalists, which, for a period
of some sixty years, was intimately associated with the Stuart cause.
The design of all these coins is excellent, and the treatment of the
king's portrait leaves little to be desired, showing at the same time a
wealth of detail and a broadness of conception and execution, such
as one could only expect from an artist of the eminence of Roettier.
All the pieces of later date than the month of July, 1690, at
which time Dublin fell into the hands of the Conqueror of the Boyne,
were issued from the mint at Limerick. This mint continued to
issue gun-money until October, 1690, which was the last month of
their striking. In the following year, pieces in brass of the value of
halfpence and farthings were struck here, and are always found over-
struck upon large and small gun-money shillings respectively, and
were doubtless used by the inhabitants of the town, during the siege.
Limerick was the last city to hold out for James, only yielding after
a prolonged and gallant resistance, October 3rd, 1691. The garrison
were allowed to march out with all the honours of war, maintaining to
the last that brave demeanour which had made them as much
respected by friend as feared by foe, after which they elected to enter
the service of Louis XIV.
24 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
Such a debasement of a country's coinage as we have seen above,
must ever be regarded as a sign of national weakness ; also, from
the sense of insecurity so engendered, it must inevitably bring disaster
in its train, and such a fate overtook the cause of James alike in
Ireland and in England.
It was doubtless the intention of King James to redeem his
gun-money coins, month by month, as opportunity permitted. Circum-
stances, however, decreed otherwise, as after the battle of the Boyne
he departed for France, and was compelled to leave his adherents to
their fate.
Very unfavourably must the conduct of this monarch in respect
to his currency, compare with that of his heroic father, who, even in
the hour of his direst need, maintained the standard of purity of his
coinage, a circumstance which must for all time be recorded to his
honour.
SIXPENCE.
O&verse.-lACOKVS. II. DEI. GRATIA. Laureated and draped bust
of the King to left.
Reverse. MAG. BR. FRA ET. HIB. REX. 1689. Two sceptres in
saltire though a crown, above which is VI., beneath is the
month of issue and on either side ./ 01. Edge grained.
Weight, 45-65 grains. PI. Ill, i.
This coin occurs with monthly dates from June, 1689, to June,
I69O, 1 inclusive, whilst proofs occur in gold of February, and in
silver of July, August, September, January and February. The
subjoined is a list of varieties of lettering, the figures in parentheses
being the number of variations in the dies ; they total forty-nine.
1689. June, (2), June., Jvne , July (5), July., <9lug (4) one reads
FR. &ug. f &lug\ ; &lug l ', Sep, Sep", $ep r ., <ep r :, 7 ler,
PI. in, 2, 0ct\ JVov, JVbv., JVbv\, @ec. (2), @ee : (2),
Jan (2), Jan. (2), Jan \ (3), &eb (4), -Mar.
1690. Mar '., <Sdpr ; &lpr :, May, May :, June : , 0ct \,
1 In these dates it must be remembered that the old style was then in vogue, when
the years commenced on the>25th March.
Reign of James II. 25
SHILLING, Large.
Obverse. IACOBVS. IL DEI GRATIA. Laureated head of the King
to left.
Reverse. MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB. REX. J68Q. Two sceptres in
saltire through a crown, above which is XII., beneath is the
month of issue and on either side </ ^. Edge grained.
Weight 63-121 grains. PI. Ill, 3.
Coins of the months from July, 1689, to April, 1690, inclusive,
are found, whilst proofs occur in gold of March and April, 1690, and
in silver of July, August, September, January, February and March,
1689, and of March and April, 1690. The following is a list of
eighty varieties. 1
1689. /uly (3), one has no stops on the obverse, /uly. (2),
<% (2), 6&ug., <Sdug\, Mug t (2), <S4ug* : (3). <ep r (4),
Sep r ., $ep r :, Sept., Sepf, r . fat, 0ct., 0ct : (3), OCT, OCT. (2),
one has no stops on the obverse. OCT R ., ocx r , OCT, 8 BER,
8 BE r ., 8 BR, 8 lr. J\Tov } JVov., JYov : (3), Nov, 7lov r :, 9, tf (3),
one has a castle under the bust. PI. Ill, 4. &ec, <$)ec.,
: (3), @e<f., io r (2). /an (2), /an : (4), one has the
reversed /jon : of which coin there is a silver proof.
(2), $eb., $eb : (3). Mar, Mar., Mar :
1690. Mar, Mar., Mar : (2), 4pr., &pr : (3).
HALFCROWN, Large.
Obverse. IACOBVS . II . DEI . GRATIA. Laureated and draped bust
of the King to left.
Reverse. MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB. REX. 1689. Two sceptres in saltire
through a crown, above which is XXX, beneath is the month of
issue, and on either side .J @l. Edge milled with a leaf pattern.
Weight 200-250 grains. PI. Ill, 5.
This issue bears monthly dates from July, 1689, to May, 1690
inclusive, In all some sixty-five varieties exist, whilst proofs in gold
occur of April, 1 690, and in silver of August, September, November,
January, February and March, 1689, and of March and April, I69O. 1
1 For explanation of the figures in brackets see list on page 24.
C
26 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
1689. July (3), one has small -J 01, $#*/#, suy : (2), 4ug* :,
crown and sceptres reversed. PI. Ill, 6. 4ug\ 6ug t :,
c%^(4), Sep r : (3), <%/ :, <eptr. t &et :, 0cf., OCT, OCT., OCT R .,
8 r , 8 BER. PL III, 7. Nov., Nov. (3), JYov r ., ec. (.),
UDec : (2), @}6 r . t I0 r ., </aw, ^aw- : (3). Mar, Mar., Ma-r :,
Mar :
1690. c/fe- : (2), Mar: -Sdpr., &lpr : (4), Apr., Apr: (3). ^y,
May : (3). PI. HI, 8.
SHILLING, Small.
Obverse. IACOBVS. II. DEI. GRATIA. Laureated head of the King
to left.
Reverse. MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB. REX. 1690. Two sceptres in
saltire through a crown, above which is XII., beneath is the
month of issue, and on either side </ &. Edge grained.
Weight, 66-104 grains. PL III', 10.
Of this issue we find nineteen varieties, and gold and silver
proofs occur dated May and June, 1690^
1690. <S/lpr (2), one has cinquefoils on the obverse. PL HI, 9.
Jiay (5), May. (3), one reads GRATA, May, MAY with
cinquefoils on the obverse. </une (2), June. (2) July,
f ., <ep :.
HALFCROWN, Small.
Obverse. IACOBVS. II. DEI. GRATIA. Laureated head of the
King to left.
Reverse. MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB. REX. 1690. Two sceptres in
saltire through a crown, above which is XXX, beneath is the
month of issue, and on either side ,J %. Edge milled with a
leaf pattern. Weight, 105-177 grains. PL III, 11.
Twenty-four varieties exist of the above, whilst there are proofs,
in gold and silver, of the month of May. 1
1690. 64pr : May (5), May. (7), Wl/ay (2). PL III, 12. One
has cinquefoils on the reverse. June, June., Jnue., Jun,
July (2), &lug :, %/ :, Get : PL II I, 13
1 For explanation of the figures in brackets see p. 24.
Reign of James //. 27
CROWN.
Obverse. I AC. II. DEI. GRA. MAG. BRI. FRA. ET. HIB. REX.
Equestrian figure of King to left, holding drawn sword perpen-
dicularly. A large sash floats from the King's waist, whilst
the horse's tail is curved.
Reverse. --CHRIS \ TO. VICT | ORE. TRI | VMPHO. Arms of
England, Scotland, France and Ireland arranged cruciformly
around a crown ANO DOM j6 90 in the angles. Edge milled
with a leaf pattern. ' Weight, 243 grains. PI. Ill, 14.
Proofs also occur in gold, silver and tin.
A variety reads RIX on the obverse, and CHRIS | TO. VICTO
| RE. TRI | VMPHO on the reverse.
PATTERN CROWN.
Obverse. IAC. II. DEI. GRA. MAG. BRI. FRA. ET. HIB. REX.
Equestrian figure of King to left, holding a drawn sword
slantwise, small sash floating on the wind. The horse's tail is
straight, the letters of the legend are larger than on the previous
coin.
Reverse. CHRIS \ TO. VICT | ORE. TRI | VMPHO. Arms of
England, Scotland, France and Ireland arranged cruciformly
around a crown, ANO DOM j6 90 in the angles. Edge
milled with a leaf pattern. Weight, 201 grains. Nelson
Collection. PL III, 15.
PROOFS.
VI. XII. XXX. Crown.
June
July ... ... M JR
August JR /R M
September ... ^R JR JR
October
November ... JR.
December
January M JR M
February A/ . JR JR JR
March M JR
1690.
March N . JR JR
C 2
28 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin and Pewter.
VI. XII.
April
May
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
XXX. Crown.
AT. /R
Small.
A/ . M . Sn. f Plain edge, and
N . JR A/ . /R and JR - lettered edge.
W . fit A/. JR
TABLE SHOWING THE NUMBER OF DIES IN USE.
Month. Sixpence.
1689 June ... 4
July ... 6
August ... 7
September 4
7 ber ... i
October ... i
8 ber
November... 3
9
9 r with castle
December ... 4
io r
January ... 7
February ... 4
March ... i
1690 March ... i
April ... 2
May ... 2
June ... i
July
August
September
October i
Large
XI j?
5
ii
Large
I
5
4
2
7
5
3
i
6
5
2
i
6
4
6
5
2
4
4
3
4
9
..
4
Small
xn>
Small
xxx>
2
10
4
I
I
I
I
14
4
2
I
I
I
4
14
24
21
I
17
6
15
3
i
15
3
i7
15
7
8
18
30
9
3
2
2
2
49
80
24
237
Reign of James II. 29
CROWN.
White Metal, with plug of Prince's Metal.
Odverse. I AC. II DEI. GRA. MAG. BRI. FRA. ET. HIB. REX.
Equestrian figure of the King riding to the left, with drawn
sword, scarf floating behind.
Reverse.- CHRIS | TO. VICTO | RE. TRI VMPHO, Arms of
England, Ireland, France and Scotland arranged cruciformly, a
crown in the centre. In the upper angles ANO DOM ; in the
lower angles j6 90. Edge inscribed MELIORIS TESSERA
FATI ANNO REGNI SEXTO Weight, 283 grains.
PI. IV, 7.
Proofs of this crown exist in gold and silver with inscribed edge,
in silver and tin with plain edge, also in white metal with inscribed
edge.
PATTERN CROWN.
Silver.
Obverse and reverse somewhat similar to the preceding coin but upon the
reverse it reads TRIUMPHO. It occurs in silver and copper
with plain edge, also in silver inscribed MLIORIS 1 *
TESSERA FATI with a pellet between two foliate
ornaments at the end of the legend. PI. IV, 8.
A specimen in copper occurs in the Hoblyn collection with plain
edge.
PATTERN CROWN.
Pewter with plugs of Prince's Metal.
Obverse. IACOBVS. II. DEI. GRATIA. Equestrian figure of the
King proceeding to the left carrying a drawn sword, with
floating scarf behind.
Reverse. 3689. MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB. REX. A crown enclosed
by the legend.
This coin is plugged with Prince's metal in two places on the
obverse and one on the reverse. That in the British Museum,
weighing 346 grains, is from the Barrd Charles Roberts cabinet,
whilst another was recently discovered by Mr. W. T. Ready. PL IV, 6.
1 sic, the E being omitted.
30 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper. Tin, and Pewter.
GROAT.
Mixed Metal. (Pewter.)
Obverse. IACOBVS. II. DEI. GRATIA. Draped and laureated bust
of the King to the left, from the die of the gun-money sixpence.
Reverse. MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB. REX. J689. A crowned harp,
on either side of which is II. Edge grained. Weight, 52 grains.
Of extreme rarity. Hoblyn Cabinet. PI. IV, 5.
PENNY.
Pewter.
Obverse. IACOBVS. II. DEI. GRATIA. Laureated bust of the King
to left as on the large gun-money shilling.
Reverse. MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB. REX. 1689. A harp beneath
a crown. Edge grained. Weight, 130 grains. Probably
unique.
This piece is also dated 1690. PI. IV, 3.
HALFPENNY.
Pewter.
Obverse. IACOBVS. II. DEI. GRATIA. Small laureated head of the
King with short hair to left.
Reverse. MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB. REX. 1689, around a crowned
harp. Edge grained. Weight, 72 grains. Very rare.
This coin is also found dated 1690. A silver proof occurs of
the year 1690, some specimens of which are found struck over
Louis d'argents. pi. IV, i.
PENNY.
Pewter.
O&verse.IACOBVS. II. DEI. GRATIA. Small laureated head of the
King with short hair to left, I D behind the head.
Reverse. MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB. REX., enclosing a harp beneath
a crown, the date is divided by the foot of the harp, j6-po.
Edge grained. Weight, 95 grains. PI. IV, 4.
Reign of William- and Mary. 31
HALFPENNIES.
Pewter.
Obverse. IACOBVS. II. DEI. GRATIA., surrounding laureated head
of the King with short hair to left, beneath which is a floral
ornament.
Reverse. MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB. REX. 1690, around a harp,
beneath a crown which divides the date. Edge grained.
Weight, 72 grains. PI. IV, 2.
Obverse. IACOBVS. II. DEI. GRATIA., surrounding equestrian
figure of the King.
Reverse. MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB. REX. J68Q. A crown sur-
mounting two sceptres in saltire, above a harp, to the left of
which is HALF, to the right, PENY. Edge grained.
This piece is plugged with Prince's metal. It is recorded, but
is not now known to exist.
Brass.
Obverse. IACOBVS. II. DEI. GRATIA. Laureated and draped bust
of the King to left.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. j6pj. Seated figure of Hibernia facing to the
left and in her right hand a trefoil. Edge grained. Weight,
1 02 grains.
FARTHING.
Brass.
Obverse and Reverse similar to the previous coin. On some, however, the
N on the Reverse is not inverted. Edge grained. Weight,
82 grains. , PI. Ill, 16.
Both the last two described coins were re-struck respectively over
the large and small shillings, and were minted at Limerick for
currency during the siege of that place.
WILLIAM AND MARY, 1689-1694.
As previously mentioned one of the early Acts of this reign was
the reduction in value of the various gun- money coins of James II.
32 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin and Pewter.
and very shortly afterwards these coins were demonetized. The only
pieces issued in Ireland during the reign of these monarchs were
halfpence, which may be thus described :
HALFPENNY.
Copper.
Obverse. GVLIELMVS. ET. MARIA. DEI. GRATIA. Jugate heads
of the King and Queen, that only of the King is laureated, the
necks undraped.
Reverse. MAG. BR. FR. ET. HIB. REX. ET. REGINA., surrounding
the harp surmounted by a crown dividing the date thus J6-Q2.
Edge grained. Weight, 125 grains. PI. II, 20.
This coin, of which no proofs exist, is found dated 1692, 1693,
and 1694. It has been asserted that the dates 1690 and 1691 exist ;
but this is extremely doubtful. The issue appears to have been
frequently cast and not struck, but examples occur which seem to be
struck on cast flans,
WILLIAM III. 1694-1702.
The coins of William III. are almost identical with those of the
preceding reign, save that the portrait of Mary is omitted.
The issue consists of halfpence, of which several varieties occur.
HALFPENNIES.
Copper.
No. i. Obverse. GVLIELMVS. III. UEI. GRA. Laureated bust of
the King in armour to left.
Reverse. MAG. BR. ERA. ET. HIB. REX. 3695. A harp,
above which is a crown dividing the date J6-95 1 . Edge
grained. Weight, 103 grains. PI. II, 22.
This coin is also found dated 1696 ; and of this year a proof
occurs in silver (sometimes gilt) reading on the reverse MAG. BRI.
for MAG. BR. which is also known in copper.
* ' This date is questioned.
Reign of George I. 33
No. 2. Obverse and Reverse somewhat similar to No. I, but reading
GULIELMVS. III. DEI. GRATIA and the King's bust is
unclraped, date J6Q6. Edge grained. Weight, 105 grains.
PI. II,2i.
ANNE. 1702-1714.
During the reign of this Queen no coins for Ireland were struck.
GEORGE I. 1714-1727.
THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.
William Wood was born July 3ist, 1671, and resided at the
Deanery, Wolverhampton, during the period 1692-1713. Previous
to his venture in the sphere of coinage he must have been a
person of good financial status, as we are told that he was the
proprietor of iron and copper mines in the west of England, and
leased mining rights in thirty-nine counties in England and
Wales.
In 1722 the King's mistress, the Duchess of Kendal, received
from Lord Sunderland a patent for the right of coining copper
money for Ireland, which she sold to Wood for ,10,000. The
charter, which was from George I. to William Wood, was dated
June the i6th, 1722, and presented the following points. It was
for the term of fourteen years, and conferred the privilege of
coining halfpence and farthings for Ireland, the total weight of
which was not to exceed three hundred and sixty tons, and thirty
pence were to be coined from one pound avoirdupois. One hundred
tons were to be coined during the first year, and twenty tons during
each of the succeeding years. Wood was to pay an annual rent
A/ >po to the King, and ^"200 to the clerk-comptroller. The
patent was passed by the English Parliament on July 22nd, 1722,
without reference to the Lord Lieutenant or to the Irish Privy
Council.
34
The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
The value of 360 tons of copper at this time was ,43,680,
and when coined at the rate of thirty pence to the pound, it
amounted to the sum of 108,000.
The then cost of coining 360 tons of copper was as follows :
Value of 360 tons of copper at i ^d. per Ib.
Making into bars at %d, per Ib.
Cost of striking coins at ^d. per Ib. ...
