ObverseImage: Wikimedia Commons · Internet Archive Book Images · No restrictions
Wood's Hibernia Penny
Ireland
1722–1724
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Market Price Range
Based on 20 eBay listings · Prices vary by grade and condition
Estimated Melt Value
$0.16
Based on Copper spot price ($6.09/oz) · 95.0% purity · 12.5g
Updated 8:13 AM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Ireland |
| Years Minted | 1722–1724 |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 12.5 g |
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
Laureate bust of George I right.
Reverse
Hibernia seated left, holding a harp.
History & Notable Facts
William Wood's Hibernia pennies sparked a notorious boycott in Ireland, thanks to their royal patent that bypassed local authorities.
Struck on planchets likely recycled from foreign copper, these coins were produced in Birmingham from 1722 to 1724. Wood aimed to supply Ireland's currency needs, but the execution was sloppy—weights varied, and quality suffered. Exact mintage figures? Lost to time, probably in some bureaucrat's oversight.
Opposition came fast. Jonathan Swift's pamphlets painted Wood as a greedy opportunist, and the Irish public refused the coins outright. It was a rare instance where a coin's circulation depended more on politics than metal.
Wood probably wished he'd stuck to safer ventures, like melting pots.
Buy on eBay
More Ireland Coins
View all →AI Analysis & Price Prediction
The Wood's Hibernia Penny has shown consistent appreciation over the past decade. Based on historical auction data, population reports, and current market sentiment, our AI model projects...
Get AI-powered analysis for this coin
Unlock with Pro — $9.99/mo