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Ireland - 1795

God Grant Peace

Obverse:

The Irish harp poised above a rocky coast with a three-masted ship in the distance to the left.

Legend:

GOD GRANT PEACE

Edge:

Plain (not in collar).

Reverse:

Armorial bearings of the city of Dublin. (Three towers argent, inflamed proper, between crossed palm and oak branches.)

Legend:

DUBLIN HALFPENNY

Vern's Comments:

Diesinker and manufacturer, unknown. Common.

Comments. The design of the obverse suggests that Ireland was ready to be plucked by assault from the sea, and the unknown issuer may have been in sympathy with the United Irishmen Society who organised resistance against English domination of the country. One of their leaders, Theodore Wolfe Tone, visited America and France seeking help, and in 1798 the United Irishmen staged a revolt in Dublin, but it was quickly suppressed. Revolts also broke out among the peasantry in the south and in May fifteen thousand men captured Wexford, and later created a large camp on Vinegar Hill. (See Wexford No.2.)

Commercial Coins 1787-1804., pp. 227-228

Ireland — Dublin

D & H 14a — Dublin

Bell Pg: 227-228

O: A harp upon a rock, and a ship at sea. GOD GRANT PEACE.

A. 11a

R: Three castles between oak and palm branches. DUBLIN HALFPENNY.

E: Plain (not in collar).