Irish Gunmoney and Emergency Issues of 1689-1691 from the Collection of John Rainey

Foreword

The following lots of Gunmoney are duplicates from the main study group used to produce Irish Gunmoney and the Emergency Issues of 1689-1691, A Corpus and Die Study, by Paul and Bente R. Withers (Llanfyllin, 2020). Some are plate coins, used in the identification of different dies and die linkage.

While enlarged photographs can show more in this regard than the naked eye, multiple examples of the same or similar dies enable the fabric of the coin to contribute to the story. Thus, for example by examining the graining and design features of the small shillings, we were able to confidently assign these to the Dublin and Limerick mints accordingly. Standards of workmanship, die-axes, striking quality, die flaws, etc, allow us to attribute all foliate crown shillings and sixpences to the James press, and all pearl crown issues to the Duchess press operating in Dublin.

It was important to have such a large body of material for study, in addition to which we sourced hundreds of photographs of coins in public and private collections. While I am reluctant to break up this study group, formed over 40 years, its dispersal will allow others to enjoy this unique coinage and hopefully inspire further study, as was the intention of the authors of the book. J.F.R.