Rent to the Crown ... ... ... ... 14,000-
Cost of patent ... ... ... ... ... 10,000
43,680
16,800
Total
...98420
At the English Royal mint in 1722 one pound of copper was
struck into forty-six halfpence, and thus 360 tons would produce
about ,77,280, i.e., ,30,720 less than was provided by the patent
for the coinage for Ireland.
The table beneath gives the weights of specimens taken from
parcels forwarded to Ireland for distribution, a number being selected
from each parcel and after being weighed were divided into groups.
TABLE SHOWING TEST WEIGHTS.
Curren
t value of
i Ib. in
Weight of
Number in
1722.
Halfpenny.
i Ib.
Pence.
Half-
Pence.
Dec.
First sort
Grs.
120
58-33
29
'33
Second sort
III
63-06
3 1
i
06
Third sort
103
67-96
33
i
96
Fourth sort
9 6
72-91
36
91
The average
^. I0 7'5
65-11
3 2
i
ii
Reign of George L
TABLE SHOWING THE INTRINSIC AND CURRENT VALUES.
35
Quantity
coined.
Cost
coined.
Current value.
I
If as patent
provided
tons.
360
74,420
108,000
s.
c
If first sort
coined ...
5)
97.994
8
If second sort coined
..
)J
105,940
16
If third sort coined ...
.,
n
114,172
16
If fourth sort coined ...
.5
5)
122,488
16
If average coined ....
360
74,420
110,149
4
Loss to Public.
*.
33.580 o,
23.574 8
31,520 16
39.752 l6
48,068 16
35.729 4
It would appear that Wood, realizing the small sum in proportion
to his outlay to be earned by strictly adhering to the terms of the
patent, reduced the weight of the coins, hewing, by this means to
increase the profits of the undertaking.
The coining of these pieces began in January, 1722-23, the
mint being in Phoenix Street, Brown's Gardens, Seven Dials,
London. They were from here carried to Bristol by waggon, where
they were shipped to various Irish ports, Dublin being the main
centre of their distribution.
A memorial of William Wood appears in the Treasury Papers
praying for a licence to coin ''copper money for Ireland at the
city of Bristol," and a minute remains dated August 3rd, 1722,
appointing Sir Isaac Newton comptroller of the coinage. The
Treasury gave Wood power to coin a certain quantity of copper
money at Bristol and the treasury warrant authorising Wood to
establish his office for coining at or near Bristol exists of the
date August 3ist, 1723.
The dies were engraved by the following artists : Lammas,
Harold and Standbroke, who were probably also the engravers
of Wood's American issues.
36 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
Coins of the years 1722 and 1723 were issued in Ireland to
the amount of ,14,566, of which ,1,086 was represented by
farthings. The coins of 1722, however, did not attain any large
circulation and were probably issued as patterns.
Wood's coinage was unpopular, and this may have been owing
to the secrecy surrounding the issue. The Irish nation never having
been consulted and its interests but little regarded, we are not
surprised to find that both Irish Houses of Parliament petitioned the
King upon this matter, and in this they were joined, September I3th,
1723, by the Lords Justices, the Council, and the Grand Juries of
the city and county of Dublin.
Wood having been described in the press " as guilty of a most
notorious fraud in his coinage," unwisely permitted himself to be
drawn into a reply, which appeared on October 8th, 1723, in The
Flying Post, and in which he said " that he would cram his brass
down their throats in spite of them."
Subsequently to this, there was printed the first of a series of
seven letters, the writer being the famous Dr. Swift, Dean of
St. Patrick's, and as they were signed M. B. t Drapier, were known
as Drapier's Letters. The first letter was published in April, 1724,
and was succeeded at short intervals by the others. The writer,
regardless of veracity and for political reasons, entirely misrepresented
the facts of the case, and by this means the prospect of a successful
future for the coinage was fatally prejudiced. In 1724, Wood
reduced the issue to ,40,000 and limited the tender to fivepence-
halfpenny, but in the following year, 1725, he resigned the patent in
return for a pension of ,3,000 per annum for eight years upon the
establishment of Ireland.
The following extract from a letter written by Sir Robert Walpole
to Lord Townsend records this commutation :
"(London, October 12-21, 1725.)
" His majesty, before he left England, signed a warrant for granting a
pension of 3,ooo/. per annum, on the establishment of Ireland, to Thomas
Uvedale, esq. which was to him in trust for Mr. Wood for the surrender of
his patent. That warrant is still in my hands, and is not to be given out till all
difficulties in the parliament of Ireland are over. Mr. Wood has now been with
Reign of George L
37
me, to desire that the pension of 3,ooo/. per annum to Mr. Uvedale, may be
turned into three pensions of i,ooo/. per annum, for the same number of years,
which he desires, for the greater conveniency of disposing of it to the best
advantage, finding it very difficult, and almost impracticable to part with the
whole in one sum, which being divided into three parts, may be easily had.
I therefore send your lordship three warrants of i,ooo/. per annum, each for
eight years, which I desire your lordship will present to his majesty to be
signed ; and upon the return of them, I will cancel the former warrants, and
keep these in my custody, until it shall be proper to give them out."
Of April loth, 1724, there is a letter from the Treasury to
Sir Isaac Newton directing him to send a competent person to
Bristol to assay the fineness of Wood's halfpence.
Notwithstanding the outcry raised against this issue, the
report of Sir Isaac Newton, the Master of the Royal Mint, proves
these coins to have been very admirable pieces and superior
to any copper money previously coined for use in Ireland, their
only fault being the difference in weight between the various examples.
The following announcement will serve to show the feeling in Ireland
at this time in regard to these pieces.
ADVERTISEMENT.
"Whereas I, Thomas Handy, of Meath Street, Dublin, did receive by the
last packet from a person in London, to whom I am an entire stranger, bills
of lading foi eleven casks of Wood's halfpence, shipped at Bristol, and
consigned to me by the said person on his own proper account, of which I
had not the least notice until I received the said Bills of lading.
" Now I, the said Thomas Handy, being highly sensible of the duty and
regard which every honest man owes to his country and to his fellow-
subjects, do hereby declare, that I will not be concerned, directly or
indirectly, in entering, landing, importing, receiving, or uttering any of the
said Wood's halfpence, for that I am fully convinced, as well from the
addresses of both houses of parliament as otherwise, that the importing and
uttering the said halfpence will be destructive to this nation, and prejudicial
to his Majesty's revenue.
" And of this my resolution I gave notice by letter to the person who
sent me the bills of lading, the very day I received them, and have sent
back the said bills to him,
Tho. Handy.
"Dublin, 2Qth August, 1724."
38 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
The London Post for January i4th, 1723, records the following
" William Wood, of Wolverhampton, Esq., having a patent for fourteen
years for coining farthings and halfpence for Ireland, and halfpence, pence
and twopences for all His Majesty's dominions in America, hath erected a
building in Phoenix Street, Brown's Gardens, near the Seven Dials, for the
American coinage, and another in the city of Bristol for Irish coinage."
Wood no doubt selected Bristol as his place of mintage because
at that period the city was the centre of the English brass trade,
and possessed the largest copper smelting works in the kingdom.
The same journal, The London Post, January i8th, 1723, gives
the further information, which also appears in the St. James s
Journal for January iQth : "Wood began his coinage for Ireland
on Monday last near the Seven Dials."
William Wood died in London, August 2nd, 1730, and thus
only enjoyed his Irish pension for five years. His wife was Mary
Molyneaux, of Witton Hall, Staffordshire.
In describing the coins struck by William Wood I have
endeavoured to place them in their chronological sequence.
HALFPENNY, 1722.
No. i Pattern.
Obverse. GEORGIVS. D : G : REX. Laureated head of the King to
right, neck disproportionately long.
Reverse. ' HIBERNI^. Figure of Hibernia seated looking to right at a
mass of rock, and holding in front a harp, in exergue J722.
Weight, 121 grains. PI. IV, 9.
It is probable that the engraver of the dies for this coin also
engraved the dies for the following and for the pattern farthings and
halfpence of 1724.
FARTHING, 1722.
No. 2 Pattern.
Obverse. GEORGIUS . D : G : REX. Laureated head of the King to
right.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. J722. Hibernia seated to left, holding and
playing ^ harp before her. Weight, 60 grains. PI. IV, 10.
Reign of George I 39
HALFPENNY, 1722.
No. 3 Pattern.
Obverse. GEORGIUS. DEI. GRATIA. REX. Laureated head of
the "King to right.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. J722. Hibernia seated to left, holding a harp
before her upon which she plays. Weight, 133 grains.
PI. IV, ii.
Proofs occur in copper and silver. Nelson Collection.
The next piece was- no doubt the design which gave the
greatest satisfaction, for with the omission of a dot we find that the
reverse was repeated in 1723 and again in 1724. This coin on
account of its rarity may be considered a pattern and also because
of a dot before, as well as after HIBERNIA, which occurs on the
patterns of 1722, but on no subsequent issue except the pattern
halfpenny of 1723.
HALFPENNY, 1722.
No. 4 Pattern.
Obverse. GEORGIUS. DEI. GRATIA. REX. Laureated head of the
King to right.
Reverse. 'HIBERNIA. J722. Hibernia seated with harp by her side, upon
which she rests her left hand, whilst in her right she holds a
palm-branch. Weight, 1 1 1 grains.
Proofs exist in copper.
Subsequently to this would appear a similar coin dated 1723.
HALFPENNY, 1723.
No. 5 Pattern.
Obverse. GEORGIUS. DEI. GRATIA. REX. Laureated head of the
King to right.
Reverse. "HIBERNIA. 1723. Seated figure of Hibernia leaning on a harp,
holding a palm-branch in her right hand. Weight, 120 grains.
On some examples the date 1723 is overstruck on 1722.
Proofs occur in silver and copper.
The next piece of the year 1723 is a farthing, having the same
obverse as the pattern farthing of the year 1722.
40 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
FARTHING, 1723.
No. 6 Pattern.
Obverse, GEORGIUS . D : G : REX. Laureated head of the King to
right.
Reverse. HI BERN I A. 1723. Seated figure of Hibcrnia leaning on a
harp, holding in her right hand a palm-branch. Weight,
6 1 grains. PI. IV, 10, 13.
This would be followed by the usual type of farthing with the
obverse legend in full, and at the same time would be struck the
corresponding halfpenny.
FARTHING, 1723.
No 7.
<9/^r^.^GEORGIUS. DEI. GRATIA. REX. Laureated head of the
King to right.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. 1723. Seated figure of Hibernia leaning on a harp,
holding in her right hand a palm-branch. Weight, 63 grains.
PI. IV, 13.
Proofs are found in copper and in silver.
HALFPENNY, 1723.
No. 8.
Obverse. GEORGIUS. DEI. GRATIA. REX. Laureated head of the
King to right.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. 5723. Seated figure of Hibernia leaning on a harp,
holding in her right hand a palm-branch. Weight, 113 grains.
Subsequently a pattern with a star on the reverse would be
struck but as we do not find this repeated, it was probably not
accepted for currency.
HALFPENNY, 1723.
No. 9.
Obverse. GEORGIUS . DEI . GRATIA . REX. Laureated head of the
King to right.
Reverse. HIBERNIA * J723. Seated figure of Hibernia leaning on a harp,
holding in her right hand a palm-branch. Weight, no grains.
PI. IV, 12.
For 1724, the last year of the coinage, the ordinary issue is
similar to that of 172*3.
Reign of George I. 41
FARTHING, 1724.
No. 10.
Obverse. GEORGIUS . DEI . GRATIA . REX. Laureated head of the
King to right.
Reverse. HIBERNI A. J724. Seated figure of Hibernia leaning on a harp,
holding in her right hand a palm-branch. Weight, 56 grains.
HALFPENNY, 1724.
No. ii.
Obverse. GEORGIUS . DEI . GRATIA . REX. Laureated head of the
King to right.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. 1724. Seated figure of Hibernia leaning on a harp,
holding in her right hand a palm-branch. Weight, 118 grains.
PI. IV, 14.
A proof of this exists in silver. Nelson Collection.
Specimens of Nos. 10 and n occur in which the dot after the
date is omitted.
Of the year 1724, we also find the following patterns:
FARTHING, 1724.
No. 12 Pattern.
Obverse. GEORGIUS . D : GRA . REX. Laureated bust of the King
to right, with hair curling beneath the neck.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. Seated figure of Hibernia to left, leaning on a
harp, holding a palm-branch in her right hand ; date in
exergue, 1724. Weight, 78 grains. PI. V, 4.
A proof of this exists in silver and also in copper. Nelson
Collection.
HALFPENNY, 1724.
No. 13 Pattern.
Obverse. GEORGIUS. DEI. GRATIA. REX. Fine laureated head of
the King to right, with flowing hair curling beneath the trunca-
tion of the neck.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. Seated figure of Hibernia to left leaning on a
harp, holding a palm-branch in her right hand ; date in
exergue, J724. Weight, 128 grains. PI. V, i.
Proofs occur in copper of this piece, which is found struck from
the same obverse die as No. 1 5.
d
42 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
FARTHING, 1724.
No. 14 Pattern.
Obverse. GEORGIUS D : GRA . REX . Laureated head of the King
to right, with flowing hair curling beneath the truncation of
the neck.
Reverse. REGIT UN US UTROQUE 1724, surrounding crossed
trident and sceptre, united by a triple knot. Weight
79 grains. PI. V, 3.
Proofs exist in copper.
HALFPENNY, 1724.
No. 15 Pattern.
Obverse. GEORGIUS . DEI . GRATIA. REX. Fine laureated head of
the king to right with flowing hair curling beneath the
prominent truncation of the neck.
Reverse. REGIT VNVS VTROQVE J724 surrounding crossed
sceptre and a trident united by a triple knot. Weight
136 grains. PI. V, 2.
Proofs exist in copper.
HALFPENNY, 172^:
No. 1 6 Pattern.
Obverse. GEORGIUS . DEI . GRATIA .REX. Laureated bust of the
King to right.
Reverse. HIBERNIA 1724. Seated figure of Hibernia, leaning on a
harp, holding in her right hand a palm branch. The legend
begins and ends about the level of the harp.
This coin, which is struck in a whitish metal, is of considerable
rarity. Weight, i ro grains.
The design of the reverses of the two pieces described as Nos. 14
and 1 6 was borrowed from a jetton of Charles L, the work of Nicholas
Briot, viz. :
A JETTON OF CHARLES I. BY BRIOT.
Reign of George I. 43
Obverse. CAROLVS . D . G . ANG . SCO . FRAN . ET . HIB . REX
FIDEL DEF. Shield of Britain, beneath a crown, within the
collar and badge of the Thistle, all contained by the Garter.
Reverse. REGIT VNVS VTROQVE Crossed trident and sceptre
united by a triple knot ; in exergue, J628. Weight, 80 grains.
A mule exists formed by using the reverse dies of the pattern
farthings of i 724.
FARTHING, 1724.
No. 17 Pattern.
Obvet-se, HIBERNIA. Hibernia seated to left, leaning on a harp
holding a palm-branch in her right hand, in exergue, 1724.
Reverse. REGIT UN US UTROQUE 1724. Crossed trident and
sceptre united by a triple knot. Weight, 76 grains.
M. V, 3, 4-
FARTHING.
No. 1 8 Pattern.
Obverse. GEORGIUS DEI : GRA. Fine laureated head of the King
to right with curling hair.
Reverse. Female figure seated to left, holding in her outstretched right
hand a large orb, her left arm supports a sceptre and rests
upon a shield which bears the rose and thistle ; behind
the shield is a harp. No date. Weight, 76 grains. PI. V, 3A.
In the Supplement to Simon's Coinage of Ireland, p. 6, Snelling
describes a halfpenny in which Hibernia points to a sun in the upper
part of the field ; this may have been a worn example of the above
coin.
GEORGE II. 1727-1760.
In the year 1736, pieces of the value of halfpence and
farthings were struck in London at the Tower, and forwarded to
Dublin for use in Ireland. They were of standard copper, well
struck and of good design. The amount of such coins issued to
January, 1739, was fifty tons, from 1741 to 1749 one hundred tons,
d 2
44 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
and from 1750-1753 thirty-nine tons four cwts., of which fifty-two
halfpence were made from a pound of copper, and of the total,
five-sixths consisted of halfpence, the remainder of farthings ; the
legal tender being limited to sixpence.
HALFPENNY.
No. i. O&wse.-GEORGIUS ' II REX. Youthful laureated head of
the king to left with short hair.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. A harp above which is a crown and
beneath is the date J736. Edge plain. Weight,
134 grains. PL V, 5.
The various dates are 1736, 1737, 1738, 1741. 1742, 1743. 1744,
1745 and 1746. Proofs exist of 1736 both in copper and silver.
FARTHING.
No. 2. Obverse. Obverse and reverse as the halfpenny. Edge plain.
Weight, 68 grains.
These occur of the years 1737, 1738, and 1744, and of the first
date there are proofs both in silver and copper.
HALFPENNIES.
No. 3. Obverse. GEORGIUS II. REX. A somewhat elderly head
of the king laureated to left with hair curling beneath
the truncation of the neck.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. A harp surmounted by a crown, the
date J742 beneath. Edge plain. Weight 133 grains.
Hoblyn Cabinet. PL V, 8.
Both the Obverse and Reverse show numerous flaw marks,
which may account for the great rarity of the piece, as the dies
probably broke after but few examples had been struck.
No. 4. Obverse. GEORGIVS. II. REX. Elderly head of the king
laureated to left.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. A harp beneath a crown with the date
below. Edge plain. Weight, 135 grains. PL V, 6.
The date* are 1747, 1748, 1749, 1750, 1751, 1752, 1753 and 1755.
" VOCE POPULI" Coinage. 45
No. 5. Obverse. GEORGIVS . II . REX. Old laureated head of the
king to left.
Reverse. HI BERN I A. A harp beneath a crown with the date
J76o below. Edge plain. Weight 136 grains.
