Wood's Halfpenny

William Wood's Halfpence, struck for Ireland between 1722 and 1724, were boycotted nationwide after Jonathan Swift's pamphlets accused the scheme of profiteering.

That patent, granted by George I, let Wood produce copper coins in England for Irish use, stirring up a political storm. Irish traders refused them outright, suspecting debasement or corruption. The coins themselves were unremarkable—standard copper planchets, likely sourced from English smelters—but the backlash made them symbols of resistance.

Records of exact mintage are murky; most figures burned in the 1838 Dublin fire, so we're left with estimates from contemporary accounts. Wood profited handsomely at first, only to see his venture collapse under public pressure.

As for myths, I've heard tales of hidden troves or cursed coins. They make for good stories, but after thirty years, I'll stick to the facts.