Ireland 1858 William Hodgins, Banker, Cloghjordan Penny Token gFine
Tax included.
Issued in 1858 by William Hodgins, a banker in Cloghjordan, Ireland.
The obverse displays his name and profession with “BANKER” at the centre and a small die crack on the "I" in "HODGINS." The reverse features a bouquet of rose, shamrock, and thistle—symbols of England, Ireland, and Scotland—tied with a ribbon inscribed “ERIN GO BRACH,” a patriotic Irish motto meaning “Ireland Forever.” “IRELAND” appears above the bouquet and the date “1858” below.
Tokens like this were often used during periods of coin shortage and served both as advertising and functional currency. Rich in symbolism and local pride, this piece offers a glimpse into mid-19th century Irish commerce and sentiment.