Anne Irish Sixpence

The Anne Irish Sixpence was typically struck on planchets made from recycled Spanish silver, a pragmatic reuse of bullion captured during the War of the Spanish Succession.

That silver often came from melted reales, reflecting the era's global trade and conflicts, though we've no exact figures on how much was repurposed. The coin itself bears Queen Anne's draped bust on the obverse and the Irish harp on the reverse, with the date squeezed into the exergue. Mintage details for specific years remain murky; records from that period were spotty at best.

As for myths, I've heard plenty about these coins bringing good luck, but that's just tavern talk. In reality, they circulated as everyday currency until the 1720s, when inflation chewed up their value. Some years, like 1705, show cruder strikes, hinting at rushed production.

Collectors chase the scarcer dates, but don't expect bargains; even worn examples hold steady prices. The odd one turns up in old hoards, a quiet reminder of Ireland's monetary ties to Britain.