During the 1970s, when the practice of defacing coins with paramilitary slogans was at its height, Irish coins were frequently found and used alongside sterling in Northern Ireland. As a result, items such as the Irish two shilling piece with ‘FOREIGN’ embossed across it or the Irish 50p coin with the alternative date-stamp of ‘1690’ would not have been uncommon. The practice continues, as exemplified by a pound coin with ‘RIRA’ (for real IRA) inscribed across the Queen’s head.

Label written by Ross Moore from Linen Hall Library.