PI. V, 7.
FARTHING.
Obverse and Reverse. Similar to the previous coin and also dated
1760. Edge plain. Weight 68 grains.
The issue ol these coins was continued until April, 1762, and
fifty tons was the quantity coined.
THE "VOCE POPULI" COINAGE, 1760.
The coins known as the Voce Populi pieces were struck in the
year 1760, doubtless subsequently to the death of George II. They
were prepared by one Roche, of King Street Dublin, who was at
that period engaged in the manufacture of buttons for the Army,
for which he held a contract from the home Government. These
pieces bear upon the obverse the laureated bust of a man aged about
forty years, and on some examples the letter P occurs. It has
been suggested that these coins were perhaps intended to represent
Prince Charles Edward, the young Pretender, the initial P being in
that case used for Princeps ; and the issue would thus act as a
counterblast to the claims of George III. to the crown of England,
and fan into life the dying embers of the Stuart cause.
The real explanation of the mystery seems, how r ever, to be given
us in pamphlet No. 428 in the Harleian Library, where the following
interesting statement appears :
"The Irish halfpence, Voce Populi, 1760, were struck in two
different dies, in consequence of the delay they suffered in the receipt
of a coinage from England, the head is that of Hely Hutchinson
afterwards Provost of Dublin College, &c., &c.,"
Is it possible that the letter P may indicate Provost ? The date
of his appointment as Provost should almost solve the problem.
46 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
The coinage consists of halfpence, of which there are some twelve
distinct varieties, together with farthings of two varieties and of rather
superior execution.
Mr. Hoblyn has arranged these pieces in five types comprising
twelve varieties in all for the halfpenny, and two varieties for the
farthing. All are elated 1 760.
HALFPENNIES.
TYPE I.
No. i. Obverse. VOCE POPULI. Youthful bust, well executed, to
right, a rosette between the words.
Reverse. HIRER N I A + -f J/6o. Seated figure of Hibernia, to
left, with spear and harp. 1 PI. VI, I.
This piece, as regards the portrait, resembles the farthing, and
has been hitherto unpublished. Hoblyn and Nelson Cabinets.
TYPE II.
No. 2. Obverse. Portrait differs : a rosette between the words.
Reverse. Similar to No. i.- PI. V, 9.
This piece is of somewhat rough execution, and is apparently cast.
No. 3. Obverse. VOCE POPULI. Portrait nearly similar to No. 2,
but legend often blundered thus, VOOE.
Reverse. HIBE RNIA As before. 5 PI. V, n.
Proofs exist of this coin, which is neatly executed, and usually
struck, but also sometimes cast.
TYPE III.
No. 4. Obverse. VOCE + POPULI. Singular portrait, not resembling
the preceding.
Reverse. HIKER. NIA + + j;6o. 4 PI. VI, 2.
Examples of this occur both struck and cast. A variety has
points on each side of Hibernia instead of the two crosses.
1 Two annulets on harp, eight strings.
Flower and annulet on harp, eight strings.
3 AniTulet and dot on harp, eight strings.
4 Two annulets on harp, eight strings.
" VOCE POPULI" Coinage. 47
No. 5. Obverse. As No. 2.
Reverse. As No. 4.' PI. V, 9 ; VI, 2.
TYPE IV.
No. 6. Obverse. VOCE POPULI. An older portrait.
RNIA- j;6o. 2 PL V, 10.
I have only seen cast specimens of this coin. It is rare.
No. 7. Obverse. VOCE POPULI. Portrait nearly similar to No. 5.
Reverse. HIBE RNIA +' + i;6o. 3 PL V, 12.
A variety has the appearance of having been struck over
another coin.
No. 8. Obverse. VOCE POPULI. Same portrait as last, a rosette
between the words.
Reverse. HIBE RNIA- j;6o. 4 PL V, 13.
This type is very circular. It occurs both struck and cast.
No. 9. Obverse. VOCE POPULI. Portrait differs in small detail,
rosette as before.
Reverse. HIBER NIA + + j;6o. s PL V, 14.
These occur with a full border, on large flans, and on small thick
flans, and are both struck and cast.
TYPE V.
No. 10. Obverse. VOCE POPULI. A very peculiar long-headed bust,
heavily laureated, and badly struck.
Reverse. HIBER NIA Rosettes large, J76o. c Hoblyn
Cabinet. PL VI, 3.
This type is apparently unpublished.
No. ii. Obverse. VOCE ' POPULI. Same portrait, but P under bust.
Reverse. HIBER NIA Rosettes large, j;6o. 7 PL VI, 4.
1 Two annulets on harp, eight strings.
2 Marks on harp indistinct, eight strings.
3 Two annulets on harp, nine strings.
1 Flower and dot on harp, seven strings.
5 Flower and annulet on harp, eight strings.
6 Annulets on harp, six strings.
"' Two annulets on harp, six strings.
48 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
This is a common type, and is of poor work. A specimen in
the cabinet of Mr. Lionel Fletcher has the P further back under
the bust ; and the portrait more like that on Type II., No. 2, Fig. 3.
FIG. 3.
No. 12. Obverse. VOCE POPULI. Same portrait, but P in front of face.
Reverse. HIBER NIA Rosettes large, J76O. 1 PI. VI, 5.
It has been stated that there is a further type of the above
character, with P on the reverse ; but such a coin has not been
traceable in any collection, public or private.
There are roughly five quite distinct portraits upon these half-
pennies, viz. : (i) No. i, (2) Nos. 2 and 3, (3) No. 4, (4) Nos. 5 to 9,
(5) Nos. 10 to 12.
The harp, which is variously ornamented with annulets or rosettes,
and sometimes pellets, has 6, 7, 8 or 9 strings. The weights vary
from 102 to 136 grains.
A considerable controversy arose between the late Dr. Aquilla
Smith and Dr. Clay, of Manchester, as to the letter P on these
coins, and other points ; in regard to which the reader is referred to
the Proceedings of the Manchester Numismatic Society, 1866 (Part III.,
p. 54), and to the Journal of 'the Historical and Archaeological Society
of Ireland (No. 7, July, 1869). The reference to halfpennies with
the inscription VOX POPULI is, in Mr. Hoblyn's opinion, mythical.
See also Pinker tons Essay on Medals, 1789, Vol. II., p. 127; and
Lindsays View of the Coinage of Ireland, 1839, p. 139; and, finally,
the article communicated, in 1862, to the Numismatic Society of
London by the late Rev. Henry Christmas, entitled " Irish Coins of
Copper and Billon."
1 Annulet and dot on harp, six strings.
Reign of George III. 49
FARTHINGS.
No. i. Obverse. VOCE POPULI. Youthful bust, well executed, and
very similar to the halfpenny, Type I.
Reverse. HIBER NIA j;6o. Seated figure of Hibernia to
left, with spear and harp. 1 PI. V, 16.
This coin is very rare, and there are proofs of it.
No. 2. Obverse, VOCE POPULI. Portrait very similar, but from a
different die.
Reverse. HIRER NIA 1760. As before. 1 PI. V, 15.
Mr. Christmas alludes to two types ; and this latter is excessively
rare. The only specimen with which I was acquainted was in the
Marsham and Caldecott collections, and is now in the Hoblyn
cabinet. Another example has however recently been discovered.
GEORGE III., 1760-1820.
In 1760, George III. succeeded his grandfather on the throne
of England; and, six years subsequently, i.e., in 1766, issued his first
coins, viz., halfpence, for Ireland. These pieces present to our view
a weak-looking portrait of the king and were issued in this year
and in 1769, to the amount of one hundred tons, i.e., fifty tons
for each date. For the cost of their coining the Mint Master
received five pence for each pound of metal struck, which he
proportioned thus : to the moneyers for striking, two pence, for
barrelling, seven-eighths of a penny ; to the die forger, one farthing ;
and a similar sum to the engraver ; whilst to his deputy he gave
the sum of one pound sterling per ton.
HALFPENNIES.
Obverse. GEORGIVS. III. REX. Youthful head of the king, laureated
to right, the portrait being weak in expression.
Reverse. HIBERNTA. A harp, above which is a crown, and beneath,
the date 7766 or 1769. Edge plain. Weight 125 grains.
PI. VI, 6.
Of the year 1 769 we also find another halfpenny of finer
execution on which the king is represented by a much better
1 Annulet on harp, six strings.
50 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter,
portrait. This coin from its comparative rarity may be regarded as
a pattern.
Obverse. GEORGIVS. III. REX. Laureated head of the king to right.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. A harp surmounted by a crown, date J/69
beneath. Edge plain. Weight 134 grains. PI. VI, 7.
In the year 1773 a pattern for a halfpenny was struck.
PATTERN 1773.
Obverse. GEORGIVS. III. REX. Laureated head of the king to
right with curls on neck and beneath the truncation.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. A harp above which is a crown and beneath is
the date J773. Weight 135 grains. PI. VI, 8.
HALFPENNY, 1774.
Obverse. GEORGIVS III. REX. Laureated bust of the king to right,
with hair tied behind and falling in curls beneath the neck.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. A harp beneath a crown and below the date
1774. Weight 134 grains. PI. VI, 9.
The coin of this date is very rare, and has been regarded as
a pattern. Hoblyn Collection.
The dates are 1774, 1775, 1776, 1781, 1782 and 1783, and
proofs are known in copper of the years 1775 and 1782.
PATTERN PENNY, 1789.
In 1789, Mossop, a jeweller in Dublin and a die-sinker of
very considerable merit, prepared a pattern penny, of which only
six examples are said to have been struck, and two of them were
presented to George III. Its rarity is due to the fact that the die
for the reverse broke.
" During the administration of the Marquis ot Rockingham he
produced a pattern piece, which he denominated the Union Penny,
engraved after a design by Sir Joshua Reynolds. Only six impressions
were struck before the die was destroyed, but so admirable was the
execution, that two were thought worthy of a place in the cabinet of the
reigning monarch." 1
1 Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy, Vol. XIX, " A Memoir of the Medals
and Medalists connected with Ireland," by the Very Rev. Henry Richard Dawson, A.M.,
Dean of St. Patrick's. Read i6th March, 1838, p. 16. (William Stephen Mossop,
the elder.)
Reign of George III. 51
One example shows the flaw in an early state. Nelson
Collection.
Obverse. GEORGIVS III REX. Head of the king with short hair to
right ; beneath is a harp.
Reverse. CONCORD1A. Two emblematical figures of Britannia on the
right and Hibernia on the left of a flaming altar, over which
they are joining hands, whilst beneath are two cornucopias.
Hibernia holds a harp, whilst Britannia supports a spear and
shield. Behind the figure of Britannia is the British lion.
Edge engrailed vertically. Weight 392 grains. This is in
black bronze. PI. VI, 10. Nelson Collection.
A rough proof of this coin exists in copper in an unfinished
state, in which the harp beneath the bust on the obverse is wanting ;
it is struck off the centre of the flan.
PATTERN HALFPENNY, 1805.
In 1805 appeared a pattern halfpenny which, like the current
coins of the same year, was the work of Kuchler and was struck
at Boulton and Watt's Mint, Soho, Birmingham.
Obverse. GEORGIUS III. D: G. REX. Large laureated and draped
bust of the king to right with flowing curls.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. A large harp beneath a crown, below is the date
1805. Edge grained diagonally. Weight 130 grains.
PENNY, 1805.
Obverse. GEORGIUS III. D : G. REX. Laureated and draped bust
of the king to right with hair tied behind.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. A harp above which is a crown, arid beneath
the date 1805. Edge grained diagonally. Weight 268 grains.
HALFPENNY, 1805.
Obverse and Reverse. As the penny. Weight 134 grains. PI. VI, 13.
Proofs of these coins are known as follows : In gold, silver gilt,
bronze, and bronze of the penny and halfpenny, both with plain and
engrailed edges.
52 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
Of the year 1806 two farthings exist, one similar to the coins
of 1805, and another, probably a pattern, in which the letters of the
legend are much larger than those on the current coin. The
edges of both these coins are engraved diagonally. Proofs of the
farthing exist in gold, silver and bronze with plain and engrailed
edges.
PATTERN PENNIES, 1813.
In 1 8 [3 Thomas Wyon prepared a die for the reverse of an
Irish penny, which he united with the obverse dies of the two
stiver piece of Ceylon, and the one stiver piece of Demerara
respectively, thus making two patterns.
Obverse. GEORGIUS III. D. G. REX. A large laureated and draped
bust of the king to right.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. A small harp beneath a small crown, the date
1813 below. Edge engrailed diagonally. Weight 276 grains.
PI. VI, 12.
This coin is likewise known gilded. Six pieces only are said
to have been struck.
Obverse. GEORGIUS III. D. G. BRITANNIARUM. REX.
Laureated and draped bust of king to right, beneath which
is T. W below a rose.
Reverse. Similar to the previous coin. Edge engrailed diagonally.
Weight 275 grains. PI. VI, u.
This piece is also found gilt ; and six specimens only exist.
GEORGE IV., 1820-1830.
In this reign were issued the last coins struck for Ireland,
namely, in 1822-1823, of both of which years copper pieces exist.
The Irish coinage was withdrawn from circulation in 1826, when, as
previously remarked, the money for the United Kingdom and
Ireland was assimilated.
PATTERN PENNY, 1822.
Obverse. GEORGKJS IV D : G : REX. Laureated and draped bust of
the king to left.
Reign of George IV. 53
Reverse. HIBERNIA. A small harp surmounted by a small crown ;
and, beneath, the date 1822. Edge plain. Weight 265 grains.
PI. VI, 15.
Of this coin only six specimens were struck, and from the
similarity of its reverse to that of the pattern penny of 1813, the
design may be attributed to Thomas Wyon. The obverse dies of
all the Irish coins of this reign were the work of B. Pistrucci, and,
if this attribution be correct, the reverses were the work of Wyon.
PENNY, 1822.
Obverse. GEORGIUS IV. D: G: REX. Laureated and draped bust
of the king to left.
Reverse. HIBERNIA. A large harp, above which is a large crown ; and,
beneath, is the date 1822. Edge plain. Weight 266 grains.
HALFPENNY, 1822.
Obverse and Reverse. As the penny. Edge plain. Weight 135 grains.
PATTERN FARTHING, 1822.
Obverse and Reverse. As the penny. Edge plain. Weight 67 grains.
PL VI, 14.
Six specimens only of this pattern are said to have been
struck, examples being in the Hoblyn and Nelson Collections.
PENCE AND HALFPENCE, 1823.
During the following year, 1823, pence and halfpence, exactly
similar to the current coins of 1822, were struck. Proofs occur in
copper of the pence and halfpence of 1822 and 1823.
A CURIOUS PENNY.
A curious coin exists, the obverse die being that of the Irish
penny of George IV., the reverse that of the coin of the same size
of the Ionian Islands. Only three examples are known and these
are in the Imperial Collection at Vienna, in the Hoblyn Collection
and in the author's cabinet.
54 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
Obverse. GEORGIUS . IV . D : G : REX. Laureated and draped bust
of the king to left.
Reverse. BRITANNIA. Seated figure of Britannia holding in her
right hand a branch and in her left a trident. Edge plain.
Weight 260 grains.
On June 27, 1825, an Act was passed providing for the
assimilation of the currency and monies of account throughout the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the penny to pass
current as - } -^ of the English shilling. On January 13 following,
English copper coins became current in Ireland by proclamation,
and on July 12, a proclamation was issued declaring Irish copper
coins to be no longer current within that kingdom. With this
year the coinage of Ireland as distinct from that of England comes
to an end.
Historical Records. 55
HISTORICAL RECORDS.
1460 A.D.
At a Parliament held at Drogheda before Richard Duke of York,
Lord Lieutenant, it was enacted :
That the English noble of lawful weight shall pass in Ireland
at the value of eight shillings and four pence, and half-noble at four
shillings and two pence, the quadrant-d'or of the same coin and
weight at two shillings and one penny. The gross [groat] of
London, York and Calais, not clipped within the extreme circle,
at five pence, the demy-gross at two pence half-penny, the denier
at one penny farthing : the gross clipped at four pence, the
demy-gross at two pence half-penny, the denier clipped at one
penny. And as not only the duchy of Normandy but also the
duchy of Guienne, when they were under the obedience of the
realm of England, yet were no less separate from the laws and
statutes of England, and had also coins for themselves different
from the coin of England ; so Ireland, though it be under the
obedience of the same realm is nevertheless separate from it, and
from all the laws and statutes of it, only such as are there by the
lords spiritual and temporal and Commons freely admitted and
accepted of in parliament or great council, by which a proper coin
separate from the coin of England was with more convenience
agreed to be had in Ireland under two forms ; the one of the
weight of half-quarter of an ounce troy weight, on which shall be
imprinted on one side a lyon, and on the other side a crown,
called an Irlandes d'argent, to pass for the value of one penny
sterling ; the other of vij. ob of troy weight, having imprinted
on one part of it a crown, and on the other part a cross, called
a Patrick, of which eight shall pass for one denier. That a gross
be made of the weight of three deniers sterling, and to pass for
four deniers sterling, which shall have imprinted on it on one side
a crown, and on the other side a cross like the coin of Calais,
bearing about the cross in writing the name of the place where
the coin is made ; and that every person, who brings bullion
to the mint, ought to receive and have for every ounce of silver
troy weight, nine of the said grosses of the value of three
deniers. That the coin called the Jack be hereafter of no value
56 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
and void, and that the above coins be made in the castles of
Dublin and Trymme [Trim]. This act to commence on St. Patrick s
day.
