These two coins are part of the Belfast Collection and reference the Na Fianna (NF) or the youth wing of the IRA. Also known as the Na Fianna Eireann (Warriors of Ireland) the group is as old as the IRA itself and stretches back to the First World War and the Irish Cuvil War of the early 1920's. The two coins are both 2-shillings dated 1951 and 1963. Apparently, the initials were struck with a center punch rather than a die. Collector's notes are as follows:
"NF" on two separate coins: 19/ 12/ 77 both given in change at CC shop in BMY. C asked if I would take them in my change
as that f****** eejit was out the back hammering away at all his change. I think he meant S who worked for him doing odd
jobs. I told him aye why not and sure if he wanted to give me more I'd be happy to accept them. Stood and had a smoke and a yarn with C and he told me he was worried about S as he was turning into a super provie and had already joined the Fianna."
Additional notes from Seller in way of explanation:
""NF" refers to Na Fianna the youth wing of the IRA. CC was most likely Charles Cosgrave who owned a small shop in BMY Ballymurphy. I have no idea who S was but my father has a later entry in his notes "Young S was blown up by his own bomb yesterday." He doesn't name S. Super provie is a mocking term that is used to describe someone who is overly eager in their beliefs. There are variations, superprod, supertaig, and so on."
Bruce
