Isle of Man - St Patrick coins

[Deeman]

St. Patrick halfpennies and farthings were struck in Dublin circa 1663 to 1672 for use in Ireland. A large number of them were sent to the Isle of Man where they were used as de facto currency during the minority of the Earl of Derby, hereditary lord of the island. When the earl became of age, the coins were demonetised by an act of Tynwald in 1679.





St. Patrick farthing.



St. Patrick halfpenny.

The obverse, which is common to both, shows a crowned, kneeling King David playing the harp as he looks up at the English crown with the legend 'Floreat Rex' (May the king flourish) above.

The reverse of the farthing shows Saint Patrick wearing a mitre and holding a metropolitan cross as he banishes various reptiles and serpents from the country. Behind him is a church. The legend reads 'Quiescat plebs' (Let the people be at ease).

The reverse of the halfpenny shows St. Patrick with mitre and crozier blessing a congregation with a shamrock. Behind Patrick is the heraldic shield of the city of Dublin consisting of three castles (each pair of towers represents a castle). Above is the legend 'Ecce grex' (Behold the flock).

[Figleaf]

Great story, Deeman! Neat pictures also. I had my doubts if these pieces were political tokens, trade tokens or coins. Now, at least for the Isle of Man, I can be sure they were coins: it circulated and was issued and withdrawn by the powers that be.

Peter