The Youghal Farthing Irish Coin of 1646

An important part of Irish history and a vital addition to any collection of Irish coins.

15/03/2023     Coins, Medals & Banknotes

The 1640s were a grim period in the history of Ireland. In 1642 the English civil war between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians had broken out. In Ireland the Confederation of Irish Landowners had formed an alliance with the “Old English” landlords in Ireland – the Royalists - who wanted King Charles I to be reinstated.

Battles were fought throughout the island as the Parliamentarian armies fought for control of Ireland. As towns and cities were besieged there was a requirement for currency to pay for supplies as well as wages for the troops. This led to the minting of so called “siege money” in Kilkenny Cork, Bandon and Youghal

In Youghal, the siege money was in the form of copper farthings (a quarter of a penny). These coins were struck on diamond shaped squares of copper. They had the letters YT (Youghal Town) and the date 1646 on one side and the outline of a sailing ship (or yawl) on the other. They were crudely made and very few survived. However in 1991 a well struck example was bought at an O’Reilly’s auction and has now come back for sale in the forthcoming auction on 22nd March 2023.

The Youghal quarter farthing is an important part of Irish history and a vital addition to any collection of Irish coins. It could take another quarter century before we see another one - and the guide price for Lot 383 is €500 to €1,000. 

                              

                             

                                                  

                                                        

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