The numismatic chronicle and journal of the Royal Numismatic Society

IRISH COINAGES OF HENRY VIII AND EDWARD VI. 205
the other hand, Sir John Evans, when discussing this
question (op. cit., p. 155),
probability that Henry's
called attention to the im-
officials would introduce an
entirely new type showing a portrait, and then revert
to the old type with the crowned harp, which was
undoubtedly used for the King's latest Irish coinage. To
this I would add that the groat with Henry's portrait
bears the legend Civitas Dublinie, which must surely
mean that the coin was struck within that city, whereas
I hope to prove conclusively that a mint was not
working anywhere in Ireland during Henry's occupancy
of the throne. There is other evidence that the
" "
portrait coins belong to Edward VI, but I will defer
considering it until later in the paper. Suffice it to
say now that I propose to transfer the whole of this class
(i. e. Dr. Smith's seventh coinage) to various years in
Edward's reign.
THE FOUETH COINAGE, 1545.
The Letters and Papers again assist me at this point
by disclosing that a further debasement of the silver was
in contemplation for Ireland in the year 1545. There
are three letters written by Sir Thomas "Wriothesley
(who had formerly held the office of graver at the
Tower) to Sir William Paget, the first of which is
dated 27 August, 1545. Paget is requested to in-
form the King that, after speaking with Mr. Cofferer,
Mr. Bowes, and Mr. Knight concerning the money for
Ireland, " we have resolved if his Majy be so pleased
that the standard shall be vi and vi, which before was
viij fyne and iiij only of alloy, for the which I shall
send the commission to be signed, which must be done