© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Six Pence - Cork Refuge
1647 year| Silver | 2.3 g |
| Issuer | Ireland |
|---|---|
| King | Charles I (1625-1649) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1647 |
| Value | 6 Pence (1⁄40) |
| Currency | Second Irish Pound (1460-1826) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.3 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#332276 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Value in Roman numerals within thickly denticled border
Script: Latin
Lettering: VI
Translation: 6 (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
One interesting fact about the Six Pence - Cork Refuge 1647 coin is that it was minted during a time of great turmoil in Ireland. The coin was issued in 1647, during the Irish Confederate Wars, which were a series of conflicts that took place between the Irish Confederate Catholics and the English Parliamentarians. Despite the political and social unrest of the time, the coin still maintains a high level of craftsmanship and beauty, with its intricate designs and silver composition. This coin serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Irish people during a period of great upheaval.
