Recent Acquisition 06/02/2009
James II coin (1690)
Halfcrown, brass
KCM2008:126
This coin was discovered by a father while feeding ducks with his children! The coin, which is dated June 1690, was found on the shore of Lough Leane near Ross Castle, Killarney. It comes from a turbulent period in Irish and British history, when the Catholic James II and the Protestant William of Orange fought a war in Ireland over the British throne. This coin is an example of the emergency money that James issued in order to pay his soldiers, which was to be exchanged for sterling silver coins after the conflict. However, as James lost the war this never happened and so the coins became worthless. The coinage was made of brass from old cannon, bells and other scrap metal and is often called ‘Gunmoney’. It is the only Irish coinage in existence that has the month as well as the year marked on it. What makes this find particularly interesting is the fact that James’s troops successfully defended Ross Castle against William’s forces in January 1691. Many thanks to the finder Mr Dirk Pomeranz.
James II coin (1690)
Halfcrown, brass
KCM2008:126
This coin was discovered by a father while feeding ducks with his children! The coin, which is dated June 1690, was found on the shore of Lough Leane near Ross Castle, Killarney. It comes from a turbulent period in Irish and British history, when the Catholic James II and the Protestant William of Orange fought a war in Ireland over the British throne. This coin is an example of the emergency money that James issued in order to pay his soldiers, which was to be exchanged for sterling silver coins after the conflict. However, as James lost the war this never happened and so the coins became worthless. The coinage was made of brass from old cannon, bells and other scrap metal and is often called ‘Gunmoney’. It is the only Irish coinage in existence that has the month as well as the year marked on it. What makes this find particularly interesting is the fact that James’s troops successfully defended Ross Castle against William’s forces in January 1691. Many thanks to the finder Mr Dirk Pomeranz.