1463 A.D.
At a Parliament held at Weys (Wexforcl) before Thomas Earl
of Desmond, deputy to George Duke of Clarence, was passed :
An Act for confirming letters patent made to Germyn Lynch
of London, goldsmith, for coining money, the substance of which
letter patent is as follows : viz., Edwardus &c., we have ordained
Germyn Lynch of London, goldsmith, warden and master-worker
of our moneys and coins within our castle of Dublin, and within
our castle of Trymme, [Trim] and graver of the punsons [puncheons]
of the said minie [money] and coins to occupy by himself or
deputy during his life, giving him and them authority to make all
our said moneys and coins, according to the tenor and effect of
our statute or statutes by authority of a parliament holden at
Drogheda before Richard late duke of Yorke then lord lieutenant,
on the Friday after the feast of St. Blase the bishop, 38 Hen. VI.
We give full power to the said Germyn Lynch and his deputy,
during his life, to make all our said money and coins, and to do
all things needful thereto within the town of Galway, that is, to
make a piece of silver running at and of the value of four deniers,
whereof one hundred and twenty shall go to the pound of troy,
and to the ounce of the same, ten ; whereof the master to answer
us of one plate of every such pound so made for the coinage,
and the merchant one hundred and fourteen plates, and the master
to have the other five plates to his use. And also another piece
of silver coine, of the value of two deniers, whereof two hundred
and forty to go to the pound, or to the ounce of the same twenty,
with proportionable allowance as before : Also another piece of
silver coin of the value of one denier, whereof four hundred and
eighty go to the pound, and to the ounce of the same forty, with
proportionable allowance as before, and that the ounce of every
of the aforesaid money coined, shall be departed iw like form after
the said afferance and rate. Also eight pieces of brass running at
and of the value of one penny of our said silver. That all the
aforesaid moneys and coins of silver and brass shall be imprinted
and bear scripture, and be of the weight, allaie [assay] and fineness,
as is specified 'in the said statute or statutes. We give full power
The Act of 1463. 57
to the said Germyn or his deputy or deputies during his life, to
make and strike in the said castles and town, and every of them,
four pieces of brass or copper running at one penny of our said
silver, to be imprinted with the figure of a bishop's head, and a
scripture of this word " Patrick " about the same head on the one
side, and with a cross with this word " Salvator," then about on the
other side, and to make as much or as little of every sort of the
said moneys or coins of brass or copper, as he shall think to be
profitable and good. And we grant to the said Germyn all the said
moneys and coins of brass and copper to his proper use, in
sustentation and finding of our labourers about the said money at
his charges, free and quit, without any thing therefore paying to
us during his said life. The master of the ming [mint] to account
for our share of the profits of the said coinage to such person, as shall
be assigned by the lieutenant or other governor of our said land,
and not in the exchequer. That the weight and quantity of the
said moneys of brass or copper be devised and made continually
by the discretion of the master. As the said silver moneys may
not be always made according to the right standard, because
sometime, in default of the said master or workers, the said money
of silver may be made too much or too little in u eight or in allay,
or in the one or in the other, by six penny-weight in every of the
said pounds of troy ; which six penny-weight shall be called remedy
for the said master, and if such default be found in any of the said
pounds upon the due assen [trial or assay] before the deliverance
over of the said six penny-weight called remedy, that then it shall
be challenged by the merchant, and not to be delivered, and then
the said master shall reforge the said moneys so found defective, at
his proper costs, till it be made able according to the ordinance.
We grant power to the said Germyn to make all manner of punchons,
screws, graves, and other instruments necessary to the said minters,
at London or elsewhere, for which instruments to be made, we grant
to him ten marks yearly to be received by his own hand out of the
profits of our said moneys arising by such mints, to be allowed him
on account. That he shall make a privy sign on every piece of
silver money. Power to take at all times as many labourers yearly
as shall be necessary. And if any labourer refuses to work at the
said mints, that the master or his deputy shall arrest, and put them
in prison, till he labours as desired. All officers ministers
commanded to assist the said Germyn in the execution of the
premisses. Grant to all merchants repairing to any of the said mints,
free entry and issue in and out of the said castles and towns.
Dated 6th August! primo Regni per Regem authoritate Parliamenti.
e
58 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
1467 A.D.
At a Parliament holden in Dublin, before John Earl of Worcester,
deputy to George Duke of Clarence, Lord Lieutenant, it was enacted
as follows :
Whereas in a parliament held before Thomas earl of Desmond,
in the fifth year of the present king, it was enacted, that the noble
of due weight should be of the value of ten shillings, the demy-
noble of five shillings, and the quadrant of gold of two shillings
and six pence, and that for laccage in weight of such pieces of
gold, they should be refused ; it is now enacted, that the laccage in
weight in such pieces of gold shall not be a cause for refusing them,
but the value of such laccage shall be paid in current silver after
the rate hereafter rehearsed Cap. 8. As Ireland is destitute of
silver, and the silver there made of late is daily carried away into
divers countries, and so the people of this land continually take
clipped money, contrary to the statute, it is enacted, that there be
a piece of silver coined called a double, having the print of a crown
on one side, with this writing, ' Edwardus Dei gratia Dominus
Hibernie,' and on the other part a sun with a rose, with this
inscription about it, ' Civitas Dublinie,' which shall pass in Ireland
for eight deniers, and ten such pieces shall make an ounce
according to the rightful standard of the Tower of London, and
twelve such ounces shall make the pound according to the standard
aforesaid, and there shall be in every pound six score such pieces
of the weight of the said country. Also there shall be another piece
of silver called a gross, having the print and scripture aforesaid,
which shall pass in Ireland for four deniers ; and twenty such
pieces shall go to an ounce of the said country, and two hundred
and forty such pieces shall make the pound of the rightful standard
aforesaid : of which coins every merchant shall have for an ounce
sterling of silver six shillings, and the king shall have the residue,
paying the master and workmen for their labour. And as the
said silver money cannot be continually made of equal standard,
because sometimes, in default of the master or workmen, they may
be too great or too little in weight or allay, or in one or in the
other, in weight of three deniers in every twenty shillings, the
which weight of three deniers shall be called remedy for the said
master. Also that there be a piece made of two deniers, or half
the gross of the proportions aforesaid ; of which forty such pieces
shall go to the ounce besides the allay. Also that a piece be made
Proclamation of 1601. 59
called the denier, containing the half of the piece of two deniers,
eighty of which shall go to the ounce besides the allay. Half-deniers
and farthings to be made according to the same proportions, mutatis
mutandis, with the like provisions : and that the print of the half-
denier and farthing be made according to the print of the denier,
with a scripture as long as the master and workmen can make
them. That the said moneys and coins be made in the castles of
Dublin and Trym, the cities of Waterford and Limerick, and the
towns of Drogheda, Galway and Carlingford ; and that no body
shall after Easter next receive or pay any manner of silver coyne
or money, but the coin or money aforesaid, and that all other
silver coins or money in Ireland be from the feast of Easter
next damned and annulled ; and if any person or persons receives
or pays otherwise, that such payment shall be adjudged felony in
the payer as in the receiver.
1601 A.D.
Proclamation by the Queen.
The Queenes most excellent majestie finding by the recordes of
both her realmes of England and Ireland, that in the tymes of divers
her progenitors, kings of England and Ireland, it hath ben accustomed,
as a thing by them found convenient for the good of the loyall subjects
of both realms, that there should be a difference betwene the standards
of the monies allowed to be currant in each of her said realmes, and
knowing by many lawes of her realme of England, and namely, by one
made in the third yeare, and one other in the nineteenth yeare of her
majesties grandfather of famous memorie, king Henrie the seventh,
that the transportation of monies of the coyne and standerd of
England into this her realme of Ireland is severely forbidden, under
great penalties, perceiving also by experience in some part heretofore,
but more fullie and apparantlie now of late yeares since the last
rebellion, which have caused her majestie to send great summes of
money into this realme for the payment of her army, and for other
services, that a great part of such monies into this realme sent doe
either come into the handes of her rebels by divers sleights and
cunnings of theirs, who by the use and meanes thereof trafficking in
forraine countries do releive themselves with such warlike provisions as
they need, as with pouder, lead, match, armes, and weapons of all
sorts, and with wines, cloth and other necessaries, without which they
could not possibly so long subsist in their treasonable courses, and
e 2
60 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
bring so huge calamities to the rest of her good subjects and wast to
the whole realme ; or els the said sterling monies, as well in respect of
their goodness being better than the monies of other countries, as also
for want of marchandise wherein to employe them with this countrie,
now especially since the rebellion doth not yeeld, and partly by
marchants, strangers, and partly by the naturall marchants of the
countrey using trade in forraigne countries, transported from hence
into the said countries, to the inestimable losse and impoverishment as
well of this realme of Ireland, as also chiefly of her majesties realme of
England ; hath therefore in her majesties princely wisclome entred into
consideration, with the advise of her privie councell, how those great
inconveniences might be avoided, and hath found after long and serious
debateing, that the readiest way to prevent the same is to reduce the
state of her monies and coynes to the antient course of her progenitors,
that is, to a difference in fineness betweene the monies of the realme of
England and her realme of Ireland, and for that purpose hath caused
great quantities of monies, according to that antient standard which
was in use for this realme in the daies of her majesties father, brother,
and sister, to be coined here into severall pieces of Shillings, six pence,
and pieces of three pence, stamped with her highnes armes crowned,
and inscription of her usual stile on the one side, and on the other with
an harpe crowned, being the arms of this her kingdome of Ireland, with
the inscription, posui Deum adjutorem meum. And also certayne
peeces of small monies of meere copper, of Pence, Half-pence and
Farthings, for the poorer sort, stamped on each side as the other, and
the same monies soe coined hath sent into this her realme of Ireland,
here to be established as the lawfull and currant monies of this realme,
and soe to be uttered and issued as well to her armie and officers in
paiments to them, as also to all others her subjects of this realme and
others here abiding or hither resorting for trafficke and entercouse of
buying, selling, and all other manner of tradeing amongst themselves,
which said coines, as well of silver of this new standard, as also of
meere copper for small mony, her majestic doth hereby publish and
make knowen to all men to be from henceforth, immediately after the
publishing of this proclamation, her coine and monies established and
authorized to be lawfull and currant within this her realme of Ireland
and proper to this kingdome, and doth expressly will and command
the same to be soe used, reputed and taking of all her subjects of this
realme and of all others conversing here, and that they nor any of them
shall not after the day of the publishing hereof refuse, reject or denie,
to receive in payment of wages, fees, stipend or payments of debts, or
in bargaine, or for anie other matter of trade, commerce, or dealing
betweene man and man, any of said monies of either kind either mixt
Proclamation of 1601. 61
of silver or pure copper, but that they shall receive and accept the same
at such values and rates as they are coined for, videlicet, Shillings, for
shillings, pieces of six pence, for six pence, and soe of all other the
severall kindes of this coin respectively, denouncing hereby to all such
as shall be found willfully and obstinatlie to refuse the said monies of
this new standard, being tendered unto them in payments, or in anye
dealings between partie and partie, that they shall for that their
contempt receive such punishment as by her majesties preogative
royall may be inflicted uppon persons contemning publike orders
established for the universall good of this her realme ; and to the end
that the said monies may the better have their due course and passage
among her majesties subjects of this realme, and the good intended to
both the realmes the morespeedilye take place, her majestic doth hereby
also publishe and make knowne that her pleasure is, that after the
tenth of Julie ymmediatelye following the daie of this present
proclamation, all other monies heretofore established to be currant, or
used as lawfull or currant monies within this kingdome shall be
decryed, adnulled and called downe, and noe other monies of what
coyne, nature, mixture, allay or finenesse now used in this realme of
Ireland, be they either monies of her majesties owne coyne and stampe
currant in her realme of England, or of anye her predecessors, or of any
forraine realmes permitted heretofore to be currant here, shall be any
longer currant within her realme of Ireland, nor offered nor received by
any person here inhabiting or here conversing by any manner of
dealing amongst men, but that all such monies be from that daye
forward held and esteemed for bullion onely meete to be molten downe
and brought unto her majesties mynt, or exchange here, as hereafter is
expressed. And although that this open and publike notification of
her majesties pleasure bee and ought to bee to all her subjects and
others being in this realme a sufficient declaration and warrant, as well
of the authorizing of the monies of the new standerd nowe appointed to
be currant, and also the calling downe and decrying of all other monies
whatsoever from anie use here either publike or private : yet her
highnesse being a prince that in her gracious disposition doth ever
affect to make all her actions cleare and allowable, in her owne nature,
rather than in the power of supreme authentic, extending in this cause,
to give to all persons such satisfaction as is reasonable and in the daies
of her progenitors, when such monies were in use, was not offered, doth
likewise hereby make knowne, that shee hath established an exchange
to be had and maintained in convenient places in both her kingdomes
of England and Ireland : as namelie, in Ireland, at Dublin, Corke,
Galway, and Carigfergus : and in England, at London, Bristoll, and
Chester. At which places shall be from henceforthe contynuallie
62 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
resident officers of her appointment, and in other places also of bothe
the realmes, where it shall be found convenient for the ease of her
subjects : at which places, and by which officers, all her subjects of
either her realms of England and Ireland, and all other resorting unto
this her realme of Ireland in trade of merchandise or otherwise, shall
and may, from tyme to tyme, exchange and commute as well monies
currant of England into monies of this new standerd of Ireland, as also
monies of this standerd of Ireland into monies of the standerd of
England, at their pleasure, in manner as is hereafter expressed. First,
all persons, being either her majesties subjects or the subjects of anye
prince or state in amitie with her majestic, who shall bring to anye
place of exchange within Ireland any monies of the coyne of her
realme of England, or of the coyne of any forraine countries, or any
plate or bullion, being of the finenesse of the standerd of England, or
better, desiring to receive for the same in England monies current of
England, shall receive from the officer in Ireland a bill directed to such
place of exchange in England, where the partie shall desire to have his
payment, by which bill he shall receive of the officer in England, not
onlie in monies of England, value for value of the monies, plate, or
bullion, delivered in Ireland, but also an overplus of six pence English
upon every twenty shillings Englishe by him delivered by tale, or of
eighteen pence English upon every pound weight of such monies, plate,
or bullion, delivered by the partie by weight, and after the same rate
for more or less in quantitie or number, delivered by weight or by tale.
Item, all persons, being her majesties subjects or the subjects of anie
other prince or state in amitie with her majestic, which shall have in
their handes anie quantitie or summe of the monies of this newe coine,
appointed for her majesties realme of Ireland, and shall be desirous to
receive for the same in England, monies current of England, and
thereupon shall deliver to anie of her majesties officers of the
Exchange in Ireland such summe of monie, as he is desirous so
to exchange, he shall receive of the said officers in Ireland a bill
directed to such place of exchange in England, as shall be desired by
the deliverer, by which bill he shall receive of the officer in England, to
whome the same is directed, the summe of monies of England by tale,
as by the bill it shall appear he shall have delivered in Ireland, wanting
onely twelve pence in the pounde, so for everye twentye shillings of
the new coyne of Ireland, delivered in Ireland, he shall receive in
England nyneteen shillings current monie of England, and after the
same rate for more or lesse in quantitie delivered in Ireland. Item, if
anye such person, having in his handes, within the realme of Ireland,
monies currant of England, shall be desirous to exchange the same
there for monies appointed to be current in Ireland, the officer of the
Proclamation of 1601. 63
Exchange there, to whome he shall bring anye summe of English
monie to be exchanged, shall deliver to him, for everye twentye
shillings of English monie received, one and twentye shillinges of the
coyne of Ireland, and after that rate for more or lesse in quantitie
received. Item, if any person, being her majesties subject or
otherwise, having cause to resort unto the realme of Ireland, shall be
desirous to exchange monies currant of England into the monies
currant of Ireland, for his use there, and shall deliver to that end anye
Englishe monies to anye of her majesties officers of exchange here in
England, the said officer shall deliver unto the said person a bill,
directed to such place of exchange in Ireland, as the deliverer shall
require, by which bill the officer of exchange in Ireland, receivinge the
same shall deliver to the bringer thereof, for every twentye shillinges
Englishe, delivered in England, one and twentie shillinges of the new
coyne of Ireland in Ireland, and after the same rate of more or lesse in
quantitie delivered. And whereas there are, at this present, diverse old
coynes of base allaye within that her majesties realme of Ireland, used
and passinge in payments betwene men, which being now decryed,
adnulled, and called downe, her majestic doth thinke fitt to have the
same brought in and reduced to one uniforme coyne of this new
standerd, her highnes is therefore pleased, that everye person whoe shall
have in his hands any quantitie of such base coyne, and shall bring in
the same to any of the offices of her Exchange in Ireland, that the
officer receivinge the same shall deliver to the bringer monie for monie
of the monies of this new standerd, now appointed to be currant in
Ireland : and, forasmuch as this notorious inconvenience aforesaid
cannot be prevented without there be a due observation of such lawes
of this realme of England, as heretofore have bene made, restraininge
the transporteinge of the monies currant in England into that realme
of Ireland in specie, wherein great disorder hath bene of late yeares
committed, and therby great inconveniences ensued, her majestic doth
straightlye charge and commaund all magistrates and officers to whom
it shall apperteyne, to see severe execution of such lawes as doe
prohibit the transportation of her coyne of England into Ireland, and
namelye one statute made in the nineteenth yeare of the raigne of her
majesties grand-father of famous memorie, kinge Henrye the seventh,
her majesties purpose being by this proclamation to admonish her
loving subjects of both her realmes, and all others tradinge in her
realme of Ireland, that they shall from henceforth forbear all
transportation of monies of England into Ireland, for that her majestic
will cause the former lawes, prohibiting the said transportation of
monies, to be so straightly looked unto and executed, as the penalties
thereof shall fall heavilye upon the offenders against the same, without
64 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
any hope of remission. Given at her majesties castle of Dublin the
twentieth of May in the fortie three yeare of her raigne. God save the
Queene.
1634 A.D.
Proclamation concerning the token coinage.
