Well, well, March is here, and spring is right around the corner. Hoops and hockey are winding down. March b-ball Madness is near, and the boys of summer soon will be knocking the ball out of Chase Field. For the faithful, Easter comes early this year, for historians it’s the doom of the Ides of March (15th) and the celebration of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick (17th).
For many St Patty's Day is a day of revelry with green beer (Blah!) and a hearty tall corn beef sandwich (Yummy!).
For me, as a long-time collector of World Banknotes, I dig into my 7000+ piece collection and marvel at the colorful, ornate beauty of mid-20th century banknotes of Ireland. Specifically, Series A spanning the years 1928 to 1977.
Each denominated note depicts the image of the legendary Lady Livery in striking color and increasing size. Series A begins with a 10-shilling note and increases to 50 and 100 “punt” (pound) notes. My collection includes the shilling, 1. 5.10, and 20 “punt” notes.
These notes and coins of Ireland will be on display at our March 11th AZTCC Meeting. So come, join us on the 11th enjoy Mr. Ellsworth's presentation, and view what I believe are some of the world’s most beautiful banknotes! Oh yes, green beer and corn beef not included.
Here are a few fun facts about Ireland: Halloween originated in Ireland over 2000 years ago by the Celts. The musical instrument the “Harp” is Ireland’s nation symbol and is depicted on all 20th Century coinage, and an Irishman, Bram Stroke, wrote the frightful tale of “Dracula.”
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