George III Irish Shilling

The George III Irish shilling, struck in London for Irish use between 1780 and 1783, bore the Irish harp on its reverse—a deliberate nod to Ireland's separate currency system, even as it shared the king's portrait with English coins.

This silver piece, weighing about 6 grams, featured George III's laureate bust on the obverse and the crowned harp on the reverse, with dates varying by issue. Edge lettering, often "DEUS . PROTECT . US", added a touch of formality to its design. We know these were produced from standard silver alloys, but exact compositions varied, as assays from the era aren't always reliable.

Mintage figures remain murky; records from the Royal Mint were spotty even then, and much was lost in later fires. If you're chasing myths about hidden treasures, forget it—these were everyday currency for Irish markets, not pirate booty.

One pedantic note: I've handled plenty that collectors swear are rare variants, but most are just worn regulars. That said, spotting a pristine 1781 can still surprise you, like finding a quiet pub in Dublin on a Saturday night.