Owner Comments:
There are still many unanswered questions about the origin, and even the intended denomination of the interesting St. Patrick coppers, that come in two distinct sizes and designs. The Patrick pictured above is the larger one, that has traditionally been regarded as a half penny. (Although, at various times, researchers have alternatively labeled them as pennies, three farthings, varying in denomination over time, and even as sharing an equivalent value with the smaller farthings.) These coins were manufactured in substantially less numbers than their farthing-sized counterparts. They are 1.6 times larger than the farthings. Some opine that these half pennies were produced first, but that a transition to making the farthings resulted from the increased profitability of minting a coin that required less copper.
The obverse of the coin shown above features King David kneeling on a cushion, while playing an Irish harp and looking up at a crown. (King David was known biblically as the slayer of Goliath, and served as the second king of Israel circa 1,000 BC.) Many specimens include a distinctive feature: a molten brass splasher (or a brass plug) added to the crown during the minting process. This golden appearance enhanced the realism of the crown, and may also have served as an anti-counterfeiting device. The legend on the obverse, "Floreat Rex", translates into "May The King Flourish".
The reverse shows St. Patrick, the ancient Episcopal patron saint of Ireland, wearing a miter, and holding a shamrock in his right hand, and a crozier in his left. He is surrounded by a group of followers, whom he appears to be blessing. The Latin legend "Ecce Grex" translates into "Behold The Flock". On the right side of the reverse is displayed the heraldic shield of the City of Dublin, showing three castles. Each castle consists of a pair of towers, from which flames are shooting - this being symbolic of the populous' enthusiasm in defending their beloved city.