James I Irish Sixpence
Ireland
1603–1625
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$7.21
Based on Silver spot price ($80.83/oz) · 92.5% purity · 3g
Updated 6:04 AM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Ireland |
| Years Minted | 1603–1625 |
| Composition | 92.5% silver |
| Weight | 3 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
Crowned bust of James I facing right, with Latin legend.
Reverse
Crowned harp, the royal arms of Ireland, and denomination.
History & Notable Facts
One of the more peculiar traits of the James I Irish sixpence is that it was struck in London using silver that often came from melted-down foreign coins, a pragmatic response to Ireland's chronic bullion shortages.
These sixpences, issued between 1603 and 1625, featured a simple design: the king's bust on the obverse and the Irish harp on the reverse. That harp, a longstanding emblem, appeared without much flourish, underscoring the coin's role in daily transactions rather than pomp.
Production details are murky. We know the coins were hammered by hand, leading to variations in weight and quality, but exact mintages vanished in archival losses over the centuries.
If you're handling one, note the edge often shows file marks from adjustments. It's a modest piece, really.
Plenty of fakes circulate, as with most early silver. Spot the real ones by their worn but authentic patina.
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