Whereas divers complaints have been made unto us the lord
deputy from several parts of this kingdome, concerning the stop and
refusall of farthing tokens, proceeding as well from the abuse in
counterfeiting the same, as in causing the same to pass in payment
either for commodities, or for wages to workmen and labourers, in
greater quantities then was intended, which abuses are become a
great burthen and grievance to his majesties people in many parts of
the realme, for the remedy and reformation whereof, and to the end
that the said farthing tokens may be used onley for exchange in
small summes, but not to be put upon any in great payments :
These are therefore in his majesties name to publish and declare
that it is utterly unlawfull and expressly contrary to his majesties
letter patents and proclamations, that any such farthing tokens
should be inforced upon any poore labourers or workmen, or any
other person or persons in any payment, either of great or lesser
summes and it is further declared, that no person should pay above
two pence in farthings, to any other person at any one time ; and
also it is by these presents declared, that it is unlawfull for any
man to buy or barter for any farthings, at, or for any lesser rate
then they are usually vented by his majesties patents, to whom the
sole making thereof is granted, and upon whom the rechange
thereof lyeth : All persons being hereby to take notice, that
whensoever they shall bring unto Edward Lake, agent for the said
patentees, (who is resident in the city of Dublin) any sum of
lawfull farthings, he, the said Edward Lake, will pay unto them
the like summe in silver, according to the covenant with the
patentees : And it is further declared, that if any person or persons
shall forge or counterfeit any of the foresaid farthing tokens, or
shall bring or cause to be brought into this kingdom any such
farthing tokens, so forged or counterfeited, or shall vent or make
payment of any such farthings so counterfeited as aforesaid, knowing
the same to be counterfeited, that then every such person or persons,
so offending, shall receive such censure, by losse of ears, or other
corporal punishment, as by the court of castle chamber heere in this .
kingdom shall t5ee thought meete, And further it is declared, that it
Sir Thomas Armstrongs Patent, 1660. 65
shall be lawfull for, and we accordingly require and command all and
singular maniors [mayors], justices of the peace, sheriffs, constables,
headebouroughs, comptrollers, customers, searchers, waiters [? bailiffs],
and other his majesties officers and ministers, to whom it shall or may
appertaine, to apprehend all and every person or persons, whom they
or any of them shall probably suspect to be such counterfeiters, as also,
to seize upon all counterfeit farthings, and ingins, or instruments for
the making or forging the same, and them so seized to breake in
peeces and utterly deface : And lastly, all his majesties loving subjects
are hereby required to apprehend and bring before some of his
majesties justices of the peace all such persons as they shall know, or
probably suspect to have counterfeited, brought into this kingdom, or
vented such farthing tokens as aforesaid, and all the said justices of the
peace are hereby commanded to commit to the next shire-gaol such
offenders, so taken, there to remaine until they put in security to
answere the said offences in the castle chamber, which bonds so to be
taken from time to time, together with such examinations, as the said
justices of the peace shall have taken of or concerning such offenders,
they are from time to time, monethly, to return hither to his majesties
atturney-generall, together with the names of such of them, as shall
remaine in prison, for want of security to appear in the castle chamber.
Given at his majesties castle of Dublin, the sixteenth of September
1634, in the tenth yeare of his reigne.
1660 A.D.
Sir Thomas Armstrong's Patent.
Charles the second, &c, To all &c. Whereas the makeing and
uttering of farthing tokens hath been found to be of greate and
gcnerall use and benefit to our people of our realme of Ireland, as well
amongst tradesmen for exchange of moneys in the course of their
severall trades, and especially of the poore and meaner sort. Know
yee &c. that we have granted and grant &c. for us &c to Sir Thomas
Armstrong, knight, his heirs, executors, administrators and assignes,
full power &c dureing the terme of twenty years from the date hereof,
to soyn such a quantitie of farthing tokens of copper, as may be
conveniently issued during the said terms amongst our subjects of
Ireland. And that in order they may be distinguished from any other
tokens, they shall be made of copper by engines, and shall have on one
side two sceptres crossing one diadem, and on the other side a harpe
66 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
crowned with our title, " Carclus Secundus Magne Brittannie, Francie
et Hibernie Rex," and to weigh twenty grains or more, with a privy
marke from time to time in order to discover the counterfeiting of any
such like tokens, which farthings tokens, we do hereby for us, our
heirs, and successors, will and ordaine, shall pass and be generally used
between man and man, that shall and will voluntarily and willingly
pay and receive the same as tokens, for the value of farthings, within
this our kingdom of Ireland, forbidding all other persons whatsoever to
make, counterfeit and utter, any other such tokens, or any other pieces
of copper, upon pain of forfeiture of the said counterfeited money, and
engines used in the making thereof; all officers, justices and
magistrates, ordered to be aiding and assisting the said Sir Thomas
Armstrong &c in the due execution of the premisses, they paying unto
us, our heirs, and successors yearly, during the abovesaid terme, the
sume of sixteen pound thirteen shilling and fourpence of lawfull money
of England, in two payments, viz., on the twenty-fourth of June and
twenty-fifth of December, and if any part thereof be not paid within
thirty days after it becomes due, these letters pattents to be void and
of no effect. The said Sir Thomas Armstrong, &c to have all the
proffits ariseing from the said coynage and to be at any time ready to
deliver one and twenty shillings, in the said tokens, for every twenty
shillings in silver, and to repay twenty shillings in currant sterling
money for every twenty- one shillings of the said tokens as shall be
brought to them. Convenient quantities of the said tokens to be sent
to as many cities, towns and other places, in Ireland, as they shall
think fitt. In witness whereof &c witness ourself at Westminster, the
fourteenth of December, in the twelfth yeare of our raigne.
By the King,
Child.
l68o A.D.
Assignment of Sir Thomas Armstrong's Patent by his representa-
tives to John Knox.
This indenture, made the seventeenth day of June, in the thirty-
second of King Charles II &c between Sir Thomas Armstrong, knight
&c George Legg Esq &c, the right honourable Richard Earl of Arran,
and S:-r Nicholas Armourer, knight &c on the one part, and John
Knox, of the city of Dublin alderman, of the other part. Whereas
Sir Thomas Armstrongs Patent, 1680. 67
the said Sir Thomas Armstrong knight, deceased (sic), and the said
George Legg, did obtain from his majesty a reference to James duke of
Ormond, lord lieutenant of Ireland, for renewing a patent formerly
granted to the 1 said Armstrong for making farthing tokens in Ireland.
And whereas the said Thomas Armstrong, and George Legg, by
writing under their hands and seals, the twentyninth of November
1678, did constitute &c Richard Earl of Arran and Sir Nicholas
Armourer, their attorneys &c to get the said reference and obtain from the
Duke of Ormond, allowance for passing such new grant for the making
farthing tokens and halfpence, and issuing the same in Ireland and
surrendering the former patent, and to treat and conclude with any
person, for their interest in the said new patent (when past) by
agreement either by yearly income, rent, or for such sum of money as
they their said attorneys shall think fit, and to perfect &c such deed &c
as shall be requisite &c in consideration of which care &c the said
Armstrong and Legg, did grant to the said Earl of Arran and Nicholas
Armourer, one third part of all the profits of such letters patents, after
deduction for all charges relating to the same &c And whereas his
majesty by his letters patents &c of the eighteenth of May last past,
hath given &c to the said Sir Thomas Armstrong, and colonel George
Legg, &c full and absolute power &c during the tearme therein
mentioned to make &c such quantities of halfpence of copper &c
(recites the whole patent). Now this indenture witnesseth, that the said
Sir Thomas Armstrong, George Legg, Richard Earl of Arran, and Sir
Nicholas Armorer, in consideration of the sum of one thousand five
hundred pounds of lawfull money &c well and truly paid &c by the said
John Knox, have granted and set over &c to the said John Knox, &c
all such power &c to coin, stamp, disperse, utter &c of copper half-pence
wilhin the kingdom of Ireland as are granted to them &c in and by
the said recited letters patents, in as full &c manner &c as they &c
might or could doe by the said letters patents, to have &c, all and
singular the said powers &c receive &c all such profits &c as shall be
made &c during the remainder of the said twenty-one years. And the
said John Knox &c doth covenant &c during the said term to pay &c
perform all the rents, reservations, &c. And the said Sir Thomas
Armstrong &c for themselves &c do covenant, &c that they will at any
time hereafter, during the said term at the cost of the said John Knox,
procure as often as shall be necessary from the chief governor of
Ireland, a proclamation for the better execution of the said letters
patents, and the passing of the said halfpenny tokens, and suppressing
1 Probably the words "late father of" are here omitted and the word "deceased"
wrongly inserted above.
68 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
all other tokens, instruments, &c. And that if the said Armstrong, &c
doe, within the said term, procure any other patent &c for coining any
other farthing, halfpenny or penny that the said John Knox &c shall
have the full benefit thereof, during the said term without any fine &c
in witness thereof &c.
1685 A.D.
Confirmation Grant by James II. of the last mentioned Patent.
Most reverend father in God, and right trusty and right well-
beloved cousin and councillor, we greete you well. Whereas the
late king &c., did by letters patent &c., of the eighteenth of May
1680 &c., grant unto Colonel Legg, now Lord Dartmouth, and
Sir Thomas Armstrong, &c., power &c., to make and utter such a
quantity of copper half-pence, as might be issued in Ireland, within
the term of twenty-one years &c. (recites the conditions of the
grant). And whereas John Knox of Dublin, alderman and assignee
&c. hath, as we are informed, been at great expence in providing
copper &c., and has humbly prayed us that we would accept of a
surrender of the former patent and to grant him a new one, for
the term unexpired of the former grant, under the same yearly rent,
restrictions &c., as in the said former patents, with this alteration only
of the figure of our head to be stamped on the one side, and the
inscription of JACOBUS SECUNDUS DEI GRATIA MAGNAE
BRITANIAE FRANCIAE ET HIBERNIAE REX. And we
having referred the consideration of this matter to our high treasurer
of England, and seen his report, together with the report, of our
attorney general of Ireland, in the following words &c. Our will
and pleasure is, and we doe hereby require you &c., that you give
such orders &c., for accepting a surrender of the former patents &c.,
and that thereupon you cause new letters patents to be forthwith
passed under the great scale of that our kingdom, and with the
advice of some our council learned in the law there, containing an
effectual grant from us unto the said John Knox of a free
licence from us that he the said John Knox, by himself
may during the number of years granted by the former patents
yet unexpired, make such quantity of half- pence of copper, as may
be issued in that our realme, as our lawful coyne &c. See the
abstract of the patent. Given at our court at Whitehall, the twenty
third day of October, 1685, in the first year of our reign,
By his majesty's command,
Sunderland.
Patent of John Knox. 69
1685 A.D.
Patent from James II. to John Knox.
James the second, &c. To all, &c. Whereas the late King
etc., did by letters patents bearing the date the eighteenth of May
in the thirty-second year of his reign did grant unto Colonel
George Legg, now Lord Dartmouth, and Sir Thomas Armstrong,
deceased, full power to coin copper half-pence for the use of this
our kingdom of Ireland. And whereas there is a great want ot
small coyne for exchange, and John Knox, alderman, and now
lord-mayor of the city of Dublin, assignee to the said Lord Dartmouth
and Sir Thomas Armstrong, hath been at great expence in providing
copper and other materials for the making of the said half-pence,
and hath surrendered the former patent ; we do by these our letters
patents grant unto the said John Knox, his executors, administrators
and assigns, full power during the remainder of the term granted by
the above said former patent to coyn such quantitie of copper half-
pence as he can conveniently issue among our subjects of the said
kingdom. The said half-pence to be made of copper by engines,
having on one side the figure of effigies of our head, and on the
other side, the stamp of an harp crowned, and with this inscription
round before and on the reverse JACOBUS SECUNDUS
DEI GRATIA MAGNAE BRITTANIAE FRANCIAE ET
HI BERN I AE REX. Which copper half-pence we do hereby for
us, our heirs and successors, ordayne shall pass and be generally
used between man and man as tokens, for the value of half-pence,
within this kingdom, forbidding all other persons whatsoever to
make, counterfeit, or import, such copper half-pence or engines
under paine of forfeiture thereof, or such other punishment as the
law may inflict. All officers, justices, and magistrates ordered to be
aiding and assisting the said John Knox in the due execution of
the premisses he paying unto us &c the sum of sixteen pounds
thirteen shillings and fourpence, in two payments &c and that he
shall have all the proffits ariseing from the said coynage, and to he
ready at any time to deliver the sum of twenty shillings of the
said copper half-pence for every twenty shillings in sterling money,
which any of our subjects of Ireland shall be willing to give or
disburse for . the same, and to repay twenty shillings in sterling
money for every twenty shillings of the said copper half-pence as
shall be brought to him. Convenient quantities of the said half-
pence to be sent to as many cities, towns and other places, in
70 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
Ireland, as he shall think fitt. Witness our aforesaid lords justices at
Dublin, the twenty-ninth day of December, in the first year of our
raigne.
Domville.
1689 A.D.
Proclamation of James II. concerning the Gun-money.
Whereas, for remedy of the present scarcity of money in this
our kingdom, and that our standing forces may be the better paid
and subsisted, and that our subjects of this realm may be the
better enabled to pay and discharge the taxes, excise, customs, rents,
and other debts and duties, which are or shall be hereafter payable
to us ; we have ordered a certain quantity of copper and brass
money to be coyned to pass currant in this our kingdom during
our pleasure, in six penny pieces ; each piece having on one side
the effigies or figure of our head, with this inscription round.
JACOBUS II DEI GRATIA, and upon the other side, the
stamp or impression of cross-sceptres and a crown between J.R.
with VI above, the month wherein they are coyned below, with
this inscription round, MAG. BRIT. FRAN. & HIBER. REX.
1689, and fringed round, each of the said pieces to be of the metal
of copper and brass ; all which pieces of money we have thought
fit, by the advice of our privy council, to make currant money
within this our kingdom. We do therefore hereby publish and
declare, by the advice aforesaid, that the said pieces of copper and
brass coyned, or hereafter to be coyned by our said order marked
and stampt as aforesaid, shall pass during our pleasure, as currant
money amongst all our subjects within our realm, and in all
payments to be made either to us, or from us, or to or from any of
our subjects within tl.is kingdom, according to the rates following ;
that is to say, each of the said pieces called six penny pieces,
marked and stamped as aforesaid, to pa<s for six pence; the said
pieces to pass at the rates aforesaid, for the interest which hereafter
shall fall due for such mortgages and debts due by records, bills,
bonds, or obligations, and likewise for any of the said principal
debts so secured where the debtor or his goods are, or shall be
taken in execution for the same, and we do hereby strictly charge
and command all and every of our subjects of this kingdome to
take and receive in all payments to be made to them (excepting as
aforesaid) the said pieces of money according to the rates aforesaid,
hereby declaring that such of our subjects within this kingdom as
shall refuse the said pieces of copper and brass money at the rates
Records of the Gun-money. 7 1
aforesaid (excepting as aforesaid) being tendered to them for
payment, shall be punished according to the utmost rigour of the
law, as contemners of our royal prerogative and command.
Provided always, that this our proclamation shall not be construed,
to oblige any merchant or merchants, importing any goods into
this kingdom, to receive upon the. first sale of such goods so
imported, any of the said copper or brass money : And whereas
we have caused the said copper and brass money to be made
currant money for present necessity, and therefore do not intend
that the same shall continue for any long time. We do, by this our
royal proclamation, promise and engage to all our subjects here
that as soon as the said money shall be decried and made null,
that we shall thereupon receive from all and every our subjects
within this kingdom such proportion of the said money as shall
be, and remain in their respective hands at the time the same shall
be so decried and made null ; and at the same time either allow for
the same to them the Value thereof, at the rates aforesaid, out of
what rent, duties or debts, they respectively shall owe to us, or to
make them full satisfaction for the same according to the rates
aforesaid, in gold or silver of the currant coyne of this kingdom.
Given at our court, at Dublin-castle, the eighteenth day of June,
1689, and in the fifth year of our reign.
By the King.
1689 A.D.
A second Proclamation of James II. concerning the Gun-money.
Whereas, for remedy, of the present scarcity of money, in this
our kingdom, and that our standing forces may be the better paid
and subsisted, and that our subjects of this realm may be the better
enabled to pay and discharge the taxes, excise, customs, rents, and
other debts and duties, which are or shall be hereafter payable to
us ; we have ordered a certain quantity of copper and brass money
to be coyned and pass as currant in this our kingdom during our
pleasure, in six penny pieces ; which several pieces we have, by our
proclamation, commanded to pass for currant money within this
kingdom. And whereas, since the date of the said proclamation, we
have ordered a further quantity of copper and brass money to be
coyned to pass currant in this our kingdom, during our pleasure in
twelve penny pieces and half-crown pieces ; each piece of the said
twelve penny pieces having on one side the effigies or figure of our
head, with this inscription round, JACOBUS II DEI GRATIA,
72 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
and upon the other side, the stamp or impression of cross-sceptres
and a crown between J. R. with XII above, the month wherein they
are coyned below with this inscription round, MAG. BRIT. FRAN.
