William III Irish Halfpenny

The most intriguing fact about the William III Irish Halfpenny is that it was minted in London, not Ireland, underscoring England's tight grip on Irish finances during the 1690s.

These copper pieces were struck to address a chronic coin shortage in Ireland, entering circulation between 1692 and 1696. The obverse bore a profile of William III, while the reverse showed Ireland's harp, a design choice that was as straightforward as it was symbolic. We don't know the exact mintage, as records from that era are spotty at best.

Production involved recycling metal from various sources, though specifics remain murky. Some ended up in unexpected places, like colonial trade routes. As for the myths—well, let's just say not every old coin was a talisman against misfortune.

Planchets were often irregular, leading to variations that keep cataloguers busy. It's a humble piece, really.