IRISH GUN MONEY - USA

SwK

Hi

Can anybody tell me if any IRISH GUN MONEY has been found by metal detecting, if so were in the US. I have heard a few years ago the founding bretheren of the US brought over gun money but todate it is not listed in the Red Book - any ideas?

BR

Hussulo

Hi Jeff.

Not sure if any have been found in the US, I don't think it is regarded as a Colonial US coin.
I've not checked yet but I'm pretty certain its not in my Whitman Encyclopaedia of Colonial and Early American Coins. by Q. David Bowers.

regards,
Hus

SwK

Hi Hus

I had a few cases that pieces were found by metal detecting a few years ago but kept no records, I also heard from a group that I cannot remember that also proposed that there are discussions taking place when I visited Baltimore a few years ago. I just thought maybe this colonial group might come out of hiding and say something

br
j

SaorAlba

They would have been discounted seriously, much like Woods Hibernia coinages and Rosa Americana coinages later on. I am sure they found their way to America, but more likely as souvenirs etc from immigrants.

Odd stuff does turn up in archaeological digs though, a Scottish coin was found in colonial Jamestown occasionally Dutch coins are found.

coachleonard

I did see an ebay offering recently of coins that were dug here in the U.S-- I did notice that one was a gunmoney piece. But I agree that they probably did not come over in quantity, but rather an occassional piece filtered over here every now and then with Irish immigrants.

SwK

Thanks

br