The Homeland Collection- Irish Gunmoney Halfcrowns and Crowns

关于此套币: Irish Gunmoney is a very exciting, interesting, difficult and affordable series. I have had little interest in collecting foreign coins but one day stumbled across a Gunmoney Shilling. I found the history of this coinage so intriguing to the point where I started researching its' history and the Countries it relates to, that is Ireland, England, Scotland and to a lesser extent, France. Then I acquired a few pieces and was hooked.

Interestingly enough is also the fact that this coinage was minted in 1689 and 1690 but it touches our modern coinage that is minted today in the fact it is clad coinage and worth little in its' raw form. It was made from scrap metal, most notably broken guns and cannons, hence the name "Gunmoney". So this coinage from the past and our modern clad coinage today is worth little except for the fact it is backed by the full faith and power of the respective Governments. That did not work so well for the Irish because James II did not regain his English throne from his daughter, Mary and Son in law, William of Orange. Gunmoney therefore became worthless. Another interesting fact is that it is not only dated by the year but by the month also. This was to facilitate an orderly redemption of the Gunmoney for silver when (and if) James II regained the English Throne. A third interesting fact is that it is based on the Roman Calendar. So New Years' Eve was March 24 and New Years' day was March 25 th, otherwise known as Lady Day in England and Ireland. Therefore, a Halfcrown minted on March 24th would be dated 1689 and a Halfcrown minted the next day on March 25th would be dated 1690.

I find this coinage fascinating. Finding non corroded pieces can be a challenge but that is what makes it fun. This set contains Halfcrowns and Crowns. My goals are 1) Complete the set, 2) Have all coins straight graded as AU and MS and 3) Start digging into all the Gunmoney varieties as this series is a real lesson in varieties.