As I wrap up the March World Coins feature about emergency coinage, I was struck at the timeliness for the recent discussion in TheE-Sylum about coins that can be traced to the timeframe in which they were produced.

One obvious candidate is a certain subset of coins known as Irish gun money. The halfcrowns, shillings and sixpences bear the abbreviations of themonth when they were produced. Irish gun money was an emergency issue under James II as he fought to regain the throne. The coins were to be laterredeemed, in order of issuance, after he seized back the throne (which he failed to do).

It is a fascinating area, one discussed at length in multiple references. Here are some images of various dated issues.

To view the complete Heritage lot description, see:
Ireland:James II, a premium set of copper Gun Money(http://coins.ha.com/itm/ireland/world-coins/ireland-james-ii-a-premium-set-of-copper-gun-money-as-follows-total-6-coins-/a/3015-25165.s)

The Emergency Money story will cover a broader range of issues, but Irish gun money is probably the most fascinating aspect in the article, whichwill be published on Feb. 21.

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
IRISH GUN MONEY (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v17n45a35.html)
NUMISMATIC ITEMS DATED BY MONTH (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v17n46a29.html)