Hi fellow collectors. New to forum and wanted to post some past information related to an irish theme on this day. I have been a collector and dealer for about 30 years and here is a story from one of my past purchases. I had a phone call from a contractor who was doing renovations on a hundred year old home in Newfoundland and when he removed old window frames, underneath the wood found old Newfoundland silver coins. Now he only found coins on the windows facing the harbour and was very surprised and full of questions. I knew the reason from reading historical information regarding irish placing coins to ward off "fairies" and evil spirits. They believed that spirits would try to enter the window openings and the silver money would keep them away.He went on to sell me the coins and its one of the more interesting purchases I made. I figured it would be an appropriate story on this day. I know there are a lot of collectors on this forum who are passionate about Newfoundland coins.
Interesting story. I do have a few Newfoundland silver coins, but I'm afraid placing them in the windows would only invite burglars ... ; just kidding. Welcome and share more tidbits of info anytime you think it appropriate.
Us real Irish just drink a bottle of Jamerson Irish Whiskey then you can't see the little people, fairies, or much of anything . .... except the pubs floor. That's where you find the coins, Happy St. Paddy's day Erin go Bragh! Welcome to CT....
I love Newfoundland coins as well as Canadian coins. Sometimes I do believe Irish Myths . It is a great story and welcome to our neighborhoods. I put two brand new U.S. pennies, one in front of bottom of front door with "head" up and one in back of bottom of front door with "tail" up. I have several good lucks - just "knock the wood". I put them for luck not relate to Irish Myth. I learned from The Old farmer's Almanac several years ago. Bob K.
That Newfoundland 1888 might have been a jewellery item but nice coins all the same. Those 2 gold coins were commonly given as wedding gifts to young couples starting out in life. A nice sum back in 1800's.I buy all that come my way here in Newfoundland.
It is true that I learned from my grandmother, when I was young as she showed me a 1885 Newfoundland $2.00 gold piece and told a same story what capitalcoinman said about Newfoundland Two Dollars gold pieces - "Those $2 gold coins were commonly given as wedding gifts to young couple starting out in life." The story of Newfoundland traditions back to 1800's or earlier. That why I remembered the story for years. I don't have any Newfoundland gold coins yet, but I will buy it or few some days. I agreed with capitalcoinman saying about the 1888 Newfoundland $2.00 gold piece. Bob K.
Thanks, this is only one of two gold pieces that I own. The other gold coin I have in my collection is a small Liberia coin. Yes the Liberia coin has a certificate of authenticity. It is quoted as being .999 gold and weighting a little over one gram. The subject of the coin is the American Civil War. I use to have a U.S. $2.50 and $5 gold piece, but I had to sale both for financial reasons.
You're welcome, capitalcoinman! Happy Belated St. Paddy's Day! Enjoy your treasures and good luck on sales if you plan to sell. Best regards! Bob K.
Yes sgt23, I can relate to having to sell a few gold coins in the past for financial reasons when I was building a house.I had to sell U S ten dollar and five dollar coins I had for years.Its not easy as a collector.
I'm hoping too replace at least one of the gold coins next month when I go to a coin show in April in Dalton, GA.
