Just found this one in a box of foreign at the local coin shop. Ireland Florin 1966 Counterstamped "UVF" Ulster Volunteer Force Does anyone have anymore info on these?
This is one of many issues of Northern Ireland Political stamps that I call "Troubles Counterstamps". Most were issued in the 1960's and 1970's by the competing sides in the sectarian violence of Northern Ireland. This one is a Protestant (or loyalist) stamp issued by one of the many loyalist paramilitary groups who remained loyal to England and fought against home rule. The Ulster Volunteer Force was formed just before WWI to counter the violence of the IRA (Irish Republican Army) which was the major Catholic (or nationalist) group that represented those who wanted to sever all ties with England and form a free Irish state. These UVF stamps are the most commonly found of all Irish political counterstamps. The Florin seemed to be the "coin of choice" for stamping their slogan on. Nearly all loyalists stamps appear on Eire coins, while most nationalist stamps are struck on English coins. I have a thread on CT in regard to these issues if you're interested in additional information. Just search "Irish Political Stamps". I post new information on the thread every so often. Bruce
Neat! Thanks for the info. Can you send me a link to your thread. Yes...I'm that lazy to go about lookin' fer it.
I would, but I can't figure out how to do that. If you go to the top of the page to the "Advanced Search" box and type in "Irish Political Tokens" the link will come up. Just click on it and you're in. Bruce
Brilliant information as usual Bruce. You never cease to amaze with the history you bring to these forums from the simplest of counter stamped coinage. Here's a link to your other thread, which I had missed originally but have subscribed for future possible updates: Irish political tokens
Thanks Chris. I do have more to post on the thread and will probably do so in the next couple of days. Bruce