& HIBER. REX 1689, and fringed round, and each of the said half-
crown pieces to be marked and stamped as the said twelve penny
pieces, only that on the said half-crown pieces instead of XII
shall be marked XXX, each of the pieces to be of the metal of
copper and brass. All which pieces of money we have thought fit
by the advice of our privy-council, to make current money within
this our kingdom. We do therefore hereby publish and declare, by
the advice aforesaid, that the said pieces of copper and brass
coyned, or hereafter to be coyned by our said order, marked and
stamped as aforesaid, shall pass during our pleasure, as currant
money amongst all our subjects within this realm, and in all
payments to be made either to us or from us or to or from any
of our subjects within this kingdom, according to the rates
following ; that is to say, each of the said pieces called twelve-
penny pieces marked and stamped as aforesaid, to pass for twelve
pence ; and each uf the pieces of the said pieces called half-crown
pieces to pass for two shillings and sixpence ; the said pieces to
pass at the rates aforesaid in all payments excepting money left
in trust or keeping with any person, and excepting mortgages, and
debts now due by records, bills, bonds, or obligations ; and that
the same shall also pass currant at the rates aforesaid, for the
interest which hereafter shall fall due for such mortgages and debts,
due by records, bills, bonds or obligations, and likewise for any of
the said principal debts, due so secured, where the debtor or his
goods are, or shall be taken in execution for the same ; and we do
hereby strictly charge and command all and every of our subjects
of this kingdome, to take and receive in all payments to be made
(excepting as aforesaid) the said several pieces of money according
to the rates aforesaid, hereby declaring, that such of our subjects
within this kingdom, as shall refuse to receive the said several
pieces of copper and brass money at the rates aforesaid (excepting
as aforesaid) being tendered to them for payment shall be punished
according to the utmost rigour of the law, as contemners of our
royal prerogative and commands. And we do hereby publish and
declare, that if any person or persons whatsoever will presume to
counterfeit the said money, or any of the said pieces, that he or
they, so offending, shall be proceeded against as persons guilty of
high-treason ; and in case any person or persons whatsoever, will
discover any such offender or offenders so as he or they be brought
to condign punishment, we do hereby engage that such discoverer
Records of the Gun-money. 73
or discoverers shall have for their recompense the one moiety of
the estate, real and personal, of the same person or persons that
shall be so found guilty of counterfeiting the said money or coyne,
provided the value of the said estate will amount to forty pounds
sterling or more, and if the said estate be under forty pounds, such
discoverer or discoverers shall have for their service herein the sum
of twenty pounds sterling. As for the better prevention of
counterfeiting the sayd coyn, we do hereby strictly charge and
command all persons whatsoever, that they or any of them do
not presume to import into any part of this realm any of the
said coyn, or of the said copper and brass money, under the
highest penalty, forfeiture, or confiscation, that any law in this
kingdom can allow or warrant ; and if any person or persons shall
at any time hereafter discover the importing of the said coyn into
this realm, we do hereby engage that such person or persons so
discovering shall have the full moiety 01 all forfeitures and
confiscation that shall accrew to us, by reason of the said
importation; and that there may be no pretence for the importing
of any of the said coyn into this kingdom, we do hereby strictly
charge and command all persons whatsoever that they or any of
them do not presume to export any of the said coyn or pieces of
copper and brass money into any other country whatsoever, hereby
declaring, that whosoever shall offend herein, shall be prosecuted
according to the utmost rigour of the law : And whereas by the
said former proclamation for making the said sixpenny pieces
currant within this kingdom, it is provided, that we shall not be
obliged to take the said six penny pieces in the payment of the
duty payable to us for foreign commodities imported into this
kingdom ; and that the first seller of such foreign goods or
commodities, shall not be obliged to take the said sixpenny pieces
in any payment to be made to him on such sale. We do hereby
revoke the said clauses, and that the remaining part of the said
proclamation shall be and remain in full force and that the said
sixpenny pieces shall be taken in all payments, in such manner and
under the same exceptions as the twelve penny pieces and the said
half crown pieces, are made currant by these presents ; and whereas
we have caused the said copper and brass money to be made
currant money for present necessity, and therefore do not intend
that the same shall continue for any long time. We do by this
our royal proclamation promise and engage to all our subjects here,
that as soon as the said money shall be decried and made null,
that we shall thereupon receive from all and every our subjects
within this kingdom such proportion of the said money as shall be,
74 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
and remain in their respective hands at the time the same shall
be decried and made void ; and at the same time either allow for
the same to them the value thereof at the rates aforesaid, out of
what rents, customs, excise, duties or debts, they respectively shall
owe to us, or make them full satisfaction for the same according to
the rates aforesaid, in gold or silver of the currant coyne of this
kingdom. Given at our court at our castle of Dublin this twenty-
seventh day June 1689, and in the fifth year of our reign.
1689 A.D.
A third Proclamation of James II. concerning the Gun-money.
Our will and pleasure is, that you forthwith goe to the several
place or places where stamps, presses or coyning mills are, which
with the several instruments belonging to the coynage you are to
secure, under your respective scales, in some safe place soe as none
can come at or meddle with the same without your consent ; as
also to secure, in the same manner, any quantity of brass or copper
casten, rounded or fitted to the mill, and if you shall find any
persons at work at the said mills for our service, coyning brass or
copper money, any two of you shall remain beside the said workmen
to see that what is coyned bee duely aplyed to our use and noe
other, and at your leaving off the said coynage you are to secure
the houses, tooles, and instruments as is abovesaid, taking an
exact account of the pieces coyned, and securing them in the like
manner ; you shall call to the officer of our guard for any
assistance that may be necessary ; for doing all which this shall
bee your warrant. Given at our court at Dublin-castle, this nineteenth
day of June, 1689, and in the fifth year of our reign.
1689 A.D.
Order of James II. concerning the Gun-money.
Our will and pleasure is, that you forthwith deliver to the
commissioners of the mint those two brass canons now lying in
the court of this our castle marked &c weighing &c and for soe
doeing this shall be your warrant. Given at our court at Dublin-
castle, this eleventh day of July, 1689, and in the fifth year of
our reign.
To our trusty and wel-beloved
cozen and counseler Justin Lord
Viscount Mount Cashel, master general
of our ordnanCe.
Records of the Gun-money. 75
1689 A.D.
Letter concerning the Gun-money.
Sir,
We have great occasion for his majesty's use to procure as
much hamered or forged copper and brass as your parts can afford,
and judging by the decay of trade and desolation of the country,
that there may bee a great deale in your district or port, we desire
you, by yourself and officers, to inform us presently what quantity
you may bee able to furnish us with, and what the currant prices
are of each. And whatever you can gett, buy at the best rates you
can, and as soon as you have four or five hundred weight, pray
send it to us the commissioners of his majesty's mint, at the mint-
house in Capel-street, Dublin, and what you pay shall bee allowed
you in your accounts at the custom house, so doing you'll oblige,
Yours &c.
1689 A.D.
Letter concerning the gun-money.
Waterford, Dec the loth 1689.
I send you by Thomas Commins carryer the quantities of
brass copper and battery 1 underwritten ; yoil were pleased to order
my buying of pewter, upon which I desired to know what I must
give, to which I had no answer. I likewise advised that I had a
parcell of new and ould pewter belonging to absentees, and desired
to know if you would have it sent, &c
I am,
your honours most humble servant
Gre Rice.
To the chiefe commissioners of
his majesties mint.
1689 A.D.
Letter concerning the gun-money.
Limerick Jan the 4th 1689.
Sir,
Last Tuesday, the carriages parted from hence with six thousand
six hundred weight of gunn mettle, six hundred a quarter and two
1 Battery = any metal reduced by hammering.
76 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
pounds of fine pewter, and a thousand weight of steele, they will
be eleven or twelve days a goeing because the roads are very
deep The pewter cost ten pence per pound, and steele six pence.
You may expect very soone a farther supply of mettle for I have
made an agreement with two eminent dealers from Corke who have
five or six thousand weight of copper and brass which they are to
send here. I must have an order from the lords of the treasury,
for sending it to your mint ; there are foure or five broken bells in
the country, which I can have if you send an order for seizing them
for the king's use ; there is an useless cannon at Gallway, and one
or two at Kingsaile ; I forgot to send you some of our coyne as
you desired, by the next occasion I will not faile ; I cannot buy fine
pewter now under eleven or twelve pence the pound, for they say
that you give fourteen or fifteen pence in Dublin, the rates for
carriage from hence to Dublin is eight shillings the hundred weight.
I rest your humble servant,
Wat Plunkett
To John Trindar Esq.
1689 A.D.
Letter concerning the gun-money.
Athlone, February the Qth 1689.
This day the mettall was weighed ( l< 35.0.24^ by numb, at the
bottom of this letter") and delivered to the carmen mentioned in
the last letter, there is five hundred weight for the last gun they
could not carry, and some brass that I have bought, and some
brass belonging to absentees, which will be here in a few days and
shall be sent by the first carrs that I can procure.
I am, your honour's most humble servant,
Chr. Nicholson.
To the honourable J. Trindar Esq.,
chief commissioner of his majesties
mint.
1689 A D.
Order concerning the gun-money.
It is his majesty's pleasure that one six pence in the pound be
given in copper for all silver money or gold that shall be brought
to the mint, the silver being given in to the currant value and full
Records of the Gun-money. 77
weight, all such silver as come in or gold, is to be attested by
two commissioners of the second class, or by one of them and one
of the wardens. His Majesty will give his further orders under his
hand ; in the meantime you are to proceed to take what money
comes in.
1689 A.D.
Order concerning the gun-money.
Our will and pleasure is, that you cause to be coyned for our
use severall pieces of coyne of two sorts to pass currant in this our
kingdom of Ireland ; the one about the biggness of a shilling to be
made of white mix'd mettall haveing on one side the effigies or
figure of our head, with this inscription round about it, JACOBUS
II'DUS DEI GRATIA, and on the other side haveing a piece
of prince's mettall fix'd in the middle with stamp or impression of
the harpe and crowne and this inscription round about it, MAG.
BRI. FRA. ET. HIB. REX, with the year of our Lord; which
piece is to pass for a penny ; and the other piece about the
biggness of a sixpence to be made of the like mettall and stampt on
both sides, in like manner, and with the inscription aforesaid and
to pass for a half-penny, hereby giveing you full power and
authority to coyne the said two pieces from time to time till
further order. Given at our court at Dublin castle, the first clay
of March, 1689, and in the sixth year of our raigne.
To our trusty and well beloved
the commissioners of our mint in
our kingdom of Ireland.
1690 A.D.
A fourth Proclamation of James II. concerning the gun-money.
Whereas for remedy of the present scarcity of pence and
halfpence in this our kingdom, we have ordered a certain quantity of
mixed money to be coyned to pass currant in this our realme, dureing
our pleasure in penny pieces and half penny pieces ; each piece of the
said penny pieces about the bigness of one shilling, having on one
side the effigies or figure of our head, with this inscription round,
JACOBUS SECUNDUS DEI GRATIA; and upon the other side,
having a piece of prince's metal fixed in the middle, with the stamp
78 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
or impression of the harp arid crown, and this inscription round,
MAG. BR. FRA. ET HIB. REX, with the year of our Lord, and
each of the said half penny pieces about the bigness of a six-pence to
be marked and stamped as the said penny pieces, the said pieces to be
of white mixed metal ; all which pieces of money we have thought fit,
by the advice of our privy council, to make currant money within this
our kingdom. We' do therefore hereby publish and declare, by
the advice aforesaid, that the said pieces of white mixed metal
coyned, or hereafter to be coyned by our said order marked and
stamped as aforesaid, shall pass during our pleasure, as currant money,
amongst all our subjects within this our realm, and in all payments
whatsoever to be made either to us, or from us, or to or from any of
our subjects within this kingdom, according to the rates following ; that
is to say, each of the said pieces called penny pieces, marked and
stamped as aforesaid, to pass for one penny, the said pieces called half-
penny pieces to pass for one half-penny, the said pieces to pass at the
rates aforesaid in all payments whatsoever : And we do hereby strictly
charge and command all and every of our subjects of this kingdom, to
take and receive in all payments to be made to them, the said several
pieces of money according to the rates aforesaid, hereby declaring that
such of our subjects within this kingdom, as shall refuse to receive the
said several pieces of mixed money at the rates aforesaid, being
tendered to them for payment, shall be punished according to the
utmost rigour of the law as contemners of our royal prerogative
and command : And whereas we have caused the said mixed money to
be made currant for present necessity, and therefore we do not intend
that the same shall continue for any long time ; we do by this our
royal proclamation promise and engage to all our subjects here, that as
soon as the said money shall be and remain in their respective hands,
at the time the same shall be decried and made void, and at the same
time either allow for the same to them the value thereof at the rates
aforesaid, out of what rents, duties, or debts they respectively shall owe
unto us, or make them full satisfaction for the same according to the
rates aforesaid, in gold or silver of the currant coyn of this kingdom.
Given at our court at Dublin castle, the twenty-eighth day of March,
1690, and in the sixth year of our reign.
1690 A.D.
A fifth Proclamation of James II. concerning the gun-money.
Whereas for remedy of the present scarcity of money in this our
kingdom, and that our standing forces may be the better paid, and our
Records of the Gun-money. 79
subjects of this realm the better enabled to pay and discharge the
taxes excise, customs, rents, and other debts and duties which are or
shall be hereafter payable to us, we have ordered a certain quantity of
white mixed metal to be coyned in crown-pieces, each piece of the said
crown-pieces having on the one side our effigies or figure on horseback,
with this inscription round, Jac. II. Pei Gra. Mag. Brit. Fra. & Hib.
Rex : And on the other side having a piece of prince's metal fixed
in the middle, with the stamp or impression of the crown surrounded
with the arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, with this
inscription round; Christo victore triumpho, anno Dom. 1690 ; and
round about the edge of each such piece having this inscription,
Melioris tessera fati, anno regni sexto : All which pieces of money
so coyned, we have thought fit, by the advice of our privy council,
to make current money within this our kingdom. We do therefore
hereby publish and declare, by the advice aforesaid, that the said
pieces of mixed white metal coyned or hereafter to be coyned by
our said order, marked and stamped as aforesaid, to pass for five
shillings in all payments whatsoever. And we do hereby strictly
charge and command all and every of our subjects of this kingdom
to take and receive in all payments to be made to them, the said
several pieces of money according to the rate aforesaid ; hereby
declaring, that such of our subjects within this kingdom, as shall
refuse to receive the said several pieces of money according to the
said rate, being tendered to them for payment, shall be punished
according to the utmost rigour of the law, as contemners of our royal
prerogative and command. And we do hereby further publish and
declare, that if any person or persons whatsoever will presume to
counterfeit the said money or any of the said pieces, that he or they
so offending, shall be proceeded against as guilty of high treason.
And in case any person or persons whatsoever will discover any such
offender or offenders, so as he or they be brought to condign
punishment, we do hereby engage, that such discoverer or discoverers
shall have for a recompence, at his or their election, either the sum of
twenty pounds sterling for their service herein, or the one moiety of the
state, real and personal, of the person or persons that shall be found
guilty of counterfeiting the said money or coyn : And for the better
prevention of counterfeiting the said coyn, we do hereby strictly charge
and command all persons whatsoever, that they or any of them, do
not presume either to import, into any part of this realm, or export
into any other country whatsoever, any of the said coyn or money of
white mixed metal under the highest penalty, forfeiture, or confiscation
that any law in this kingdom can warrant or allow : And if any person
or persons shall, at any time hereafter, discover the importing of any
80 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
of the said coyn into this realm, or the exporting thereof into any
other country, we do hereby engage that such person or persons so
discovering, shall have the full moyety of all forfeiture and confiscation
that shall accrew unto us, by reason of such importation or exportation.
And whereas we have thought fit, by publick convenience, to reduce
the twelve penny pieces and half-crown pieces of copper and brass
money hereafter to be coyned to a lesser weight than formerly, without
any alteration of the impressions or superscriptions, and yet the said
pieces to continue at the same value, that the like pieces passed at
hitherto we do hereby publish and declare, by the advice aforesaid,
that the said twelve penny pieces, and half-crown pieces hereafter to
be coyned, shall pass at the same value with the like pieces of copper
and brass money formerly coyned, though not of equal weight. And
whereas we have caused the said several sorts of coyn of copper and
brass, and white mixed metal, to be made current money for present
necessity, and therefore do not intend that the same shall continue for
any long time ; we do by this our royal proclamation promise and
engage to all our loving subjects here, that as soon as the said money
shall be decried and made null, we shall thereupon receive from all
and every of our subjects within this kingdom such proportion of the
said money as shall be and remain in their respective hands, at the time
the same shall be decried and made void, and at the same time either
allow to them the value thereof, at the rates aforesaid out of what
rents, customs, excise, debts or duties, they respectively shall owe to us,
or make them full satisfaction for the same according to the said rates,
in gold or silver of the currant coyn of this kingdom. Given at our
court at Dublin-castle, the twenty-first day of April, 1690.
1690 A.D.
A sixth Proclamation of James II. concerning the Gun-money.
Whereas we have for weighty reasons, with the advice of our
privy council, thought fit to call in all the half-crown pieces of copper
and brass money, which appear by the stamp upon them to have been
coyned within this our kingdom, before the month of May last, yet so
as our loving subjects, who have such money in their hands, may thereby
suffer no loss, but receive other current money in exchange thereof
from the commissioners of our mint ; our will and pleasure is, and we
do hereby, with the advice aforesaid, order and declare, that no half-
crown of copper.and brass money, which hath been coyned before the
Records of the Gun-money, 81
said month of May, shall pass or be current money in any payment
within the city or county of the city of Dublin, from or after the last
day of this present month of June, nor in any other part of the province
of Leinster after the fifteenth day of July next, or in any other part of
this our kingdom after the last day of July aforesaid ; and our further
will and pleasure is, and we do hereby strictly charge and command
the commissioners of our mint in our cities of Dublin and Limerick, to
receive and exchange all such half-crown pieces as shall within the
time aforesaid be brought into them, by paying to the persons that
shall bring in the same, the like sum of other current money, and that
without any delay or deduction whatsoever ; and for the ease of such
persons as live in places far distant from the said cities of Dublin and
Limerick, and have but small summs of the said money in their hands,
we do require the several collectors and receivers of our revenue to
exchange in like manner all such half-crowns as shall within the time
aforesaid be brought into them ; and in case they have not money
enough of ours in their hands to pay in exchange thereof, to give
assignments for the same upon our receivers generals, who are hereby
required to make present payment upon such assignements. Given at
the court at the castle of Dublin, the fifteenth day of June, 1690, and
in the sixth year of our reign.
