© Stacks Bowers
© Stacks Bowers
1 Shilling - Cork Refuge
1647 year| Silver | 4.41 g | - |
| Issuer | Ireland |
|---|---|
| King | Charles II (1645-1685) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1647 |
| Value | 1 Shilling (1⁄20) |
| Currency | Second Irish Pound (1460-1826) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.41 g |
| Shape | Octagonal (8-sided) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#332274 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Value in Roman numerals within thickly denticled border
Script: Latin
Lettering: XII
Translation: 12 (pence)
Comment
According to Nelson this coinage was struck during the stay of Murrough O’Brien, 6th Baron & Lord Inchiquin (1618-1674), in May 1647. This infamous O’Brien leader was also known as Murrough of the Burnings – testimony to his ‘scorched earth’ policies in Munster and beyond. The City of Cork, in the 1640s was a strongly fortified town surrounded by waterways and could be supplied by sea. It was a safe haven for refugees from its surrounding rural hinterland.Like the Lord Justices’ Money in Dublin (1642) and the Ormonde Money of 1643/44, the emergency issues of Cork were struck from pieces of silver plate. Unlike Dublin, they also produced smaller denominations from base metals.
Interesting fact
The Cork Refuge 1647 coin was minted during a time of great turmoil in Ireland, when the country was experiencing political and religious upheaval. The coin was issued by the Confederate Catholics of Ireland, who were fighting against the English Parliamentarians. Despite the turmoil, the coin still maintains a high level of craftsmanship and beauty, with intricate designs and details that showcase the skill of the mint masters of the time.
