The Carrick-on-Suir treasure is a notable discovery of gold coins, shedding light on Ireland's history during the 17th century. Here are some key details about this fascinating find:
1. **Discovery:** The treasure was unearthed on January 14, 2013, by a group of individuals: David Kearsey, Shane Comerford, Tom Kennedy, Shane Murray, and Patrick McGrath. They made the discovery during excavation work on Main Street in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary.
2. **Contents:** The Carrick-on-Suir treasure consists of 81 gold coins that date back to the reigns of various British monarchs, including Charles II (1660-1685), James II (1685-1688), William and Mary (1688-1694), and William III (1694-1702). Among these coins, there are 77 Guinean coins and 4 half-Guinean coins. Guineas were British gold coins minted by the Royal Mint, and they came in different denominations, including half, one, two, and five guineas.
3. **Value:** The value of a guinea fluctuated based on the value of gold. When first introduced, it was equivalent to one pound (20 shillings). However, in 1717, its value was officially set at 21 shillings. The hoard represented a significant amount of wealth, equivalent to the wages of an agricultural laborer for over six years at the time it was buried.
4. **Historical Context:** The Carrick-on-Suir treasure likely represents the accumulated wealth of a single family over several generations. It was collected during the period following the Cromwellian War and continued through the aftermath of the Williamite War. The reason for hiding the hoard remains uncertain. It's possible that its Catholic owner, in response to changes in legislation, found it necessary to conceal his portable assets. However, other scenarios are also being explored.
5. **Comparisons:** A similar hoard of 17th-century gold coins had not been found in Ireland since the discovery of a hoard in Portarlington, County Laois, around 1947. The Portarlington hoard contained just over 100 gold coins, along with several silver coins.
The Carrick-on-Suir treasure is not only valuable for its historical significance but also for the insights it provides into the economic and social context of Ireland during the 17th century. Research into its historical basis continues to shed light on this intriguing find.