1690 A.D.
A seventh Proclamation of James II. concerning the Gun-money.
Whereas for the more speedy supply of money to defray our
present great and necessary expences, we have ordered a quantity of
copper and brass to be coyned into crown pieces, each piece having on
the one side our effigies or figure on horseback, with this inscription round,
Jac II Dei Gra. Mag. Bri. Fra. & Hib. Rex, and on the other side the
arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, with a crown in the
middle and this inscription round, Christo victore triumpho, 1690, our
will and pleasure is, and we do hereby, with the advice of our privy
council, order and declare, that the said pieces of copper and brass so
coyned or to be coyned by our said order mark'd and stamp'd as
aforesaid, shall during our pleasure pass as currant and lawfull money
amongst all our subjects within this realme of Ireland, and likewise in
all payments to be made to us, or from us, or from any of our
subjects within this kingdom, according to the rates following, that is
to say, each of the said pieces to pass for five shillings in all payments
82 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
whatsoever, hereby strictly charging and commanding all our subjects
within this our kingdom, to take and receive the said pieces, at the
rate aforesaid, in all payments to be made to them, and forbidding
all persons whatsoever to counterfeit the same, upon pain of being
proceeded against as persons guilty of high treason. And we do by
this our royal proclamation promise and engage, that whensoever
the said money shall be decried or called in, we shall thereupon
receive from all persons such proportion thereof as shall then remain
in their hands, and at the same time either allow them to value
thereof, according to the rates aforesaid, out of what rents, duties
or other debts they shall respectively owe unto us ; or make them
full satisfaction for the same according to the said rates, in coyne
then currant in this our kingdom. Given at our court at our castle
of Dublin, the fifteenth day of June, 1690, and in the sixth year of
our reign.
1690 A.D.
Proclamation of William and Mary, reducing the current value of
the Gun-money.
Having taken into our consideration the great oppressions and
abuses committed by our enemies in this our kingdom of Ireland,
by coyning and making currant brass money of copper or mixt
metal, and raising the value thereof to an extravagant height, thereby
to enable them to continue the war against us, and to impoverish
our loving subjects in our said kingdom : We have therefore thought
it necessary to put stop thereto, and to the end that such part of
the said copper or mix't metal money, which remains in the hands
of our said subjects, may not be wholly lost, we have thought fit to
reduce the former value of the said copper money, to the value or
standard of the like copper money formerly currant in this our
kingdom, and accordingly we do hereby will and require all our
subjects, within our said kingdom of Ireland, to take and receive all
such copper or mix't metal money, lately coined in the mint erected in
our city of Dublin, at the several and respective valuations following,
and that the same do pass currant in exchange of money, and for
all manner of goods and provisions whatsoever, and shall be received
by all the officers and collectors of our customs, excise, or other
branches of our revenue accordingly,' viz.
The large half-crown of copper money, together with the crown
pieces, of like metal and weight, lately stamp'd shall pass at one
penny sterling i
Records of the Gun-money. 83
The small half-crown of copper, lately stamp'd shall pass at three
farthings.
The large copper shilling shall pass at a half-penny sterling.
The small shilling, lately stamped, and six-pence, shall pass
each at one farthing.
And our will and pleasure is, that all such pewter pence, as have
been lately coyned in the said mint, shall pass tor half-pence, and all
the half-pence of the like metal, stamped in the said mint, shall pass
currant for farthings.
Which several sorts of coyn shall be deemed as currant money
at the rates beforementioned, in all payments whatsoever within this
our kingdom. Given at our camp by Dublin, this tenth day of July,
1690, in the second year of our reign.
1690-1 A.D.
Proclamation of William and Mary, prohibiting the Gun-money.
Whereas their majesties, by their royal proclamation, dated at
their camp, by Dublin, the tenth of July, 1690, in the second year of
their majesties reign, for reasons therein mentioned, did think fit to
reduce certain coyns of brass, copper and mix't metal, which formerly
were used in this kingdom, and imposed upon the people at vast
rates, beyond and above the intiinsick value, to the several rates in
the said proclamation mentioned, and did ordain that the said coyns
and prices should be deemed and taken as current moneys in all
payments at the several rates therein contained. Now forasmuch as
it is found by experience, that the Irish who are in rebellion against
their majesties, and have in their possession the whole or the far
greater part of the said coin, do begin by secret and cunning ways to
bring in the said coin into those parts of this kingdom under their
majesties obedience, wherewith they or their agents not only furnish
their majesties enemies with divers goods, provisions and commodities,
for supplying their wants and necessities, which they could not any
other ways obtain but by this means will bring such vast quantities of
the said coin amongst their majesties good subjects, as in the end will
turn to their majesties great damage. We therefore taking the
premisses into our consideration, for providing a remedy against
this growing evill, have thought fit hereby to order, publish and
declare, that from and after the six and twentieth day of this inst.,
February, none of the said pieces or coyns in the said proclamation
mentioned, shall be currant, or used in any payments between any
84 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper^ Tin, and Pewter.
persons whatsoever ; nor shall any of their majesties loving subjects be
compelled to take or receive the same as money at any rate or price
whatsoever. Given at the council-chamber in Dublin, the twenty-third
of February, 1690, and in the third year of their majesties reign.
1692 A.D.
Proclamation of William and Mary concerning the Coinage.
Whereas by several proclamations heretofore published in the
reigns of the late kings, Charles and James the second, before his
abdication, and of their present majesties, certain tynn and copper
half-pence and farthings have been declared currant to pass in dealings
between his majesties subjects according to the tenor of such
proclamations, and whereas we the said Lord Lieutenant have
pursuant to a power reserved unto us, in and by certain letters
patents under the great seal of this kingdom made in the reign of the
late king Charles the second, ordered and directed the persons
interested in the said letters patents to cause the effigies of their
majesties heads stamped in copper, on the one side, and on the
other side the stamp or impress of an harpe crowned with this
inscription, Carolus secundus Dei gratia Mag. Brit. Franc. & Hib. Rex.
Gulielmus & Maria Dei gratia Mag. Brit. Franc. & Hib. Rex &
Regina, round before and on the reverse side of all the copper
half-pence and farthings which they shall hereafter make or issue,
pursuant to the power to them derived under the said letters patents.
And whereas certain persons either ill-affected to their majesties
government, or mislead by false news and rumours, do refuse to
receive the tynn and copper half-pence and farthings, as well those
formerly authorized, as those lately made as aforesaid, to the great
hindrance of trade and commerce, and hazard of the lives of
multitudes of poor persons, who have no other money either for
change or to buy necessaries for their families. For prevention
whereof, and to undeceive all their majesties subjects who have been
imposed upon by designing men to believe without any ground that
the said several half-pence and farthings of tynn and copper as well
those formerly as lately authorized or any of them, ought not to pass
currant in payment in this kingdom as formerly they have and ought
to do : we have thought fit to publish and declare, that neither the
said copper or tynn half-pence or farthings have been or are by
publick authojHty decry 'd or disallow'd, but that they and every of
Coinage of William Wood. 85
them ought to pass currant in payment in such manner as formerly
and of late, by vertue of the said letters patents and proclamation,
they did and ought to pass in this kingdom. Given at the council-
chamber in Dublin, the seventeenth day of February, 1692.
1723 A.D.
Petition of the Irish Parliament against the coinage of William
Wood.
We the Lords spiritual and temporal in parliament assembled, are
under the utmost concern to find that our duty to your Majesty and
our country, indispensibly calls upon us to acquaint your Majesty with
the ill consequences, which will follow from a patent for coining Half-
pence and Farthings to be utter'd in this kingdom, obtained under the
great seal of Great Britain, by one William Wood, in a clandestine and
unprecedented manner, and by a gross misrepresentation of the state
of this kingdom. We are most humbly of opinion, that the diminution
of your Majesty's revenue, the ruin of our trade, and the impoverishing
of your people, must unavoidably attend this undertaking ; and we beg
leave to observe to your Majesty, that from the most exact enquiries
and computations we have been able to make, it appears to us, that the
gain to William Wood will be excessive, and the loss to this kingdom,
by circulating this base coin, greater than this poor country is able to
bear. With the greatest submission and deference to your Majesty's
wisdom, we beg we may offer it as our humble opinion, that the
reserving the coining of Half-pence and Farthings to the crown, and the
not trusting it with any private person, body politick or corporate, will
always be for your Majesty's service, and the good of your people in
this kingdom.
In confidence, Sir, of your paternal care of the welfare of this
country, we beseech your Majesty, that you will be pleased to extend
that goodness and compassion to us, which has so eminently shew'd
itself to all your other subjects, who have the happiness to live under
your protection and government; and that you will give such directions
as may effectually free us from the terrible apprehension we labour
under from the patent granted to William Wood.
This Petition was forwarded on October ist, 1723, by Walpole to
Townshend at Hanover, where the court then was, to whom at the
same time he wrote as follow :
86 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
I was a good deal concerned till I saw what they did object, lest
by inadvertency, or by being imposed upon, we might, out of a desire
of doing the service, have let this slip through our fingers, liable to
more objections than I was aware of. But most certainly this is not
so. The resolution that makes the loss 150% is founded upon a
computation that copper uncoined is worth \2d. a pound : now a pound
of copper halfpence and farthings are by the patent to pass for 2/6 ;
therefore the loss is 1/6. But a pound of copper prepared for the mint
in London costs there 1/6 ; the charge of coining a pound of copper is
at the mint \d. ; & I think the duty of a pound of copper coined,
imported into Ireland, is a halfpenny per pound, beside the exchange,
& which with all allowances, comes to 20%. & all this is laid aside &
the copper money valued at the supposed value of the rough Irish
copper, which is much inferior to English copper.
1724 A.D.
Presentment of the Grand Jury of the Liberty of the Dean and
Chapter of St. Patrick's, Dublin, against the coinage of William Wood.
" This day, the grand-jury, and the rest of the inhabitants of the
liberty of the Dean and Chapter of St. Patrick's, Dublin, attended the
dean of St. Patrick, with the following declaration, which they read to
him, & desired that he would give orders to have it published.
" The Declaration of the Grand-Jury, & the rest of the inhabitants
of the Liberty of the Dean & Chapter of St. Patrick's, Dublin.
" We, the grand-jury, and other inhabitants of the liberty of the
Dean & Chapter of St. Patrick's, Dublin, whose names are under
written, do unanimously declare and detirmine, that we never will
receive or pay any of the halfpence or farthings already coined, or that
shall hereafter be coined, by one William Wood, being not obliged by
law to receive the same ; because we are thoroughly convinced by the
addresses of both houses of Parliament, as well as by that of his
Majesty's most honourable privy-council, & by the universal opinion of
the whole kingdom, that the currency of the said halfpence & farthings
would soon deprive us of all our gold & silver, & therefore be of the
most destructive consequence to the trade & wellfare of the nation."
1724 A.D.
The presentation of the Grand Jury of the county of the City of
Dublin against the same.
Coinage of William Wood. 87
Whereas several great quantities of base metal coin, commonly
called Wood's half-pence, have been brought into the port of Dublin,
& lodged in several houses of this city, with an intention to make
them pass clandestinely among his Majesty's subjects of this kingdom
notwithstanding the addresses of both houses of parliament, & the
privy council, & the declarations of most of the corporations of this city,
against the said coin : and whereas his Majesty has been graciously
pleased to leave his loyal subjects of this kingdom at liberty to take
or refuse the said half- pence.
We the Grand Jury of the county of the city of Dublin, this
Michaelmas term, 1724, having entirely at heart his Majesty's
interest, & the welfare of our country, & being thoroughly sensible ot
the great discouragements which trade hath suffered by the
apprehensions of the said coin, whereof we have already felt the
dismal effects ; & that the currency thereof will enevitably tend to the
great diminution of his Majesty's revenue, & the ruin of us & our
posterity, do present all such persons as have attempted, or shall
endeavour, by fraud, or otherwise, to impose the said halfpence upon
us, contrary to his Majesty's most gracious intentions, as enemies to
his Majesty's government, & to the safety, peace, & welfare of all his
Majesty's subjects of this kingdom ; whose affections have been so
eminently distinguished by their zeal to his illustrious family, before
his happy accession to the throne, & by their continued loyalty ever
since.
As we do, with all just gratitude, acknowledge the services of all
such patriots as have been eminently zealous for the interest of his
Majesty & this country, in detecting the fraudulent imposition of the
said Wood, & preventing the passing of his base coin ; so we do, at
the same time, declare our abhorrence & detestation of all reflections
on his Majesty & his government ; & that we are ready, with our lives
& fortunes, to defend his most sacred Majesty against the Pretender,
& all his Majesty's open & secret enemies, both at home & abroad.
Given under our hands, at the Grand Jury Chamber, this 28th of
Nov., 1724.
George Forbes. Philip Pearson. Charles Lindon.
William Empson. Thomas Robins. Jerom Bredin.
David Tew. Richard Dawson. John Sican.
William Aston. John Jones. Anthony Brunton.
Stearn Tighe. Thomas How. Thomas Gaven.
Richard Walker. Nathaniel Pearson. Daniel Elwood.
Edmond French. Joseph Nuttal. John Brunet.
John Vereilles. James Brown.
The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Peivter.
1723 A.D.
The subjoined epigram and poem well represent the feelings of
the populace with regard to Wood's money, and are of considerable
interest, being as they are from the pen of Dean Swift.
EPIGRAM.
Carteret was welcomed to the shore
First with the brazen cannons roar ;
To meet him next the soldier comes,
With brazen trumps & brazen drums ;
Approaching near the town he hears
The brazen bells salute his ears ;
But when Wood's bra c s began to sound,
Guns, trumpets, drums, & bells were drown'd
PROMETHEUS.
I.
As when the squire & tinker Wood
Gravely consulting Ireland's good,
Together mingled in a mass
Smith's dust & copper, lead, & brass ;
The mixture thus by chemic art
United close in every part,
In fillets roll'd, or cut in pieces,
Appear'd like one continued species ;
And, by the forming engine struck,
On all the same impression struck,
So to confound this hated coin,
All parties and religions join ;
Whigs, Tories, Trimmers, Hanoverians,
Quakers, Conformists, Presbyterians,
Scotch, Irish, English, French, unite,
With equal interest, equal spite;
Together mingled in a lump,
Do all in one opinion jump ;
And every one begins to find
The same impression on his mind.
Coinage of William Wood. 89
A strange event ! whom gold incites
To blood & quarrels, brass unites ;
So goldsmiths say, the coarsest stuff
Will serve for solder well enough :
So by the kettle's loud alarm
The bees are gathered to the swarm :
So by the brazen trumpets bluster
Troops of all tongues & nations muster
And so the harp of Ireland brings
Whole crowds about its brazen strings.
II.
There is a chain let down from Jove,
But fasten'd to his throne above,
So strong that from the lower end,
They say all human things depend.
This chain, as ancient poets hold,
When Jove was young, was made of gold.
Prometheus once this chain purloin'd,
Dissolved, & into money coin'd ;
Then whips me on a chain of brass ;
(Venus was bribed to let it pass).
Now while this brazen chain prevail'd,
Jove saw that all devotion fail'd ;
No temple to his godship raised ;
No sacrifice on altars blazed ;
In short, such dire confusion follow'd,
Earth must have been in chaos swallow'd,
Jove stood amazed ; but looking round,
With much ado the cheat he found ;
'Twas plain he could no longer hold
The world with any chain but gold ;
And to the god of wealth, his brother,
Sent Mercury to get another.
Prometheus on a rock is laid,
Tied with the chain himself had made,
On icy Caucasus to shiver,
While vultures eat his growing liver.
g
90 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
III.
Ye powers of Grub-street make me able
Discreetly to apply this fable :
Say, who is to be understood
By that old thief Prometheus ? Wood.
For Jove, it is not hard to guess him ;
I mean his majesty, God bless him ;
This thief and blacksmith was so bold,
He strove to steal that chain of gold,
Which links the subject to the king,
And change it for a brazen string.
But shure, if nothing else must pass
Between the king & us but brass,
Although the chain will never crack,
Yet our devotion may grow slack.
But Jove will soon convert, I hope,
This brazen chain into a rope ;
With which Prometheus shall be tied,
And high in air for ever ride ;
Where if we find his liver grows,
For want of vultures, we have crows.
An Epitaph on the late renowned Mr. W - d. Halfpenny
Projector (alias Copper-Captain), of Ireland, and Iron-Master
General of Great Britain.
HERE lies MASTER W - - d,
Who did what he could
Whitehaven by Tricks to environ
But his glass is run out,
Who made such a rout,
With his Half-pence and making of Iron.
Fog's Journal, August 29, 1730.
1737 A.D.
Order of the Privy Council concerning the coinage.
