Mary I Irish Shilling

The Mary I Irish shilling was one of the first coins to feature the queen's portrait alongside the Irish harp, a symbol that asserted English control over Ireland during her turbulent reign. This design choice reflected the political maneuvering of the 1550s, blending royal imagery with local iconography. Struck at the Tower Mint in London, these shillings used silver that was likely recycled from earlier coins, resulting in variable quality. We don't know the exact mintage figures; records from that era are scarce, possibly lost in later upheavals. The coin's obverse shows Mary's bust, while the reverse bears a shield with the royal arms. As for humor, it's no joke that these pieces often turn up in hoards, outlasting the controversies they witnessed.