2016 Market Values

The coinage of George II is reasonably easy to find in the lower grades but a substantial premium is paid for higher grade coins – which are not easy to obtain. Last year, we saw steep price increases at auction for proofs and regular issues in Extremely Fine (EF) and Uncirculated grades.

Like all official Irish coinage since the time of William & Mary, the above Irish halfpennies were struck in London by the Royal Mint. George III, however, ordered Irish coins to be struck in other mints – hence, the halfpennies above are known as the London Coinage of George III.

1806 gold proof farthing 2 specimens held by The British Museum 1 specimen known to be in private hands



In a departure from recent tradition, George II re-formed his coinage and engaged the Soho Mint of Birmingham to strike the new ‘heavy’ copper coinage. The farthings (above) and the halfpennies and pennies (below) are, therefore, known as the Soho Coinage to collectors.

There are a number of rare pattern for George III but theses are extremely rare and seldom seen at auction, so I have not listed them here.

The Voce Populi tokens – a specialist para-numismatic study group, belonging to both Ireland and Colonial America have been listed separately.