Henry VI Irish Groat

The Henry VI Irish groat is one of the earliest English coins to feature the Irish harp on its reverse, a design choice that underscored Ireland's distinct identity amid medieval rule.

This silver piece, minted in Dublin during a turbulent reign, was struck on uneven planchets that often resulted in off-center strikes or irregular edges. Weighing around 3.8 grams, it carried a face value equivalent to four pence, though its actual silver content varied due to wartime shortages.

Records from the period are patchy; we can't pinpoint exact production numbers, as many archives burned in later conflicts. What survives shows these groats circulated widely in Ireland, sometimes turning up in hoards buried during rebellions.

The harp's strings, when visible, tell their own story of use and survival. As for myths about hidden treasures, let's just say I've seen enough to know most coins end up in albums, not legends.