Whereas the Lords Justices and Privy-council of this kingdom,
in order to remedy the inconveniences and difficulties which affect
the trade, an.d particularly, the linen manufactures of this kingdom,
Order of the Privy Council, 1737. 91
and his majesty's revenues here, occasioned by the want of good
copper money ; applied to his grace Lionel Duke of Dorset, late
lord lieuteuant general, and general governor of this kingdom, to
lay the same before his majesty and obtain his royal licence for
coyning fifty tuns of copper at his majesty's mint of London, under
the regulations herein after mentioned And whereas his majesty,
to answer the said proposals made by the lord Justices and Privy
Council of this kingdom, with the concurrence of the said lord
lieutenant general, and general governor of Ireland, and for remedying
the said inconvenience, has been most graciously pleased to direct,
that a proper agent should be appointed to contract for fifty tons
of copper, to be delivered to the master of his majesty's mint in his
tower of London to be coined for the service of this kingdom ; and
also to authorise and command the master of his mint in his said
tower of London, to receive from such person or persons, as his
majesty's lieutenant general, and general governor, or lords justices
of this kingdom, or any authorized by them or either of them,
shall contract with for that purpose, fine copper, which when heated
red-hot, will spread thin under the hammer without cracking, and
out of the same to coin fifty tuns, or such greater quantity, as
shall be necessary for this kingdom, one sixth in farthings, and five
sixths in Half-pence, of such size, that fifty and two halfpence, or
hundred and four farthings, may make a pound weight avoirdupois,
excepting only such errors by accident, not by design, as may
happen by the unequal size of the bars not exceeding the thirtieth
part of a pound weight ; and that his majesty's effigies, with the
inscription, Georgius II Rex. be stamped on one side of each piece
and the Irish harp crowned on the other side, and over it the
inscription, Hibernia, and under it the date of the year, with directions
that the moniers of his majesty's said mint should not distribute
any of the said money, before the same be duely assayed. And
whereas his majesty has been also graciously pleased to direct,
that the costs of the said fifty tuns of copper, and all charges
attending the coining, and the transmitting the said halfpence and
farthings, when coined, into this kingdom, should be paid by his
majesty's vice-treasurer, receiver general and pay-master of this
kingdom, his or their deputy for the time being ; and that whatever
profit shall arise from the said coinage (after all necessary expences
about it defrayed) shall go into publick revenue at large of this
kingdom, to be employed as any part of the publick revenue
unappropriated, is employed. And whereas there have been
former copper coinages for this kingdom, under the patents of
his majesty's royal predecessors, which copper money, is now currant
92 The Coinage of Ireland in Copper, Tin, and Pewter.
in this kingdom ; his majesty has been also graciously pleased, in
order to continue the currency of such copper money coined
under those patents, together with such copper money as shall be
coined for all service of this kingdom, in his majesty's tower
of London indifferently, and without any preference of the one
sort to the other, in discharge of what shall become due to his
majesty : provided that no more be received in any one payment
made to them, than twelve of those halfpence, or sixpence ; and that
if by those payments, the said collector or any of them shall have a
redundancy of those half-pence, that the said collectors shall, and may
pay to the respective officers of his majesty's army in this kingdom,
or to such person as shall tender an Exchequer acquitance to the said
collectors, for payment of his majesty's said army, any sum of the said
half-pence, not exceeding five pounds in every hundred pounds, and so
in proportion for a greater or lesser sum, and the like quantity to the
officers of his majesty's revenue, who shall receive their salaries, from
the respective collectors. And his majesty has been further pleased to
signify his pleasure, that his said vice-treasurer, and receiver-general
or his or their deputy, do issue out of his majesty's treasury in this
kingdom, such new coined copper, or old copper money, as they shall
receive, to such as are willing to take the same. And whereas their
Excellencies the Lords Justices of this kingdom have, in obedience to
his majesty's commands, given the necessary directions to the
commissioners of his majesty's revenue here, for receiving and paying
the said copper money ; and to the deputy vice-treasurer of this
kingdom for issuing the same : We therefore the Lords Justices and
Council, do by this our proclamation, publish and declare his majesty's
most gracious intentions for the service of this kingdom. And to
prevent further imposition upon the traders and poor manufacturers of
this kingdom, by the uttering of false and base brass money, commonly
called Raps, we do hereby declare, that if any person or persons shall
presume to make, vend, or utter any halfpence, or farthings, or other
pieces of brass, copper, or other base metal, other than the copper
money coined under the patents of his majesty's royal predecessors,
and now current in this kingdom, and such copper money as is or shall
be coined in his majesty's tower of London, for the service of this
kingdom, or shall offer to counterfeit any of the said half-pence or
farthings, such person or persons shall be prosecuted, for such their
offences, with the utmost severity of the law, to deter others from
committing the like crime. Given at the council-chamber, in Dublin,
the sixth day of May, 1737.
INDEX.
A.
Act of Tynwald
Advertisement
American coins
Anne, Queen
Ann, Lady, Harington
Anthony Brunton
Aquilla Smith, Dr. ...
Armourer, Sir Nicholas
PAGE
... 16
37
35,38
33
6
... 87
... 16
66, 67
Armstrong, Sir Thomas 15, 65, 66, 68, 69
Assimilation of currency ... ... 52
Aston, William 87
Athlone ... ... ... ... 76
B.
B. B. ... 12
Baldwin, Mr.
Bandon
Ban don Bridge
Baptist, St. John the
Barree Chas. Roberts
Battery
Bells
Benj. Pistrucci
Birmingham ...
Blase, St. ... ... ... ... 56
Boulton and Watts ... ... ... 51
Boyne, Battle of the... ... ... 23
Bredin, Jerom ... ... ... 87
Brinfield, William ... ... ... 21
Briot, Nicholas 11,42
Bristol 35, 6 1
9
12
12
5
29
75
22
53
5 1
Brown's Gardens
Brown, James
Brunet, John...
Brunton, Anthony
Button-maker
PAGE
35
. 87
. 87
. 87
45
C.
Calais
Caldecott Collection
Cannon
Capel Street ...
< 55
18,49
22
20, 75
Carigfergus ... ... ... ... 61
Carlingford ... ... ... ... 59
Carteret ... 88
Caucasus ... ... ... ... 89
Ceylon ... ... ... ... 52
Charles I. ... ... ... ... 7
-II. ... 15
Prince, Edward ... ... 45
Lindon... ... ... ... 87
Chester ... ... ... ... 61
Child 66
Christmas, The Rev. H 16
CHRISTO, VICTORE TRI-
UMPHO 27, 29, 79, 81
Christopher Nicholson ... ... 76
Clarence, George, Duke of ... 56, 58
Clarke, Sam ... 21
Clay, Dr 48
Cockayne, William ... ... ... 6
Col. George Legg ... 18, 66, 68, 69
Commins, Thomas ... ... ... 75
94
Index.
PAGE
Commonwealth
... 14
Confederated Catholics
II
Cork ...
14, I 'J
Corke
14, 15, 61, 76
Council
... 36
Crane, Sir Thomas . . .
7
D.
Daniel Elwood
87
Dartmouth, Lord
68, 69
David Tew ...
87
Dawson, Richard
... 87
C f\
Dean of St. Patrick's
... 50
... 36, 50, 86
Deanery ... ...
7-2
Demerara . ...
JO
Dempsey ... ...
21
Denier
e c
Desmond, Thomas Earl of
jj
58
Domville ...
7O
Dorset, Lionel, Duke of
9 1
Drapier's letters
... 36
Drogheda
55, 56, 59
Dublin 2, 16-18, 22, 23,
2 7> 35-37. 43.
45. 5. S 6 , 6 1, 64-66,
68-71, 74-87
"Duchess"
21
ol rvendal
33
of Richmond ...
... 7
Duke of Clarence, George
56,59
T"^OT* r '*t' T i r\n f^l
... 91
1/UloClj -L/IUIICI
r\*-m ^*- An Tr **tsw
16
\~/f iiiunciCj j times
- York, Richard . . .
55,56
E.
Earl of Arran, Richard
66
- Desmond, Thomas
58
- Sunderland
33
\nff\ff*f*Gfff 1 rtnn
58
Edmond French
... 87
Edward IV
2
7 Fox
21
PAGE
. 6 4
. 8 7
3
87
. 16
4
Edward Lake
Elwood, Daniel
Elizabeth, Queen
Empson, William
Evelyn, John
Exton, Lord Harington of
F.
Fletcher Collection ... ... 15, 48
" Flying Post," " The " 36
" Fog's Journal " ... ... ... 90
Forbes, George ... ... ... 87
Fox, Edward... ... ... ... 21
France ... ... ... ... 19
Frances, Duchess of Richmond
Francis Crane, Sir ...
Rice
7
7
21
87
French, Edmond ... ...
Fret clouee ... ... ... ... 7
G.
Galway ... 56, 59, 61, 76
Gaven, Thomas ... ... ... 87
George 1 33
-II ' ... 43
-HI 49
-IV 52
Duke of Clarence ... 56,58
- Forbes ... ... ... ... 87
Legg, Col. ... 1 8, 66, 68, 69
-Rice ... ... 75
Gerard Malynes ... ... ... 6
Germyn Lynch ... .. 2, 56, 57
Goddard, Thomas ... ... ... 21
Gold 20
Grand-jury ... ... ... 36, 86, 87
Gross ... 55
Grub Street ... ... ... ... 90
Guienne ... ... ... ... 55
Gun-money ... ... ... 19, 70
Index.
95
H.
Half-denier
PAGE
re
John Jones
PAGE
87
19, 20, 66, 67
4
87
Lord Harincton
Handy, Thomas
Hanover
37
8c.
Sican .
Tnnder
21, 76
2 I
Harleian MSS.
Harold
... 45
ts
Trinser
8 7
36, 88
... 87
5
38
9
8q
Harington, Lady Ann
6
A
Jonathan Swift, D.D.
Joseph Nuttall
Joshua Reynolds, Sir
"Journal," "St. James"
" Foz >< "
knot .
7
Hely Hutchinson
Henry VI
... 45
i
-. - VII
Co
Jove
... 16
21
Justices, Lords
Justin, Lord Mount-Cashel
K.
K.
... 36
... 74
ii
Hewlet
HIBERNIAE
Hoblyn Collection ... u,
Holland
.- 38
12, 29, 30, 44,
46, 49, 5. 53
21
How, Thomas
Hutchinson, Hely ...
I.
Ionian Islands
Irelande D' Argent ...
Irish pension
Irish Privy Council ...
Isaac Newton, Sir ...
Isle of Man ... .
8 7
... 45
53
55
36
33
37
16
K. S.
12
Kendal, Duchess of ...
KER
33
1C
Kerry ...
1C
Kilkenny
II
King Street .
4.^
Kingsaile
76
Kinsale
12
Knox, Sir John
L.
Lady Harington Ann
Lake, Edward
Lamas
ic), 20, 66, 67
6
64
^^
J-
Jack ...
CC
Tames I. ...
A
II
19,68
16
87
Legg, Col. George ...
Letters, Drapier's
Limerick
Lindon, Charles
Lindsay
18, 66, 68, 69
36
... 21,23,75
87
48
Brown
"James" ,
Jerom Bredin
Jetton ... ... .
21
... 8 7
A2
John Brunet . .
87
Lionel. Duke of Dorset
01
Index.
"London Post," "The"
London
Lord Dartmouth
PAGE
... 38
2, 35> 57, 61
68, 69
4
36
33 5 5 8 5 9i
... 74
2 T.
0.
O'Neill
PAGE
Ormonde, James, Duke of ...
Osborn
16, 67
2 I
P
P
Louis XIV
Lynch, Germyn
Lyon
*3
" 2,56,57
r e
Patentees
... 18
M.
Malignants
33
j j
PATRICIVS
Patrick, St
2
... 16
PATRIK
Pearson, Nathaniel ...
Philip ...
i> 57
... 87
... 87
Malynes, Gerard
Mark Newby...
6
16
Pension, Irish
Pewter
Phoenix Street
Pinkerton
Pistrucci, Benj.
Plunkett, Walter
" Post," " The Flying "
""The London" ...
... 36
29,75
35
... 48
53
21, 76
... 36
... 38
3, 6o
45, 87
45
... 4<
Marquis of Rockingham
5
... 14
... 49
... 31
38
1 1
Marsham Collection...
Mary, Queen
Meath Street
Mining rights
Mint-house ...
61
33
20
POSVI, DEVM, etc.
Pretender, The
Prince Charles Edward
Princeps
Molyneux, Mary
Morgan
... 38
Mossop, William S. ...
Mount-Cashel, Lord...
N.
Nathaniel Pearson ...
Nelson Collection ...
New Jersey ...
5
... 74
87
1 8, 27, 39, 41,
46, 51, 53
16
Prince's metal
Privy Council, The Irish
Prometheus ...
Provost
... 29
33, 90
88, 89, 90
4.C
Q-
Quadrant d'or
Queen Anne...
55
11
Queen Elizabeth
Mary
3
7 T
Newby, Mark
Newton, Sir Isaac ...
Nicholas Briot
Nicholson, Christopher
Noble
16
37
42
... 76
R.
Raps ...
... 92
Normandy
55
c e
Rawlins, Thomas
Ready, Mr. W.T
... 16
... 2 9
Nuttal, Joseph
33
.S ... 8 7
Index.
97
REGIT UNUS UTROQUE
Revd. H. Christmas...
Rice, George ...
PAGE
... 42
... 16
7e
Surfrappe
PAGE
22
Swift, Jonathan, D.D.
T.
Talbot Ready
36, 88
... 29
21
87
Francis
Richard Dawson
21
... 8 7
55, 56
87
Walker
Richmond, Duchess of . .
Roberts, Barree Charles
Robins, Thomas
Roche
7
... 29
... 87
4.S
William
Tew, David ...
" The Flying Post "
" The London Post "
Thomas Commins ...
... 3 6
.. 3 8
75
... 58
21
Rockingham, Marquis of
Roettier
... 50
2T.
Royal mint ...
34
Goddard
Ruding
5
37
8-7
Rutland
4.
07
... 16
... 36
5 2 , 53
... 87
4
... 36
- 36
5 6 >59
21, 76
21
... 16
S.
St. Blase
c6
Rawlms
Tighe, Stearn
Tokens, Traders
Townshend, Lord ...
Treasury warrant
" St. James Journal ''
St. John
... 38
5
St. Patrick
SALVATOR
Sam Clark
Seven Dials ...
16, 56
2, 57
21
1$
Trinder, John
Tringer, John
Tynwald Act . .
U.
Union penny...
... 50
Sican, John ...
87
Siege-coins
II
Silver
2O
ifi
Sir Isaac Newton
John Knox ... 19,
- Joshua Reynolds ...
Nicholas Armourer
Thomas Armstrong 15, 65,
Smith, Dr. Aquilla ...
Snelling, Thomas
Soho
37
20, 66, 67
... 50
66, 67
66, 68, 69
... 16
43
CI
Uvedale, Thomas
V.
... 36
89
Vereilles, John
Vienna
VOCE POPULI
W.
Wales
... 87
8
... 45
<;
Sous ... ... ...
20
Staffordshire ...
38
Standbroke ...
j e
Stearne, Tighe
Sunderland. Earl of . .
... 8 7
ZT.
9 8
Index.
Walker, Richard
Walpole
PAGE
87
8c
William Cockayne ...
PAGE
6
5
21
Walter Plunkett
W T arrant, Treasury ...
Waterford
Watters Collection ...
Ways ...
21, 76
36
59, 75
18
c6
Talbot ...
WnnH
Witton Hall
33> 5 9
?8
Wolverhampton
Wood, William
Wyon, Thomas
X. Y. Z.
Y. T
33
33> 85-90
5 2 53
ii
Weightman Cabinet...
Westminster ...
9
66
Wexford
56
Whitehall
68
Whitehaven ...
QO
William and Mary ...
William III
22,31
?2
York
ee
William Aston
Brinfield
8 7
21
5556
11
Youehal
Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to His Majesty, St. Martin's Lane, London.
- / - 'v'rV'1<?V\ . ji^S?-" '
ff(3IA 'Sa^ : i ^ .
^^^'^a '& ' : .' r / $<m \2
x> ^^^J
*. 2r^J
26
COPPER COINAGE OF IRELAND.
PI. I.
-
\ >"--/
' *^ " ' V ^
i V /
x/
>vf<srT/i
/ -<f^f^yijt /j . ,
f^^J.^=r^^o^,\ L
*f* ~-j*'ir , ^ll ' ?*
COPPER COINAGE OF IRELAND.
PI. II.
^8%
'^i. ySrt ^- ;
\<" /3rVj t >
X&.V^ 1
**;>,
,^y-jy<A
"''<. TV
/^^r; ^vyy
g-^ml rsO
tV^fi
. . -' &&/... , - J ^-^-;i, ^,O/- >"^o^"'".
-C" C'- 'r'" ij '- ; '-- J y r ""'>^, /-^ / V ^7 '&tfw.*& f \ >
> ^ y ^/i ~? *$%&&"$ ??\ -~-s'^ -':& *' ^Ci^^ir'\l~i
r j M j^y : g, jsT/H |S,3S^ fe
'**li^y,%M<i/J : &4^J I^/CK? ^
11
a^irfXr
^ - ^
'C^fe
l^ii^ Ew.%a^
<r c
-'V.J^.- ^ ''
!5#$*& ^
' -H v-rf -f" ^^
--U JJ"f.
COPPER COINAGE OF IRELAND.
PI. III.
/& .-% -./ JJ ^,
/<* ,-,;vl,/: /. - f*.~-f>
2 * ' 1 '"\ : ; ^ ^
' z&'*\ _j - jtw^y *
r - -*^\ -- '-v , '/ -^y
*^/; ^. %L-/ ^r/
COPPER COINAGE OF IRELAND.
PI. IV.
, A x4 s -";4i
> . r^>6. - ' . ' - " -
v.< -
r -!>** _ . -- *fc. _ * '.-. f
$ii3m 'j
\^m&/
COPPER COINAGE OF IRELAND.
PI. V.
- 3
fa /\ff\ * l ''*'&, s&'<;^ i-\ , ''^-"('^ ' ''' +*&(\
/t M S' :' ^rfs ^ '& ff^%^*^
\*Jr:f4C WW?W**& m*Mf r-<
'" ^IJ^ "\Mw \**& ^&w^^Sf
^Af. /s;:lS> /^o?'^ /^T^x x"2X
COPPER COINAGE OF IRELAND.
PI. VI.
*?.V* I . UU f 6 I 191V
CJ Nelson, Philip
2550 The coinage of Ireland in
copper, tin, and pewter
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LIBRARY
