George III Irish Sixpence

The George III Irish sixpence, minted from 1780 to 1783, was struck using silver planchets often sourced from melted-down foreign coins, a frugal necessity amid Britain's imperial coinage demands.

That practical recycling reflected Ireland's subordinate role under British rule, with these coins produced in London for Irish circulation. The obverse bore a laureate bust of George III, while the reverse featured Ireland's harp, a symbol that hinted at national identity without much fanfare. Variations exist, particularly in edge lettering or die states, which can intrigue those who examine them closely.

Mintage figures are murky; records from that period were likely destroyed in later archival losses, so precise numbers remain speculative. As for counterfeits, they were common enough to keep a handler like me on my toes.

Some collectors dismiss these as mere British afterthoughts. They aren't wrong.