Gun Money

From Marteau

gunmoney-12-shilling-1690.jpg

12 shilling, gunmoney, James II, Ireland, May 1690.

History

Coins issued in Ireland by James II from 1689-90, allegedly made of old brass cannons, and used to finance the "Pretender" who now continued his fight against the Glorious Revoultion from Ireland. A second generation of gun-money coins was issued in smaller shillings and half-crowns after April 1690 due to the metal shortage now affecting the minting. Both lines of production overlapped, the sixpence never appeared in the reduced size.

Gun money was still produced in Limerick after James had escaped to France following the Battle of the Boyne in July 1690, and after the Dublin mint had been taken by William's troops.

See also Money (Great Britain)




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