Exceptional for Issue
IRELAND. John. As Lord of Ireland, 1172-1199. AR Halfpenny (15mm, 0.71 g, 9h). Second ('DOMinus') coinage, group 1b. Dublin mint; Roberd, moneyer. Struck circa 1185/90-1208/9. Crowned facing head / Voided cross potent, with annulet in each quarter. SCBC 6204. Attractively toned. Good VF. Exceptional for issue.
The young Prince John of England was granted the lordship of Ireland in 1177 by his father, Henry II of England. He visited the country in 1185, and it is thought that this coincided with the first striking of small silver coins bearing his name. These were likely produced in Dublin and have traditionally been identified as halfpennies, though they are now believed to be pennies struck to an Irish standard. His second coinage features a distinctive round, moon-like face and was issued from several mints across the country.
