1797 Irish Farthing Token

This 1797 Irish Farthing Token was struck by private manufacturers in Birmingham, filling a gaping hole in Ireland's copper coin supply during a period of official neglect.

That shortage meant these tokens, worth a mere quarter penny, circulated as everyday money from Dublin to Cork. They featured a simple harp on one side and the date on the other, all on copper planchets that varied in quality—some thicker than others, reflecting the haste of production. I've examined dozens over the years, and the wear patterns tell a story of hard use in markets and taverns.

Records of exact mintage are murky; most details burned up in the 1838 Irish Record Office fire. So, while enthusiasts guess at thousands issued, I won't pretend to know.

One oddity: the design's harp looks more like a tourist souvenir than a serious coin.