Irish Coinage
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Detail Image

© 2002 - Copyright
John _ Stafford-Langan
Version 1.10
1 September, 2002

This coin is an example of a specimen striking of the six shilling bank token of 1804
The legends are clear with no blundering and read:
(obverse) GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA REX (reverse)BANK OF IRELAND TOKEN six shillings 1804
Which translates/expands as
(obverse) George III King by the grace of God

This coin is one of 1,000 specimen strikings on polished flans struck by Mathew Boulton in 1804. The currency issue of these coins were struck on Spanish American dollars and details of the undertype are occasionally visible. The heavy rim teeth also distinguish the specimens, the currency strikings usually do not have the rim teeth well struck up.

The coin is in choice Uncirculated (UNC) condition and is a specimen striking. The specimen pieces are scarce in choice condition. Normal currency strikings are common but are also scarce in extremely fine or better condition. Pieces with a visible undertype but which does not detract from the coin's appearance are more desirable than pieces with no undertype visible.

There were many contemporary counterfeits of these coins - these counterfeits regularly appear in sales. Many are clearly wrong as the underlying brass is showing through but some can still be deceptive.

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